National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Support the National Park Service
El Morro National MonumentImage of an old Spanish inscription
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
El Morro National Monument
Things To Do

things to do includes:

Outdoor Activities
Indoor Activities
 
 
Orton inscription from 1866
NPS photo

If you have an hour or less . . .

Walk the Inscription Trail and see why El Morro was proclaimed a national monument.This trail takes you to the pool and past hundreds of Spanish and Anglo inscriptions, as well as pre–historical petroglyphs. If you still have time when you return to the visitor center, watch the 15 minute video in the museum.

 
Interesting formations await you on top of the bluff.
NPS photo
If you have 1.5 hours . . .

Walk the entire 2–mile Headland Trail. This includes the Inscription Trail but also continues to the top of the bluff for a look into the Ancestral Puebloan ruin, Atsinna. Portions or all of the Headland Trail may be closed during the winter months.
 
A hiker on the Headland Trail marvels at the views.
NPS Photo by S. Beckwith
If you have 2 hours or more . . .

Watch the 15-minute film for a great introduction to El Morro National Monument, walk the 2-mile Headland Trail, and finally, explore the exhibits and browse the bookstore back at the visitor center.
Image of campers at the El Morro campground
Camping and Picnicking
Why not stay awhile? El Morro has a picturesque campground and picnic area.
more...
Image of kids and a park ranger
For Kids
There are lots of things for kids to do at El Morro!
more...
A hiker meanders across the top of El Morro
Take a hike!
From 17th century Spanish inscriptions to Ancestral Puebloan ruins, there's something for everyone.
more...
Image of tinaja on mesa top at El Morro National Monument  

Did You Know?
It is likely the early inhabitants of Atsinna Pueblo at El Morro National Monument collected water when they could from the many tinajas found across the top of the mesa. These natural depressions in the sandstone hold rain during the summer monsoons and snowmelt during the winter.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: July 02, 2008 at 13:56 EST