Point of Rocks: A Time-Honored Traveler’s Haven in Jeff Davis County

In the heart of Jeff Davis County, Texas, the iconic hill known as Point of Rocks, also referred to as Bald Rock, has stood as a beacon for countless travelers throughout history. Situated just 10 miles west of Fort Davis on what is now Point of Rocks Roadside Park, this locale offers more than just scenic views – it presents a journey through time.

At the base, the spring of Point of Rocks sits at an elevation of 5,469 feet, with the hill itself reaching up to 5,920 feet along its crest. Historically, this was the site of the Bald Rock Spring, a critical watering point along the San Antonio-El Paso Road. Established in 1849, this was the first military road to weave through West Texas, connecting San Antonio to El Paso.

Point of Rocks has, for centuries, provided solace and essential resources to travelers. In the era of stagecoaches, this hill played a vital role for companies like the San Antonio-El Paso Mail and the San Antonio-San Diego Mail Line. Notably, the Butterfield Overland Mail Company coaches would halt here, a convenient mid-way point between Fort Davis and Barrel Springs. Edward Fitzgerald Beale, in his 1857 account, described his own experience, highlighting the relief of finding “excellent water” at Bald Rock Spring, though lacking wood or grass, making it a resting point for the night.

Fast-forward to the present day, and Point of Rocks has evolved into a peaceful picnic area and roadside park. It beckons to modern travelers journeying along the Davis Mountains loop trail. Positioned conveniently off TX 166, west of Fort Davis, this rocky hill dominated by large granite boulders provides visitors with panoramic 360-degree vistas of the Davis Mountains. The amenities cater to visitors, with ample parking and several shaded picnic tables and fire pits. And for those with an adventurous spirit, the hill invites exploration. Though there isn’t a marked trail, ascending and descending is straightforward, allowing visitors to decide their own level of adventure.

For anyone traveling near Fort Davis, Point of Rocks isn’t just a stop – it’s an experience. It’s a fusion of nature, history, and a testament to the enduring spirit of travelers throughout the ages.