Visit Los Alamos New Mexico

There are two questions people often ask as it relates to Los Alamos. Can you visit Los Alamos and Is Los Alamos still there?

Yes, Yes, Los Alamos is very much still there and you can visit Los Alamos, New Mexico. The town is open to the public and It remains an active town in New Mexico with a thriving community and continued scientific research. It is well-known for its historical significance, particularly related to the Manhattan Project, as well as its current role as a center for scientific and technological innovation through the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The town offers various attractions, including museums, historical sites, and natural beauty, making it a notable destination for visitors.

We visited Los Alamos as a day trip from Santa Fe after we had visited Bandelier National Monument. It was the perfect day trip from Santa Fe.

Los Alamos, New Mexico, was established in 1943 as a secret research site for the Manhattan Project during World War II, where scientists, led by J. Robert Oppenheimer, developed the first atomic bombs. The town's remote location in the Jemez Mountains provided the necessary security and isolation for this highly classified project. It became the home to many of the top scientific minds of the day: J. Robert Oppenheimer, Norris Bradbury, Richard Feynman, Hans Bethe, and many more luminaries. These scientists worked together to develop the theoretical and experimental tests that created the first atomic weapons, using enriched uranium from Oak Ridge, Tennessee and plutonium from Hanford, Washington.

After the war, Los Alamos National Laboratory continued to be a hub for nuclear research and development, evolving into a center for scientific innovation and technology. Officially incorporated as a town in 1968, Los Alamos now blends its historical significance with a vibrant community and ongoing contributions to national and global scientific advancements.

Los Alamos offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs. Here are five top-rated options:

• Pueblo Canyon Inn & Gallery: This charming inn offers a blend of comfort and art. With its cozy rooms, delicious breakfast, and stunning artwork, it's a perfect choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
• Canyon Inn - Downtown Los Alamos: Located in the heart of downtown, this cozy guesthouse offers a homey atmosphere with modern amenities. Enjoy the communal kitchen and living room for a social experience.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock: For a classic hotel experience, the Hampton Inn offers comfortable rooms, a free breakfast, and convenient amenities. It's a great choice for families or business travelers.
• North Road Inn: This bed and breakfast provides a quiet escape with its spacious suites and delicious made-to-order breakfast. Enjoy the beautiful mountain views from your private balcony.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Los Alamos Entrada Park: If you prefer a chain hotel, this Holiday Inn offers modern amenities, a fitness center, and a convenient location. It's a good option for those who value comfort and consistency.

These are just a few suggestions, and there are many other excellent accommodations in Los Alamos. Google says there are 34 accommodations in or near Los Alamos, click here to view the Google Search Results list of all of them.

Los Alamos was chosen as the location for the Manhattan Project for several key reasons:

1. Isolation: The remote and relatively isolated location provided the necessary secrecy and security for the highly classified project. It was far from major population centers, reducing the risk of espionage and ensuring that the work could be conducted discreetly.
2. Geography: The area’s topography, including its elevated position and natural features, was suitable for building a secure and self-contained research facility. The surrounding mountainous terrain also helped to further isolate the site.
3. Existing Infrastructure: The site included existing infrastructure from a ranch that had been operated by the Mabel Dodge Luhan family. This infrastructure was adapted for the needs of the Manhattan Project, making it a practical choice for rapid development.
4. Climate: The high altitude and relatively mild climate were conducive to year-round work, which was important for the intensive research and development activities of the project.
5. Safety: The location offered safety advantages due to its distance from major industrial and population centers. This was crucial for minimizing the potential impact of any accidents or explosions during the development of atomic weapons

Los Alamos is located in New Mexico and is approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) northwest of Santa Fe. The drive typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is quite scenic, offering views of the New Mexican landscape.

Click the above map link to view a Google Map of where Los Alamos is located.

Los Alamos is approximately 95 miles (153 kilometers) northwest of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The drive usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is generally straightforward, following U.S. Route 84 and then New Mexico State Road 502.

Click the above map link to view a Google Map of where Los Alamos is located.

Yes, the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is still an active and important research facility. It is a major center for scientific research and development, focusing on a wide range of areas including national security, nuclear science, and advanced technologies.

Some key aspects of LANL include:

• National Security: LANL continues to work on maintaining and modernizing the U.S. nuclear arsenal, ensuring its safety, security, and reliability.
• Scientific Research: The laboratory conducts cutting-edge research in various scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, materials science, and environmental science.
• Technology Development: LANL is involved in developing new technologies and innovations with applications in energy, medicine, and computing.
• Collaborations: The lab collaborates with other research institutions, universities, and government agencies on various scientific and technological projects.

While many areas of the laboratory are restricted due to the sensitive nature of its work, visitors can access some public areas, such as the Bradbury Science Museum, which provides insights into the laboratory’s history and research.

Entrances: When we entered Los Alamos we drove from Bandelier National Monument. We had to stop at a security gate and we were required to provide a driver's license to enter. There are certain restricted areas that have these types of gates and they are not typically disclosed for security reasons.

When should I visit Los Alamos? You can visit any time, however, the weather in Los Alamos is best between May and September. At 7,300 feet in elevation and It’s very temperate in the summer with highs in August of 78 degrees with a low of 55 degrees.

During our visit we primarily planned to see the Bradbury Science Museum. After visiting, however, we did additional research and found out that parts of Los Alamos are part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park which includes three sites, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Los Alamos, New Mexico and Hanford, Washington. We recommend visiting the official national public park website to get more information and to download the NPS app for your phone so that you can get the most up to date data on the sites to see as part of this National Historic Park to effectively fit the sites into your day while visiting Los Alamos. Don’t make the same mistake we made and miss those historic sites!

Los Alamos offers a unique blend of history, science, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top things to do and see:

1. Bradbury Science Museum: Learn about the history and scientific advancements of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Click here to visit our Bradbury Science Museum Page. Or click here for the oogle Reviews 
2. Los Alamos Historical Museum: Explore exhibits on the history of Los Alamos, from its early days to its role in the Manhattan Project. Click here for the oogle Reviews 
3. Bandelier National Monument: Just outside of town, this site features ancient cliff dwellings and beautiful hiking trails. Click here to visit our Bandelier National Monument page.
4. Manhattan Project National Historical Park: Includes sites in Los Alamos that were significant to the development of the atomic bomb. Click here for the oogle Reviews 
5. Los Alamos Nature Center: Interactive & live animal exhibits, indoor/outdoor play, planetarium and gift shop. Visit their website to discover their operating hours and other info. Click here for the oogle Reviews 
6. Pajarito Mountain: Offers skiing in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Click here for the oogle Reviews 
7. Ashley Pond Park: A beautiful spot for picnics and outdoor activities in the heart of Los Alamos. Click here for the oogle Reviews 
8. Valles Caldera National Preserve: Located nearby, this massive volcanic caldera offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and geothermal features. Click here for the oogle Reviews 
9. Tsankawi Prehistoric Site: Bandelier National Monument's Tsankawi Unit is located on State Highway 4 twelve miles from the main section of the park and 6.1 miles from Los Alamos. At Tsankawi you take a 1.5 mile walk along a mesa, viewing cavates, petroglyphs and the Ancestral Pueblo village of Tsankawi. Ladders are a required part of this trail. Click here to view the National Park Service page for the Tsankawi Prehistoric Site. Click here for the oogle Reviews 
10. Los Alamos Trail Network: See the "10 best trails" on the All Trails Website. Los Alamos Country Trail Map in PDF format.

 When was Los Alamos founded? Although Los Alamos was founded in 1943 it didn’t officially become incorporated as a town until 1968.

 What is the population of Los Alamos? As of the most recent estimates, Los Alamos has a population of approximately 13,000 residents. The town's population is heavily influenced by the presence of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the surrounding community.

 What does Los Alamos mean? Los Alamos is Spanish for "The Cottonwoods." The name refers to the cottonwood trees that are native to the area. They were abundant in the region when it was named

 What is the elevation of Los Alamos? At 7,355 feet altitude, Los Alamos is "big pine" country with a mild, four-season climate.

In the trip menu list below, a "dark filled circle" represents a destination where we stayed, and the "dark filled arrow" items below that circle location, represent the destinations we visited while in that city or location.

Click any link below to go directly to that page;

 Trip Overview Page

 Albuquerque, NM

• Sandia Peak Tramway
• Petroglyph National Monument
• Old-Town Albuquerque
• National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

 Alamogordo, NM

• McGinn's PistachioLand Farm
• White Sands National Park

 Carlsbad, NM

• Tunnel Vista Observation Site
• Trestle Depot Recreation Area
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

 Roswell, NM

• International UFO Museum

 Santa Fe, NM

• Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, NM
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, NM
• Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, NM
• Bradbury Science Museum - Los Alamos, NM
• Los Alamos, NM
• Bandelier National Monument, NM
• Nambé Falls, NM
• Meow Wolf, NM

 Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM

 Bisti Badlands, NM

 Monument Valley

 Grand Canyon, AZ

• Planning Your Grand Canyon Visit
• Grand Canyon South Rim Top Sites and Itineraries
• Grand Canyon El Tovar Hotel

 Sedona, AZ