The best city hikes and walks in Los Alamos County

The Acid Canyon Trail is a popular hiking trail that can be either completed as a loop or connects you to other hiking trails in the area. Its easy access from downtown Los Alamos, its relatively gentle grade, and scenic nature makes it a great option for people of all ages and ability levels.

In wartime Los Alamos, the scarcity of houses with amenities like bathtubs made them a luxury reserved for the highest-ranking Manhattan Project leaders. Originally constructed by the Los Alamos Ranch School, these well-built homes on what became known as Bathtub Row were initially intended for faculty and special events. When the Manhattan Project acquired the school property, figures such as Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer and Hans Bethe made these houses their homes. In contrast to the hastily constructed, amenity-limited housing for most project workers, Bathtub Row became synonymous with privilege, as its homes were among the few with coveted bathtubs, earning the street its unique nickname.

Just across from the Los Alamos History Museum, there is an Ancestral Pueblo Dwelling that offers visitors insight into ancient indigenous Pueblo people cultural practices. Next to the dwelling is the Romero Cabin, which reflects the town's more recent history and early Spanish and American settlers' lifestyle. Together, these sites contribute to the museum's mission of interpreting the diverse history of the Pajarito Plateau, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and historical layers that shape Los Alamos.

The Oppenheimer House, part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Los Alamos, New Mexico, holds historical significance as the former residence of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientific director of the Manhattan Project. Built in 1940, Oppenheimer with his wife Kitty, daughter Toni, and son Peter lived in this this modest dwelling from 1943-1945. Visitors can explore the house, now a museum, to learn about Oppenheimer's life and the intense scientific efforts that took place in the creation of the world's first atomic bomb.

The Bradbury Science Museum, located in Los Alamos, New Mexico, is dedicated to showcasing the scientific and technological contributions of Los Alamos National Laboratory, particularly during the Manhattan Project. Named after the laboratory's second director, Dr. Norris E. Bradbury, the museum offers an immersive experience, featuring exhibits on nuclear science, physics, and the history of Los Alamos. Visitors can explore interactive displays, models, and artifacts, and learn about the laboratory's role in developing nuclear weapons and its ongoing contributions to various scientific fields. The museum aims to educate the public on the laboratory's research and its impact on national security and scientific advancements. Admission is free for visitors of all ages.

Ashley Pond Park, situated within the Manhattan Project National Historic Park, holds significant historical value in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Named after the founder of the Los Alamos Ranch School, Ashley Pond, the park was a focal point during the Manhattan Project (1943-1947). It housed military facilities and played a crucial role in scientific research. Today, the park is a peaceful space with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, and features memorials and interpretive signs commemorating the Manhattan Project's scientific and historical contributions. There is also the Ice House, which stands as a memorial to the Los Alamos Ranch School days and Project Y, on the southern bank of the pond.

The Los Alamos History Museum, managed by the Los Alamos Historical Society, is in the oldest continually occupied structure in downtown Los Alamos. The building was initially built as an infirmary in 1918 and later served as a guest cottage for the Los Alamos Ranch School. During the Manhattan Project, it hosted General Leslie R. Groves. Now an award-winning museum, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's history, featuring exhibits on geology, anthropology, the Ranch School, and the Manhattan Project. Visitors can enjoy guided tours offering insights from ancient Puebloan ruins to the homestead-era Romero cabin (both located across from the museum) through 20th-century physics giants. Tickets are available for guided tours, with reservations recommended due to popularity. The museum itself is self-guided, and special programs are available for kids. Additionally, during the summer and fall, daily guided tours are available Monday–Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with a Saturday tour at 11:00 a.m. The Winter Tour Schedule starting Nov. 6, 2023, includes one tour per day at 11:00 a.m., Monday-Saturday.

Los Alamos, New Mexico, holds a significant place in history as the site of the top-secret Manhattan Project during World War II, where scientists developed the atomic bomb. Established in 1943, the Los Alamos National Laboratory remains a key center for scientific research. Beyond its historical importance, Los Alamos offers diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. The surrounding landscape features the stunning Bandelier National Monument, known for its ancient Pueblo dwellings and scenic canyons. The nearby Valles Caldera National Preserve offers opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the remnants of a massive volcanic crater.