Ancestral Pueblo Dwelling and the Romero Cabin

Step back in time on the Los Alamos and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Walking Tour, an easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) route that guides you through the historic heart of Los Alamos. You'll wander past significant buildings like those on Bathtub Row and enjoy the serene setting of Ashley Pond Park, all while experiencing a gentle exploration of the town's past. The paths are developed and the scenery combines historical architecture with glimpses of the surrounding Pajarito Plateau.

This accessible walking tour covers a minimal 28 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain and takes approximately 36 minutes, making it suitable for nearly everyone. Parking is typically available in Los Alamos, and the tour can be enjoyed year-round, though spring and fall offer ideal weather. You can choose between self-guided exploration or, at times, join a guided tour led by the Los Alamos Historical Society.

What makes this route truly stand out is its profound historical significance, allowing you to literally trace the footsteps of the scientists who worked on the top-secret Manhattan Project. Beyond the World War II era, the tour also highlights older historical elements, including ancestral Pueblo dwellings and homesteader cabins, spanning eight centuries of Los Alamos history.

The KinniKinnik Park – Acid Canyon Trail loop offers a delightful escape into nature right from Los Alamos. You'll traverse varied terrain, from the rocky, root-filled paths of KinniKinnik Park to the steeper sections of Acid Canyon, all while surrounded by ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and other diverse flora. The route descends from the Los Alamos Mesa rim into Acid Canyon, providing glimpses of tent rocks in Pueblo Canyon and expansive views of the northern New Mexico mountains.

This easy 4.4-mile (7.1 km) hike, with 421 feet (128 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 57 minutes. While generally accessible, be prepared for rocky and uneven surfaces, especially on the KinniKinnik Park section. Dogs are welcome on the Acid Canyon Trail, provided they are kept on a leash.

Beyond its natural beauty, this trail holds historical significance, with parts built by the Los Alamos Ranch School around 1920. It's a quick, convenient way to experience the region's natural environment and history, offering a sense of wilderness just moments from downtown Los Alamos.