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El Morro National Monument
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 NPS Photo by Sarah Beckwith |
 NPS Photo |
As early as the 1200s, ancestral Puebloans were stopping at the large bluff in the middle of the desert to take advantage of its shade and the natural pool at its base. A few early Native Americans even built an 875-room pueblo atop the rock.
As the years progressed, El Morro began to attract different kinds of people - Spanish conquistadors exploring the area and, later, settlers heading west. Many of the groups passing through over the years left petroglyphs or inscriptions on the rock to mark their stay.
Today, travelers still flock to El Morro, but they're not there for water and shade. Now a national monument, El Morro is a draw for people interested in reading the more than 20,000 inscriptions that can be seen from the park's 1/2 -mile inscription walking trail. Visitors can also get a look at the natural pool that still lies at the bluff's base.
Those up for a slightly more strenuous hike can walk the short distance to the top of the mesa, which features views of the surrounding landscape as well as Atsinna, the excavated ruins of the Puebloans old living quarters. El Morro National Monument is open year-round, except for Christmas and New Year's days. Check the park's web site for updated information on hours, which change seasonally - National Park Service - El Morro
From Albuquerque (east), follow I-40 west to Grants and take exit 81 south on NM 53. El Morro is 42 miles south on NM 53.
From Gallup travel south on Highway 602 for 31 miles to NM 53. El morro is 25 miles east on NM 53.
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