El Morro National Monument
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Join in a 2,000-year-old tradition at El Morro National Monument: Set up camp in the shade of an ancient stone bluff, and hike to the spring-fed oasis. Ancestral Puebloans, Spanish conquistadors, and European pioneers used this strategic spot as a stopping point on their way across New Mexico—you can still see their petroglyphs and signatures carved into Inscription Rock. Hike to the top of the bluff, and you'll find the stone staircases and the remains of Atsinna, an Ancestral Puebloan ruin that dates back to the year 1275. Whether you're coming for a few hours or a few days, the park's trails offer spectacular views and solitude to spare.
Things To Do Near El Morro National Monument
El Morro National Monument is a unique spot in the American Southwest—in one place, you can view traces left by humans over thousands of years. Hiking is the best way to see the park; the trails take you past ancient rock art and up to Ancestral Puebloan ruins with views for miles. The monument is isolated, but a beautiful campground is located in the park, and cultural, dining, and shopping destinations lie within an hour's drive.
Hiking Trails
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Inscription Trail
The Inscription Trail is the most accessible and popular hike in El Morro National Monument. It starts near the visitor center and runs to the legendary pool that's been sustaining travelers for thousands of years. From there, it takes you along the rock face, so you can see the signatures of people from centuries past. Keep an eye out for the petroglyphs that were made before recorded history. This path is paved and mostly flat, so it's accessible for kids, strollers, and wheelchairs. The trail is open year-round.
Location
Visitor Center
Length
0.5 Miles Round Trip
Intensity
Easy
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Headland Trail
Bring plenty of water and muster your strength for the hike up the Headland Trail. It includes part of the Inscription Trail, but instead of returning to the visitor center, it climbs to the top of the rocky bluff. You'll gain about 200 feet in elevation, but the ascent is manageable for most hiking levels. The summit offers spectacular views of the mountains and high desert; it's also where you'll find Atsinna, the ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruin.
Location
Visitor Center
Length
2 Miles Round Trip
Intensity
Moderate to Strenuous
Sightseeing
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Atsinna
Hike up the Headland Trail to get to Atsinna, a set of ruins that was built around 1275. At its height, it housed 600 people—today, you can see the excavated stone walls. At one point, there were at least 355 rooms. Away from the large residential structure, keep an eye out for the partially buried round rooms, which were usually designed for ceremonies and important events. You'll also see the fire pits and grinding facilities the residents used to process their crops.
Location
Headland Trail
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El Morro Visitor Center
The El Morro Visitor Center is a must-visit spot on your trip to El Morro National Monument. Here, a series of educational exhibits explain the history of the region. Make sure to check out the photographs and interpretive signs; they provide valuable context for your hike around the rocky bluffs. While you're there, keep an eye out for the sandstone administrative office buildings. Built in 1939, they were once used for the visitor contact station.
Location
Visitor Center
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Woodpecker Arch
As you hike around El Morro National Monument, look for Woodpecker Arch. This unique arch is located on the northern face of the bluff; it's tall and narrow, so it's only visible from certain angles. When viewed from the side, it looks like an enormous woodpecker clinging to the rock face.
Location
Visitor Center
Museums
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New Mexico Mining Museum
If your trip to El Morro National Monument takes you through Grants, make sure to stop by the New Mexico Mining Museum. Go underground into a re-creation of a historic uranium mine and discover what life was like for miners. Complete with tunnels and vintage equipment, this spot is excellent for history buffs and families.
Location
100 Iron Ave, Grants, NM 87020
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Western New Mexico Aviation Heritage Museum
Discover the history of aviation in the Wild West at the Western New Mexico Aviation Heritage Museum. This volunteer-run spot explains how mail-carrying airplanes navigated across the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. The museum is located at one of the stops along the way—check out the historical pictures to see an aerial photo that shows an enormous arrow on the ground. It pointed the way for pilots as they flew. If possible, sign up for a tour with the hosts; they bring life to the remarkable transcontinental air transport system.
Location
Aspen Avenue, Grants, NM 87020
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Lewis Trading Post
Drive about 8 miles west to find the Lewis Trading Post, a small gas station and convenience store. It's a great place to fill your tank or pick up last-minute snacks and drinks.
Location
4797 Ice Caves Rd, Ramah, NM 87321
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Inscription Rock Trading & Coffee Co.
Shop for a selection of locally made Native American artwork at Inscription Rock Trading & Coffee Co. While you're there, make sure to pick up some of the shop's delicious teas and coffees.
Location
NM-53, Ramah, NM 87321
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Ancient Way Café
Just 2 miles down the road from El Morro National Monument, Ancient Way Café offers a small menu and a welcoming atmosphere. Try blue-corn pancakes at breakfast, and enjoy a hearty burger at lunch or dinner. The café strives to use local and natural ingredients whenever possible.
Location
4018 Ice Caves Road Hwy 53, Ramah, NM 87321
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Lady Stagecoach Café
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Lady Stagecoach Café, which is located about 12 miles west of the park in Ramah. With menu items from enormous steaks to loaded burritos, it's a favorite among hikers and adventurers.
Location
3370 Bond St, Ramah, NM 87321
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Spicy Bite Indian Restaurant
If you're passing through Grants on your way to or from El Morro National Monument, stop at Spicy Bite Indian Restaurant for a delicious meal. The menu includes a range of classic Indian dishes, including chicken tikka masala, dal makhani, and butter chicken.
Location
1203-1299 Motel Dr, Milan, NM 87021
How To Get To El Morro National Monument
El Morro National Monument is located on Ice Caves Road (NM-53), about 43 miles from I-40 near the town of Grants. From Grants, take NM-53 west. If you're coming from Gallup, take NM-602 south and head east on NM-53 near the Zuni Reservation.
Address
Mile Marker 44.6 Hwy 53, Ramah, NM 87321
Fee: Entry Fee (per person)
There is no entry fee.
With its stunning scenery and beautifully preserved traces of ancient cultures, El Morro National Monument is fascinating for outdoor adventurers and history buffs alike. Spend an afternoon hiking around the bluffs, or grab one of the beautiful campsites for some of the most spectacular night-sky views. When you bring an RV, camping is comfortable all yearlong.
