Point of Rocks (Kern County, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Point of Rocks |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 940 m (3,080 ft) |
Geography | |
Country | United States |
State | California |
District | Kern County |
Range coordinates | 35°41′24″N 120°00′15″W / 35.69000°N 120.00417°W |
Topo map | USGS Sawtooth Ridge, Emigrant Hill |
Point of Rocks is a cool mountain range located in Kern County, California. It's not just any mountain range; it's a special place with a history of helping travelers and even holds a record for oil drilling!
A Landmark for Travelers
For a long time, the tall, sandy peaks of Point of Rocks were like a giant signpost. They helped people crossing the Antelope Valley find their way. Imagine being a traveler in the past, looking for your path. These mountains helped guide them.
Travelers also knew they could find precious water high up in the mountains. This water source was at a place called Las Tinajas de Los Indios. This made Point of Rocks a vital stop on an old trail known as El Camino Viejo.
Deep Beneath the Surface: The Oilfield
Did you know that close to Point of Rocks, there's an important oilfield? It's located to the southeast of the mountains. This area is known as the Point of Rocks oilfield.
In 1987, something amazing happened here. The deepest oil well ever drilled in California was made in this oilfield. It went down an incredible 24,426 feet! That's almost 4.6 miles deep, which is a huge distance to drill into the Earth.