Salinas Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salinas Peak |
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Salinas Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,967 ft (2,733 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 3,605 ft (1,099 m) |
| Geography | |
 Salinas Peak
Location in New Mexico
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| Location | Sierra County, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Parent range | San Andres Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Salinas Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | road (no public access) |
Salinas Peak is the tallest point in the San Andres Mountains of south-central New Mexico, in the United States. It stands high near the northern part of the mountain range. This peak is about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Alamogordo and 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Socorro. To its east is the Tularosa Basin, and to its west is the Jornada del Muerto.
Exploring Salinas Peak
Salinas Peak is a very rugged mountain. It rises sharply about 4,900 feet (1,500 m) from the flat lands around it. This makes it one of New Mexico's biggest peaks when you look at how much it stands out from its surroundings.
How the Mountain Formed
Salinas Peak is a type of mountain called a fault-block mountain. This means it was formed when a large block of the Earth's crust tilted. The peak has a very steep side facing southeast, which is called an escarpment. It also sticks out a few miles to the east from the main line of the mountains. This creates deep canyons on its north and south sides. Only a small part of the northwest side has a gentle slope.
A Restricted Area
This peak is located inside the White Sands Missile Range. Because of this, the public cannot visit it. However, there is a road on the northwest side that goes to the very top. At the summit, you can find radio towers and a place for helicopters to land.
About 20 miles (32 km) north of Salinas Peak is the Trinity Site. This is a famous historical place where the very first atomic bomb was tested in 1945.
Wildlife of the Area
Even though it's a restricted area, the land around Salinas Peak is still very wild. You can find different animals living there. Some of the wildlife includes Bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lion. These animals help keep the area's natural wilderness feel, away from the few buildings of the Missile Range.
