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El Morro National Monument Schoolkids enjoy the trail at El Morro
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El Morro National Monument
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.
Image of campers at the El Morro campground
Camping and Picnicking
Why not stay awhile? El Morro has a picturesque campground and picnic area.
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Image of kids and a park ranger
For Kids
There are lots of things for kids to do at El Morro!
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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.
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Image of Governor Onate's inscription carved in 1605

Did You Know?
The first inscription carved at El Morro was that of Governor Don Juan de Onate in 1605, 15 years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.
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Last Updated: August 26, 2009 at 13:59 MST