Headland Trail

We arrived at El Morro National Monument to hike the Headland Loop Trail and found out part of the loop was closed because of rock fall. We were unable to go to the pool, or see the Inscription Wall. We were able to hike up on the cuesta (a long formation that gently slopes upward then abruptly drops off at one end). Views of the Cuesta,

as we hiked toward the trail and steps leading up to the top.

View to the south as we continue up on the cuesta

View looking along part of the top of the cuesta towards the north.

There is an ancient pueblo near the south end of the cuesta.

We The cuesta had long extensions, two almost wrapping complexity around what I call a  "hidden garden".

We took our time, enjoying the fascinating beauty of the rocky top of the cuesta.

There are many tenajas that were filled with water after recent rains. This created an added element to the beauty up on the cuesta.

Years ago steps were carved into the stone creating part of the trail.

Looking into the "secret garden" as we continue on the trail.

woodpecker rock

view from the far side of the cuesta looking into the "secret garden"

From the visitor center to the far end of the cuesta where the trail was closed and back was about 2 miles round trip.

 We then went the other way on the loop, stopping at that end of the closure was about .25 round trip.

This was as far as we were allowed to go on the trail, the pool is around the rock cliff to the left and the Inscription Wall is further down the trail to the right. I hope to return one day to see the rest of this lovely trail.

some of the wildflowers seen along the trail:

 

fruit on a cactus