• Historic inscriptions carved in the bluff at El Morro.

    El Morro

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Stage 2 Fire Restrictions have been lifted

    Visitors may again use wood and charcoal grilles at the campground and smoke outside of their vehicles, but as always, no fireworks may be discharged. Do your part: don't let a wildfire start! More »

Things To Do

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.
  • For Kids For Kids

    There are lots of things for kids to do at El Morro! Read More

  • Take a hike! Take a hike!

    From 17th century Spanish inscriptions to Ancestral Puebloan ruins, there's something for everyone. Read More

  • Camping and Picnicking Camping and Picnicking

    Why not stay awhile? El Morro has a picturesque campground and picnic area. Read More

Did You Know?

Image of tinaja on mesa top at El Morro National Monument

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.