Take advantage of the many days of great weather in Los Alamos to enjoy the outdoors. Spend a day outside in Los Alamos for a glimpse into the history of this land and historical buildings that aided in the scientific achievement of the Manhattan Project. Take a hike to learn more about the history of this landscape before and during the Manhattan Project. Walk where famous scientists once strolled and experience everything this once secret city has to offer.
Trip Idea
Los Alamos: Spend a Day Outside
| Duration | Full Day |
| Topic(s) | Hispanic American Heritage, Native American Heritage, Science, Technology and Innovation, World War II, Homesteading, Natural Sounds, Rock Landscapes and Features, Scenic Views, Trails, Birds more » |
| Activities | Guided Tours, Hiking, Picnicking, Museum Exhibits |
| Type | Outdoors |
| Parks | Manhattan Project National Historical Park |
Spend a Day Outside in Los Alamos
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Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Los Alamos: Hike Kwage Mesa
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Hiking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Kwage Mesa Trail
- Duration: 2–4 Hours
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day
Typical of the amazing urban trail network that threads through Los Alamos, the Kwage Mesa Trail is an easy/moderate trek that provides the feeling of being miles away from town. The trail ascends gradually, leading you to the top of the Kwage Mesa. Follow the trail for spectacular views of surrounding mesas and canyons. Look for waysides along this 4.3 mile (6.9 km) trail that provide the story, history and geology of this place.
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Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Los Alamos: Get Outside on a Los Alamos History Museum Walking Tour
- Activity Fee: Yes
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Guided Tours
- Pets: No
- Location: Los Alamos History Museum
- Duration: 1–2 Hours
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day
Enjoy an outdoor, guided tour around Los Alamos. See the sights and learn about the history from the perspective of a Los Alamos History Museum tour guide. Guided walks take you inside the Romero cabin, near the ancestral Pueblo dwellings, and along Bathtub Row, where homes of some of the most well-known scientists still stand. Connections to the Manhattan Project can be seen along the entire tour and the whole family will enjoy the unique history of this secret community.
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Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Los Alamos: Picnic at Ashley Pond
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Picnicking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Ashley Pond
- Duration: 30–90 Minutes
- Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day
Ashley Pond has been a prominent feature of Los Alamos since the homesteading and Los Alamos Ranch School eras. Today, you can view wildlife, have a picnic, or just enjoy the view throughout the year. Spend time around Ashley Pond and follow in the footsteps of famous Manhattan Project scientists.
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Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Los Alamos: Visit the Los Alamos History Museum Campus
- Activity Fee: Yes
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Museum Exhibits
- Pets: No
- Location: Los Alamos History Museum
- Duration: 1–2 Hours
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day
Nestled in downtown Los Alamos, the Los Alamos History Museum presents the stories of this secret city from multiple perspectives via indoor and outdoor venues, historic buildings, artifacts, documents, photographs, audio and video recordings of personal stories, and interactive visitor experiences.
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Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Los Alamos: Hike Acid Canyon Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Hiking
- Pets: Yes with Restrictions
- Location: Acid Canyon Trailhead
- Duration: 30–90 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day
Typical of the amazing urban trail network that threads through Los Alamos, the Acid Canyon Trail is an easy, short trip that provides the feeling of being miles away from town. The trail descends from the rim of Los Alamos Mesa along Acid Canyon, a tributary of Pueblo Canyon. It links with the Ranch School Trail to create a 1 mile (1.6 km) loop. Get outdoors and explore Acid Canyon Trail today!
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Last updated: March 31, 2022