Plan A Field Trip

Students and teacher looking at inscriptions on El Morro

NPS Photo

Planning Ahead

El Morro National Monument's goals for your visit are to protect the unique resources of El Morro and to help provide a safe and educational setting for your students. To do this, we need your help. By planning ahead and being prepared for what to expect when you’re here, a school visit can be enjoyable as well as educational for all.

Reservations

Spring and fall bring heavy visitation from schools to the monument. To ensure every group has a quality experience, a reservation system has been implemented. While the monument no longer charges an entrance fee, all educators hoping to bring students to El Morro must:

• Visit our Bookings page to select a date and time.
• After you have selected a date, a Ranger will be in touch.
• Fill out reservation request form within 24 hours of confirming a date and time with the park.
• Education Reservation Request Forms must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the intended field trip date.
• Receive confirmation. Your school can not be confirmed until the School Visit Reservation form is recevied.

Curriculum

What are your curriculum goals, and how does a visit to El Morro meet your needs?

A trip to El Morro National Monument can encompass many potential curriculum topics. Geology, Indigenous history, Spanish exploration, American expansion, and the unique ecosystem of the Colorado Plateau make this area a rich stopping place to learn.

While planning your trip, consider how this park in specific offers students’ educational opportunities. Include course outline information or an applicable lesson plan when contacting the School Group Coordinator.

Pre and Post field trip activities can help supplement your learning goals. Materials will be emailed via PDF with your confirmation.

Advice for Teachers and Chaperones

When planning your visit to El Morro, keep in mind that we require at least one chaperone to every seven students. This helps maintain a safe and effective learning environment and is a requirement for getting a School Visit Reservation.

While Park Rangers will welcome and orient your group to El Morro, it is the teachers and chaperones that oversee the groups. This means disciplining and managing students as well as correcting their actions.

Certain cultures prohibit visiting pueblo sites. If you have any students who are raised with these traditional values, this should be considered when planning your visit to El Morro. Accommodations can be made, such as limiting the hike to the Inscription Rock Trail, or supplementing with the free, on-demand film available in the Visitor Center.