Silver Lakes in Helendale in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Point of Rocks
And Location of the Earliest Mojave River Settlement
1. Point of Rocks Marker
Along the Mojave River traveled some of the earliest pioneers: Father Garza (1776), Jedediah Smith (1826), Kit Carson (1840s), and J.C. Fremont (1844). Mormon wagon trains, mule trains, and Army camels also passed through.
Located to the north on the Mojave Trail is the Point of Rocks, a way station for early travelers. The Bemis cabin, built in the 1870s, housed early settlers.
This area became the Silver River Ranch, and later the community of Silver Lakes.
Erected 1992 by Helendale School District, the Mohahve Historical Society, the Silver Lakes Association, and the Community of Helendale.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.
Location. 34° 44.665′ N, 117° 20.07′ W. Marker is in Helendale, California, in San Bernardino County. It is in Silver Lakes. It is at the intersection of Vista Road and Helendale Road, on the left when traveling west on Vista Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Helendale CA 92342, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the Peninsular Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: 100 Year Time Capsule (approx. Ό mile away); Americas Main Street (approx. one mile away); a different marker
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Oro Grande Cemetery (was approx. 9.9 miles away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
courtesy Mohahve Historical Society, March 15, 2025
2. Point of Rocks Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, September 22, 2025
3. Point of Rocks Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, September 22, 2025
4. Welcome to Silver Lakes
Sign located across the street from the marker.
Photographed by Craig Baker, September 22, 2025
5. Point of Rocks
6. Point of Rocks
Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 237 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 4, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on March 16, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
