The path at the bottom of El Morro runs along the side of the mountain. Dozens of carved writings can be found, dating back to the 1600's. Most of them are from Spanish explorers that came through this area looking for water. J.H. Simpson was not Spanish, but part of the U.S. Army exploring New Mexico after the Mexican-American War, when New Mexico became part of the U.S.
Along with many carving, the side of the mountain also had many holes and caves eroded into it by wind and rain.