El Morro
National Monument

VISITATION:

Highest in May through August; lowest in December through February.

LOCATION:

Ramah, NM

ADDRESS:

El Morro National Monument
Rt 2, Box 43
Ramah, NM 87321

TELEPHONE:

(505) 783-4226

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, summer: Visitor Center: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Trails: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; winter: Visitor Center: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Trails: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed December 25 and January 1.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Winters can be cold, with snow and wind. Summers are hot with possible thunder showers.

DIRECTIONS:

56 miles southeast of Gallup, NM via Highways 602 and 53; 42 miles southwest of Grants, NM via Highway 53.

TRANSPORTATION:

No public transportation to the area.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

$2 per individual; $4 per carload; Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access passports sold and honored.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
First stop is at the visitor center for information on trails and other activities. The museum has exhibits on the 700 years of human activity at El Morro. A 15 minute videotape gives an introduction to the park.

Trails, Roads:

Two self-guiding trails begin at the visitor center. Guide books are available. The Inscription Rock Trail is a 1/2 mile loop which passes by the inscriptions and carvings at the base of the cliff. The Mesa Top Trail is a 2 mile loop which goes over the top of the mesa past ancient pueblo ruins and gives panoramic views of the area.

Programs/Activities:

All trails are self-guided. Campfire programs during summer months. Orientation talks (reservations requested) for large groups.

Lodging and camping facilities:

No lodging in the park. Lodging available in local communities. One nine site campground located in the park. Fees charged during summer months.

Food/Supplies:

None in the park. Food, supplies, gas etc. available in local communities.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and

Opportunities:
A Cooperating Association bookstore is located at the visitor center. Educational and informational books, post cards, posters, and other materials available for purchase.

Accessibility:

The parking lot, picnic tables, campground, and visitor center are wheelchair accessible. The Inscription Rock Trail is paved and wheelchair accessible with assistance. The Mesa Top Trail is not.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Park visitor center, museum, and self-guiding trails.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for large groups are requested. To arrange group orientation talks, call or write in advance of visit.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Set aside from two to four hours to visit the museum and hike the trails.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Arts and crafts demonstrations by local artisans at the visitor center usually once per month during the summer.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Weather conditions such as snow, ice, lightning, or high winds may force temporary closure of the trails. The Mesa Top Trail is generally closed during the winter months.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

El Malpais National Monument is located east of El Morro, between State Highways 53 and 117. It features rough volcanic landscapes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write to El Morro National Monument, Rt 2, Box 43, Ramah, NM 87321; or call (505) 783-4226.

Last Modified: June 28, 1997
URL: www.nps.gov/elmo/index.htm