El Morro National Monument New Mexico

El Morro National Monument is located in the west portion of New Mexico and is one of the state's most beautiful geographical areas. Visitors from all over the world come to El Morro National Monument to see the evidence in a large rock commonly referred to as the Inscription Rock. The rock has been a part of the monument for seven hundred years. Over the centuries, travelers to the monument left their signatures and stories in the rock and although time has faded much of the insignia, many writings can still be seen today. Some of the inscriptions in the rock were left by former governors and generals. Federal law prohibited any further carving in 1906. The word El Morro is spanish and means "the headland." El Morro or "the headland" is named for its high point, which sits at 7,219 feet above sea level.

One of the most interesting spots is on top of El Morro. At the top stands a grand pueblo of 875 rooms that was built in the late 13th century. The settlers of the pueblo didn't stay in the area long, only for a couple of generations before leaving but artifacts of their existence can still be found in the ancient pueblo today. The writings the people left behind on the walls of the pueblo are called petroglyphs, which are drawn outlines of human hands, bear tracks, and other symbols on sandstone wall. Later, the area was used by Europeans as both a landmark and a source of clean water. At the summit of El Morro, rain and melted snow drip into a basin located at the foot of the cliff. The summit and basin created a dependable supply of water for both animals and people in the area.

Visitors to El Morro are encouraged to attend the monument during the summer moths when Ranger-led programs are open to the public. Some of the programs offer cave tours, guided hikes, and even a viewing of the bat flights. Rangers can take visitors along a 1/2 mile loop trail that leads past hundreds of petroglyphs and a historic pool. A more strenuous two-mile hike is available for visitors who want to visit the top and gain a view of the box canyon. Summers are a better time to visit the monument because of the cold, wind, and snow that is prevalent during the winter months. El Morro isn't too far from El Malpais National Monument and most tourists attend both monuments for a complete geographical experience. Children are encouraged to participate in the educational aspects that El Morrro has to offer. In the front of the visitor center an Inscription Rock is available for children to write their own stories and signatures on. The monument has a Junior Ranger program that gives children various activities to partake in while on the trails. The Information Center also provides a fifteen minute film that gives an introduction to the monument as well as exhibits that can be explored prior to setting out on the trails.

Historians and researchers are drawn to El Morro due to the large number of inscription stories, petroglyphs and remains on the pueblo. A great battle is said to have taken place at the area in the late 1600's and much more recorded history that has occurred at the monument is constantly being discovered.