If you ever feel like taking a trip back in time, El Morro National Monument and Inscription Rock is the place to visit. There are 700 years of history starting with the Puebloan Ancestors who built dwellings on top of the Mesa. According to NPS History, Atsinna Pueblo is the largest of the pueblos atop El Morro, dating back to 1275. The Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the 1500’s and in 1598 Don Juan de Oñate officially colonized New Mexico. He is believed to be the first to inscribe his name in the rock dated April 16, 1605. The Mexican-American War (1846-48) made New Mexico a territory of the United States. The US Army surveyed the area for a route west as a new wave of Americans ventured westward. As they traveled through, they added their names and sometimes a message to the rock which became “Inscription Rock”. There are more than 2000 inscriptions and petroglyphs that are visible today. I have to say that this is one of my favorite places to visit. It leaves me in awe to see the beautiful landscape with all the natural formations as well as the historic Inscription Rock. I hope you enjoy taking the hike with us!
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An Inspired Cook 