SFTGT: Point of Rocks, NM Traditional Geocache
SantaFeTrail.org: Due to a change in property owners, and inability to connect to discuss the GeoTour/geocache placement -- we are going to archive this geocache and continue to try to contact the new owner for permission to revive.
SFTGT: Point of Rocks, NM
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache is part of the larger Santa Fe Trail GeoTour: http://www.geocaching.com/adventures/geotours/santa-fe-trail
The Point of Rocks was a landmark mentioned in many Cimarron Cutoff Santa Fe Trail diaries. This is a Santa Fe National Historic Trail Certified Site.
This cache is part of the larger Santa Fe Trail GeoTour. Be sure to visit www.santafetrail.org/geocaching to learn about the PASSPORT ACTIVITY to accompany this Geo Tour. Turn north from Hwy 56 at the roadside park and go 7.05 miles on Dorsey Road, C-52, between mm 23-24 on Hwy 56, 13S 572964 4018151; N 36º 24.436, W 104º 11.238.
On the way, stop and enjoy the wonderful Santa Fe Trail Swales at 13S E 572847 N 4028899; N 36º 24.204 W 104º 11.255.
Turn east two miles at 13S 572841 4029429; N36º 24.426 W 104º 11.257, and then north to the ranch.
The promontory known as Point of Rocks is a narrow rocky-sloped mesa with a spring at its south base. Located on the Gaines Ranch, it affords visitors unspoiled, serene vistas of the Great Plains, SFT ruts, the grave of Isaac Allen who died in 1848, and 11 unmarked graves.
A Certified Site of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Point of Rocks, with its vantage points and year-round spring, was a popular campsite for various Indian buffalo-hunting parties and SFT caravans traveling the Mountain Route. Numerous teepee rings, 11 unmarked graves and sweeping views of SFT ruts can be seen there. There was considerable violence at this site, including the killing of the White Family in 1849.
You are welcomed to get out and walk around, but please let the rancher know you are on the ranch. Do not pick up artifacts or disturb the ranch animals. Watch out for antelope crossing the road and rancher does have a dog.
All containers on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail Geo Tour are military ammunition canisters. An identifying Santa Fe Trail Association yellow sticker can be found on the top of the box, under the handle. Each cache contains a variety of items that provide information about the Santa Fe Trail. Tack pins, pins, pens, small flashlight, outdoor items, & writing items are a few examples of swag items.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[www.nps.gov/safe, Santa Fe National Historic Trail; www.NEnewmexico.com;
www.santafetrailnm.org, National Scenic Byway; santafetrail.org, Santa Fe Trail Association]