How to Get to El Morro National Monument:
El Morro National Monument is situated 125 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. From I-40 at Gallup (56 miles), go south on NM 602, then east on NM 53 through Ramah. From I-40 at Grants (42 miles), go southwest on NM 53.Recommended Sites Near El Morro National Monument:
If you are planning a visit to El Morro National Monument and driving from Albuquerque, you should also make a stop at nearby El Malpais National Monument.My wife and I visited both parks when we were travelling through New Mexico several years ago. At Malpais you can explore the lava flows, some of which date back more than 115,000 years. While there, enjoy a hike, some nature photography, and take a picnic lunch. If you'd like to stay longer, you can explore underground caves and enjoy primitive camping. El Malpais is located almost due south of Grant, NM, off I-40.
Park Size:
1,279 acresDescription:
"Inscription Rock" is a soft sandstone monolith, rising 200 feet above the valley floor, on which are carved hundreds of inscriptions from early travelers. The monument also includes pre-Columbian petroglyphs and Pueblo Indian ruins.Things to Do:
Inscription Trail is a must see at the park. If you only have an hour or less, you will definitely want to take the trail to the pool and past hundreds of Spanish and Anglo inscriptions, as well as pre?historical petroglyphs. This loop trail is paved, 1/2 mile in length, and wheelchair accessible with assistance.If you have at least 1 1/2 hours, you can continue past the inscriptions and up to the top of the mesa along Mesa Top Trail.
There, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Zuni Mountains, the volcanic craters of the El Malpais area, and the El Morro valley. The Mesa Top Trail is a two-mile loop which includes Inscription Trail. A 250-foot elevation gain and the uneven sandstone surface makes this a moderately strenuous hike. Sturdy walking shoes and water, particularly in the hot summer months, are necessary. Portions or all of the Mesa Top Trail can close due to severe weather, especially during the winter.
Operating Hours:
Visitor Center: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Trails: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed December 25 and January 1.History:
Proclaimed on December 8, 1906.Contact El Morro National Monument:
El Morro National MonumentHC 61 Box 43
Ramah, NM 87321
505-783-4226 click for more images courtesy of the National Park Service
How to Get to El Morro National Monument:
El Morro National Monument is situated 125 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. From I-40 at Gallup (56 miles), go south on NM 602, then east on NM 53 through Ramah. From I-40 at Grants (42 miles), go southwest on NM 53.Recommended Sites Near El Morro National Monument:
If you are planning a visit to El Morro National Monument and driving from Albuquerque, you should also make a stop at nearby El Malpais National Monument. My wife and I visited both parks when we were travelling through New Mexico several years ago. At Malpais you can explore the lava flows, some of which date back more than 115,000 years. While there, enjoy a hike, some nature photography, and take a picnic lunch. If you'd like to stay longer, you can explore underground caves and enjoy primitive camping. El Malpais is located almost due south of Grant, NM, off I-40.Park Size:
1,279 acresDescription:
"Inscription Rock" is a soft sandstone monolith, rising 200 feet above the valley floor, on which are carved hundreds of inscriptions from early travelers. The monument also includes pre-Columbian petroglyphs and Pueblo Indian ruins.Things to Do:
Inscription Trail is a must see at the park. If you only have an hour or less, you will definitely want to take the trail to the pool and past hundreds of Spanish and Anglo inscriptions, as well as pre?historical petroglyphs. This loop trail is paved, 1/2 mile in length, and wheelchair accessible with assistance.If you have at least 1 1/2 hours, you can continue past the inscriptions and up to the top of the mesa along Mesa Top Trail. There, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Zuni Mountains, the volcanic craters of the El Malpais area, and the El Morro valley. The Mesa Top Trail is a two-mile loop which includes Inscription Trail. A 250-foot elevation gain and the uneven sandstone surface makes this a moderately strenuous hike. Sturdy walking shoes and water, particularly in the hot summer months, are necessary. Portions or all of the Mesa Top Trail can close due to severe weather, especially during the winter.
Operating Hours:
Visitor Center: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Trails: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed December 25 and January 1.History:
Proclaimed on December 8, 1906.Contact El Morro National Monument:
El Morro National MonumentHC 61 Box 43
Ramah, NM 87321
505-783-4226