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El Morro National Monument
EL MORRO NATIONAL MONUMENT IS BOTH A HISTORICAL SITE AND A PLACE OF NATURAL BEAUTY. THIS MASSIVE SANDSTONE BLUFF RISES 250 FT ABOVE THE VALLEY FLOOR.
As a reliable waterhole, travelers have visited El Morro for many centuries, leaving their messages carved into the sandstone. Before them, the Ancestral Puebloan people left many petroglyphs.
The most famous words “Pasó por Aqui” is the first Spanish inscription from Don Juan de Oñate in 1605, the first governor under Spain of New Mexico.
El Morro NM Overview
Free entryFree campingPets allowed on the trail, but must be on a leash
From I-40, go 41 mi. south on Hwy 53. Turn left into El Morro NM.El Morro NM Trail
2 mi. loop.
Moderate
Trail Details:
The trail starts along the bottom of the bluff past hundreds of Spanish and Anglo inscriptions and petroglyphs towards the pool. From this point it is 250 ft up to the top, where you’ll find spectacular views of the surrounding area and the Ancestral Puebloan ruin, Atsinna, a 875 room pueblo inhabited by 1500 people. Enjoy views of the box canyon inside. Carry enough water.
