• Historic inscriptions carved in the bluff at El Morro.

    El Morro

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Fire Restrictions now in effect!

    Stage 2 fire restrictions are now in effect. No smoking except within a vehicle, and no campfires or charcoal fires anywhere in the monument. Do your part: don't let a wildfire start! More »

Natural Features & Ecosystems

The pool on a still morning
 
The geology, soils, and unique micro-habitats of El Morro enrich this scenic and historic site. The geological formations that create "The Wall" are far more ancient than the inscriptions and wildlife found on them now.

Cattails growing at the pool's edge

The Pool

An attraction for wildlife as well as thirsty explorers and pueblo inhabitants, the pool continues to be an important oasis. More->
Zuni Sandstone with a piece of Dakota Sandstone

Geologic Formations

The exposed bedrock that forms El Morro has a long geologic history. More ->

Cryptobiotic soils

Cryptobiotic Soils

The soils are alive and fragile in this arid landscape. More->
A tinaja full of summer rains

Tinajas

Bedrock pools that fill with summer rains are a thriving microcosm of life. More->

Did You Know?

Image of bark on alligator juniper tree

Alligator juniper got its name from its bark which resembles the scaly plates, or chutes, on an alligator's back.