El Morro National Monument
Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2021

Stunning setting and fun hiking and it's dog friendly!

This campground is a must stay. Between the separated free sites, small number of spots, and ranger programming on-site at the campground every weekend, it was a top 5 favorite spot for us. Especially since it is our nation's 2nd national monument created! It is also one of the only trail dog-friendly monuments we have seen. 

We arrived on a busy holiday weekend and easily managed to find a spot. There are 9 fully equipped spots total with one being fully wheelchair accessible. Fire ring, picnic table, 360 views, and nice rangers. There is a well-maintained pit toilet and water sources. 

The campground is quiet since it is out of the way of the main highways. You really have to want to be here in particular to find it. In early September the weather was perfect. Not too hot, a bit rainy, and covered in wildflowers. This isn't a National Monument with a lot of attention paid to it. The rangers do a great job maintaining it but since it is out of the way and not highly Instagrammed, it is beautifully quiet. 

We got up early to hike El Morro since the trails are only open from 9-5 (be back at the ranger station by 4:45). We were the first ones on the trail and stairs. 1000% recommend doing the stairs route if your body can take it. The 200 ft stair climb wasn't bad at all and the views and trail up top were incredible. I would recommend going up this way and down the switchbacks instead of the reverse.

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Month of VisitOctober