By Buster Barkley, lead reporter
El Morro National Monument has announced an event with a transportation plan that is admirably honest about its competition: live camels. The park will host the U.S. Camel Corps Commemoration on Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13, with camel expert Doug Baum, his camels, park staff, presentations, children’s crafts, and ranger programs.
The free event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Programs and children’s activities are planned from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The National Park Service says parking is limited, so a free shuttle will run between the Old School Gallery overflow lot and the El Morro Visitor Center. The shuttle has not commented on the comparative glamour of its passengers.
There is real history beneath the very tall punchline. According to the park, a U.S. government-sponsored camel expedition passed through the area in 1857 while traveling toward California. The September program will use reenactments and educational activities to explore that chapter of western travel history.
For visitors, the practical note is straightforward: arrive ready for a day at the monument, use the shuttle plan if needed, and let the actual park staff and program leaders do the history. As for the camel, it seems poised to handle the public-relations portion without breaking stride.
Source: National Park Service announcement, July 20, 2026.
Leave a Reply