El Morro

with a Dusting of April Snow

with a Dusting of April Snow

El Morro National Monument is a preserved bit of history hidden in the high grasslands of New Mexico. This was a popular place for early travelers to stop for the night, as there was a reliable waterhole at the base of the sandstone bluff. There are thousands of carved inscriptions in the soft rock, ranging from ancient Puebloan petroglyphs to Spanish and American messages and signatures dating from as early as the 17th century.

We were surprised by weather in the teens and a late April snow while we camped near El Morro last night. Lucky for us, our little trailer has a reliable heater. When we got up this morning, a good three inches of snow had fallen during the night, but by the time the trails were open at 9, the paths were fine for hiking. We were able to climb to the top of the bluff and see the interior canyon and ancient ruins of the ancestors of the present day Zuni.

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. Now that would be a great place to spend a little time exploring!

  2. Great clouds.

  3. Gorgeous rock formations. Thank-you for taking us with you on your travels!!!

  4. What a nice experience. I was in NM last year for my last trip, El Morro was pretty cool. Rugged camping though, no??

    Anyway, I’m most jealous of the snowfall. I think I’m going to do some winter trips to national park sties next time, just to get a different experience.

  5. suehenryphotography says

    Beautiful! Looks like a wonderful place to explore and photograph.

  6. El Morro is such a hidden treasure. We went there for my older daughter’s fourth-grade assignment of taking a Family Field Trip somewhere to NM. We went to Grants (lots of great little art galleries), Banderas ice caves, El Morro, and a wolf sanctuary. It was loop. So fun.

    I found my last name on the wall, a soldier who I think got killed by the Zunis. I have to remember. I loved the handwriting. So old world.

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