On a main east-west trail, dating from antiquity, rises a great sandstone promontory with a pool of water at its base. The Zuni Indians, whose Puebloan ancestors lived here, call it Atsinna—"place of writings on the rock." The Spaniards called it El Morro—The Headland. Anglo-Americans called it Inscription Rock. Over the centuries those who traveled this trail stopped to camp at the shaded oasis under the cliffs. They left carved evidence of their passage—symbols, names, dates, and fragments of their stories that register the cultures and history intermingled on the rock. El Morro National Monument was established in 1906. |
| Fees: |
There is a $3.00 entrance fee for every individual 16 and over. Children under 16 are free. |
| Hours: |
Open year round, every day, except December 25 and January 1. |
| Visitor Center: |
Open daily. Hours vary with the seasons. |
| Facilities: |
Visitor Center, book store, restrooms, drinking water, picnic area, campground. |
| Directions: |
The Monument is 125 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. From Interstate 40 at Grants (42 miles): go southwest on New Mexico 53 to the Monument entrance. From I-40 at Gallup (56 miles): go south on New Mexico 602, then east on New Mexico 53 through Ramah to the Monument entrance.
|
| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 35 02.303N; 108 20.913W. |
| Weather: |
Expect hot, dry weather in summer, with afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Temperatures can dip well below freezing in winter. |
| Regulations: |
|
| Precautions: |
- Rattlers and other snakes are occasionally seen in the area, from April through November. If you see one, do not disturb it, but do report its location to a uniformed employee.
- Unexpected lighting storms can occur throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Visitors walking the Mesa Top during these episodes should seek shelter in the Visitor Center. Do not attempt to wait out storms under trees or rock shelters.
- Commercial trucks frequent Highway 53. Exercise caution when turning onto and off of the highway.
- See Backcountry Considerations.
- See Backcountry Emergencies.
|
