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Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority
In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of El Morro National Monument. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7. Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document as italicized print. Approved by: Kelly Fuhrmann, Superintendent, 11/09/2023 (a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the monument, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the monument to all public use or to a certain use or activity: El Morro Visitor Center: Visiting hours of operation are usually between 0900-1700 hours (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) but subject to change seasonally. Current hours of operation are posted on the website and at the monument's visitor center and entrance signs. This area will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.
Visitor use is limited to the developed trail system within the Monument. All portions of the Inscription and Headland Trails close one hour before the standard closing hour of operation until opening the following day. Current hours of operation are posted on the website and at the Monument's visitor center and entrance signs. Determination: All visitors to El Morro National Monument are encouraged to initially pass through the visitor center contact area to be informed of the significance of the monument, the sensitivity of natural and cultural resources, and applicable resource-related regulations. Travelling on foot or by vehicle through closed areas will result in damage or disturbance to sensitive natural and cultural resources. General Public Access: Access to El Morro National Monument is limited to the Visitor Center, Inscription Loop Trail and Headland Trail, picnic area, campground, and entrance road during established park hours as well as while traveling non-stop across the section of New Mexico Highway 53 Right Of Way within the Monument boundaries.
Public vehicle access and traffic to El Morro National Monument is limited to designated parking areas and established, paved roadways. Those utilizing the picnic area located directly north of the El Morro National Monument Visitor Center are required to remain on the graveled area adjacent to the picnic area during visiting hours. Pedestrian traffic beyond the Monument gate is limited to hours of operation. Determination: Utilization of the monument outside of the general public access areas destroys the delicate natural and cultural resources such as biological soil crusts and archeological sites. Employee Residence Area: Access to the employee residence area is restricted to employees, the employee’s family members, and their designated guests or authorized contractors. Determination: Due to the remote nature of El Morro National Monument and because of the need for expanded vigilance over its fragile resources, it has been deemed necessary to house employees within a NPS residence area contained within the monument's boundaries. In the interest of maintaining the privacy and safety of these employees, public visitation to this area is prohibited. Temporary Trail Closures: Both the Inscription Loop Trail and/or the Headland Trail may be closed on a temporary basis due to adverse environmental conditions such as a rock-fall, snow conditions, or repairs/maintenance.
Determination: Conditions for temporary closure of the trails may include snow, ice, high winds, thunderstorms and lightning, presence of potentially hazardous wildlife, fire danger, or when there is a danger of rock-fall. It may also be necessary to close the trails during major maintenance and preservation activities. Rock Climbing and Bouldering: Rock climbing and bouldering are prohibited anywhere within the monument. Determination: Inscription Rock is composed primarily of Zuni Sandstone, which by its nature is extremely fragile, brittle, highly fractured, and is not considered compatible with public climbing activities. Climbing activities would place those involved (as well as those utilizing the trails directly below the cliff faces) at high risk of personal injury or death since vertical surfaces of Zuni Sandstone could fail under the weight of a climber. Climbing and or bouldering will also damage the rock surfaces and potentially threaten the irreplaceable inscriptions for which the monument was established. El Morro pool: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing in the El Morro NM pool is prohibited. This includes allowing pets to drink and/or swim in the pool. Determination: The historic El Morro Pool is a sensitive cultural and natural resource and is not an appropriate location for a recreational use, such as swimming. The use of Segway or similar personal transportation devices by mobility impaired persons will be permitted under the following conditions:
Determination: Due to concentrated public visitation, varied topography and potentially congested or confined trail conditions encountered at El Morro National Monument, Segway use is limited to certain areas of the monument, generally those accessible to regular and motorized wheelchairs.Use of the Segway is specifically prohibited from use on any portion of the Headland Trail at El Morro National Monument (NM) due to the presence of numerous stairs, 200-foot drop offs, narrow and irregular trail surfaces and steep switchbacks. The launching, landing, or operating of an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Definition: the term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator on command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Determination: The use of unmanned aircraft is a new form of use within the National Park Service, El Morro National Monument. It has been determined by the National Park Service that the use of unmanned aircraft has the potential to cause unacceptable impacts such as harming visitors, interfering with rescue operations, causing excessive noise, impacting viewsheds, and disturbing wildlife, to name a few. Until all impacts can be properly evaluated, it is in the best interest of El Morro National Monument to not allow the use of unmanned aircraft. If El Morro NM allowed the use of the unmanned aircraft before proper evaluation, it could result in unacceptable impacts to park resources, park values and visitor safety. This will be an interim measure unless a less restrictive measure will not suffice, and then the closure will be permanent.The National Park Service may use unmanned aircraft for administrative purposes when appropriate and approved by the Regional Director for the park unit. These purposes may include search and rescue operations, fire operations, and scientific study.
Commercial Filming All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors. In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:
A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models, if the image will not be used to promote or sell a product or service. The creation or maintenance of a “geo-cache” containing any physical items within the Monument is prohibited. “Virtual” caches may be created and maintained if they meet the designated management conditions of the location. Conditions include consistency with park management plans such as not encouraging off-trail travel or travel in closed areas, visitor safety considerations, and the protection of resources. (Abandoning or leaving property unattended is also a violation of 36 CFR, Section 2.22(a) – Property).
Determination: The purpose of this restriction is to protect the natural, cultural and archaeological resources from damage due to geo-caching, and to preserve the landscape in as pristine a visual condition as possible. Allowing bus engines to idle for more than 10 minutes is prohibited.
Determination: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes in the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park. Public gatherings or demonstrations including, but not limited to, religious observances or distribution of related materials may be held only in the following designated area:
(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required: §1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
§2.5(b) Specimen collecting, research, and some science education activities:
§2.12 Audio Disturbances:
§2.38 Explosives:
§2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printer matter that is not solely commercial advertising §2.62 Memorialization:
§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (Requires a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations). §5.4(a) Commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicles. §5.5 Still Photography/Audio Recordings:
§5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, path, structure, etc. §6.9(a) Operation of a solid waste disposal site. (a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas: The collection of dead and down wood is prohibited anywhere in the Monument.(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues: All the following are prohibited:
Determination: Unrestricted travel by either foot or vehicle is likely to unacceptably impact fragile resources. There are numerous documented cases on file where archeological resources have been illegally removed from their original locations or disturbed within the boundaries of El Morro National Monument by those walking off-trail through these dense archeological sites. Such disturbance or removal of artifacts damages the otherwise virtually intact archeological record and constitutes disruption to the prehistoric timeline represented at El Morro National Monument. The historic and archeological sites listed above are open to viewing by the public. These sites are identified as being open to viewing by the public since they are 1) the primary cultural resources for which the monument was established; 2) adequately protected by allowing visitors to view them from a distance that does not threaten the sites themselves; 3) well documented and monitored regularly; and, 4) (in the case of Atsinna Pueblo) have been previously modified by visitor impacts or stabilization efforts. The undeveloped areas outside of the established roads, trail system and physical structures of El Morro National Monument contains numerous and relatively pristine archeological resources and sensitive biological soil crust. (c)(1), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or use or consumption restrictions: The gathering of any plant product or part such as fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, and mushrooms is prohibited.Determination: Nominal quantities of these resources are in the Monument and therefore public gathering will affect the propagation of the species and deprive the natural wildlife of sustainable browse. (e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light: The use of artificial light sources (such as spotlighting) to deliberately illuminate or view wildlife including infrared, thermal imaging, or ultra-violet (black light) devices of any kind is prohibited.Determination: Hunting or the taking of any wildlife is prohibited by 36 CFR. Activities such as spotlighting or intentionally illuminating wildlife represent deliberate actions that cause significant disturbance to wildlife and are often associated with the illegal taking (poaching) of wildlife. Fishing is prohibited in the historic El Morro pool.
Determination: Fish have not historically been a portion of the pool's ecosystem. The introduction of fish, fish bait, and/or worms into this ecosystem, will harm the delicate balance of life in this pool. (e) A special use permit signed by the Superintendent or designee is required to transport weapons, traps, or nets across park lands in order to access inaccessible private lands.
Firearm means a loaded or unloaded pistol, rifle, shotgun or other weapon, which is designed to, or may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the ignition of a propellant. Weapon means a firearm, compressed gas or spring-powered pistol or rifle, bow and arrow, crossbow, blowgun, spear gun, hand-thrown spear, slingshot, irritant gas device, explosive device, or any other implement designed to discharge missiles, and includes a weapon the possession of which is prohibited under the laws of the State in which the park area or portion thereof is located. (a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted: The following establish the conditions for camping:
Subsection 2.10 (b)(4): Quiet hours in the El Morro National Monument Campground will be maintained between the hours of 10:00 PM (2200 hours) and 6:00 AM (0600 hours). During these periods, the following are prohibited:
Subsection 2.10 (d): Food, dishes, items with a scent, and trash will be stored in vehicles unless they are being actively used to prepare a meal. Determination: Wildlife will seek food and scented items such as food if left out in the campsites. This disrupts the foraging abilities of wildlife, trains wildlife to be dependent on this food source, and can make the wildlife ill. Wildlife that become dependent on human food can become very agrgressive inorder to get hte food and thus is also a a danger to visitors. (d) Conditions for the storage of food are in effect, as noted, for the following areas: Food must be securely stored at all times, except during the actual preparation of the meal, to prevent animal access. Coolers and other food containment devices must be secured to prevent access and should be kept in vehicles, trailers, bear boxes, or other protection devices to prevent access by large mammals (bear, deer, elk, etc.) Picnicking (i.e. non/camping, day use) is limited to the picnic tables and associated areas directly adjacent to the RV/bus parking lot, north of the visitor center.
Visitors wishing to carry and consume food on the trail system must carry out all uneaten food and associated trash for disposal in an appropriate trash receptacle. Determination: Trash receptacles are not provided along the trail system. Food and other trash not properly disposed of will disfigure the landscape and may encourage nuisance and/or hazardous wildlife behavior. (a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted: Designated Areas
(b) Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions: Water and stirring must be used on the fires for extinguishing to make sure the fire is cold to the touch. No smoke showing and no heat is detected with the back of your hand.Determination: El Morro National Monument contains seasonally flammable plant communities such as grasslands, dense stands of pinon/juniper trees and ponderosa pines. Ground fires and open fires outside of the developed fire pits in the campground create an undue risk of wildfire that would put the visiting public, park neighbors, staff, and resources in jeopardy. (a)(2) The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is allowed under the following conditions:
(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to pets: Pets are allowed on the Inscription Loop and Headland Trails provided they are on a leash, which shall not exceed 6 feet in length, and under physical control at all times. Pets are prohibited from drinking water from or entering the water of the historic El Morro pool at all times. Pets are not allowed in the visitor center, with exceptions for certified guide dogs.(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended and tied to an object in the following areas, under the conditions noted: Pets are not to be left unattended in a vehicle or tied to an object, at any time.(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions: Owners or persons having custody or control of any animal(s) will immediately remove and dispose of excrement voided by an animal(s) under their control. Excrement will be disposed of in trash containers.Determination: Unrestrained pets are likely to cause resource damage or possibly threaten visitors when encountered within the relatively close confines of the monument's trail system. Large animals such as mountain lions and black bears are occasionally found in the monument that could easily injure or kill pets or their owners. Diseases carried by pets can have an adverse effect on wildlife. Interaction with pets can cause wildlife to change daily patterns. The historic El Morro pool is a sensitive cultural and natural resource and could be adversely impacted by the entrance of household pets. (b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas: Horses and other pack animals are prohibited within the boundaries of the monument except when used for park operations or interpretive demonstrations or approved by the Superintendent for special purposes.Determination: Horses and other pack animals may cause long-term resource damage during their passage on soft soils or while grazing on native plants. Manure from these animals may contain seeds from exotic plant species and noxious weeds that will spread, causing disruption to the natural ecosystem. Horses and other pack animals traveling in closed areas may also trample and damage sensitive archeological resources. The historic El Morro pool is a sensitive cultural and natural resource and could be adversely impacted by the entrance of horses and pack animals. (c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent through written authorization. Request permits through the Chief Ranger’s Office.The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices are allowed only in the following areas: No areas are authorized within the Monument.Determination: The steep terrain encountered on the trail system along with the high traffic on the roadway and in the parking lots at El Morro National Monument precludes the safe use of roller-skates, in-line skates, skateboards, and similar devices. (a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:Smoking restrictions apply to all cigarettes, pipes, smoking instruments, and electronic cigarettes.
(a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions: A permit may be obtained from the Chief Ranger’s office for property to be left longer than 24 hours in the following areas:
(a)(3)(i) The following areas are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or the possession of a bottle, can, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has been opened, or whose seal is broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed:
(a)Fireworks and firecrackers may be possessed and/or used in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
(a) The placement of memorials within the monuments is prohibited.
Determination: The placement of memorials may cause damage to sensitive natural and cultural resources. Increased human activity at such areas may promote adverse effects such as ground compaction, disruption to vehicle traffic flow, damage, or disturbance of archeological or historic heritage sites, and interference with normal patterns of wildlife behavior or movement. (b)The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited. Determination: The scattering of human remains, or ashes can conflict with the spiritual or cultural practices of indigenous people traditionally associated with the Monument. In addition, the presence of modern remains could affect the National Park Service's ability to preserve and protect human remains that are themselves cultural resources. (a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing: Swimming in the historic El Morro pool is prohibited.Determination: The historic El Morro Pool is a sensitive cultural and natural resource and is not an appropriate location for a recreational use, such as swimming. (a) SCUBA diving and snorkeling is permitted in the following swimming, docking, and mooring areas under the terms and conditions noted:
Scuba diving and snorkeling in the historic El Morro pool is prohibited. Determination: The Historic El Morro Pool is a sensitive cultural and natural resource and is not an appropriate location for a recreational use, such as snorkeling or scuba diving. (b)The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
Unless otherwise designated, the speed limit is 15 miles-per-hour. Determination: The Superintendent has determined that these restrictions are necessary to promote traffic and visitor safety, and to reduce wildlife mortalities caused by vehicular collisions. (a) Park roads – The use of a bicycle is permitted on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public.
Determination: The use of bicycles on trails is destructive to the resources. Bicycles are unsafe on the trails due to the narrow, uneven terrain with pedestrian traffic. Bicycles are unsafe on the Administrative Roads due to the potential destruction to the resources and the use of the roads by NPS vehicle use.Traditional bicycles are prohibited within our proposed Wilderness areas as established by Federal statute. (i)(1) Electric bicycles – The use of an electric bicycle is allowed on park roads and parking lots that are otherwise open to traditional bicycles. Determination: The use of electric bicycles on trails is destructive to the resources. Electric bicycles are unsafe on the trails due to the narrow, uneven terrain with pedestrian traffic. Electric bicycles are unsafe on the Administrative Roads due to the potential destruction to the resources and the use of the roads by NPS vehicle use. Electric bicycles are prohibited within our proposed Wilderness areas as established by Federal statute.Hitchhiking is permitted in the following areas under the conditions noted: Hitchhiking is prohibited on all roadways within El Morro National Monument in accordance with applicable New Mexico State Traffic Statute 66-7-340.Determination: Compliance with New Mexico State Traffic Statute 66-7-340- Pedestrians soliciting rides or business. 
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Last updated: May 6, 2025