El Morro National Monument, Ramah

This national monument provides a wonderful glimpse into America's past, as well as to some early moments in Spanish America from the 1500s. This monument's claim to fame is its watering hole that collected water all year, providing life-sustaining refreshment to travelers in the desert. Passers-by began carving messages into the soft sandstone, a tradition that has carried down to the twentieth century, though today it is illegal and could result in jail time. The monument has a circular path with a gentle-sloping pathway up to the top of the cliff-top monument and then steps down the other side. You can chose to climb the steps instead and then walk back the gentle path back to the visitor's center. There are numerous stops with good explanations of the signatures from the past, and the view from the top of the monument is breathtaking. At the top of the monument are some excavated dwellings, though they pail in comparison to Chaco Canyon.

Very pretty country and an interesting hike out to the pool at the bottom of the cliff. Names and information carved into the sandstone walls, some dating from the early 1600's. The hike to the top of the mesa is a killer, especially for old, sea level flat-landers like me, but the view is well worth it. There are strategically placed benches to let you catch your breath and get your heart beat back down to acceptable limits. The park rangers are friendly and informative. BTW, the walk is dog friendly. I saw a pair of basset hounds that made it to the top of the mesa and back down and seemed to enjoy the exercise.

We had a wonderful time camping and hiking at El Morro. The campsites were clean and peaceful (and free!). We set up our campsite in the late afternoon, and then headed out to Ramah Lake for a hike and saved El Morro for right away in the morning while it was cool and quiet. It was beautiful! Very cool to read and learn about all the history at the site. Definitely recommend!

This is one of the best kept secrets of our National Parks. El Morro is an hour drive SE of Gallup, NM. Its a beautiful drive through red rock country. The hike to the top of the mountain to see the pueblo is worth the climb! Make sure you have a camera ready to photograph the large amount of wall art on your stroll on the easy path around the base of the mountain. To be able to see early Native American petroglyphs, Spanish travelers inscriptions, Santa Fe Railroad workers names, and US Calvary names and dates all in one area is worth the trip!

Stunning views and comfortable hike. 2 mile hike with 2 kids worked well. A practical and fun guide book is available to borrow for the hike- definitely bring one with you! The Park Ranger was really helpful and hospitable.