Scene reflects beauty and serenity of Ashley Pond in downtown Los Alamos. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos—where discoveries are made—invites travelers to explore vibrant fall colors and jaw-dropping scenery this autumn.
In addition to photo-worthy sights, Los Alamos offers the opportunity to visit three nearby National Parks (Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve and Manhattan Project National Historical Park), hiking and biking trails, and historical and cultural sites.
“Fall is the perfect time to visit Los Alamos. With our cool mountain climate, it’s one of the few places you can truly experience four distinct seasons,” County Marketing Manager Kelly Stewart said. “The Aspens are just starting to turn up on Pajarito Mountain—just five miles from downtown Los Alamos—but soon the entire area will be dressed in fall colors. And the fact that the town is built atop finger mesas means that there is a trail outside every door and 360 degree views of mountains, mesas and canyons. We invite all to come up and reconnect with nature, learn about our area’s history, and experience our breathtaking natural landscapes, starting with the drive up the hill.”
To make the most of your visit, Los Alamos County recommends the following areas to explore the outdoors and catch the best of the area’s fall colors:
Bandelier National Monument – Plan a visit around a guided backcountry hike and explore Bandelier National Monument’s history and trails. Take in the autumn scenery, learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people who once inhabited the area, and view homes carved into cliff sides. Guided hikes take place Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, and Oct. 23. Advanced registration is required, and each hike is limited to ten participants. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/gubckcnty.htm.
Valles Caldera National Preserve – The experience begins with the drive from Los Alamos, that winds through the Santa Fe National Forest and up and over the Jemez Mountains before it opens up to the Valle Grande (“Big Valley”), the vast crater remaining of this super volcano. Hike or bike this amazing landscape, or simply take in the view at one of the roadside pullouts. Late afternoon visitors have reported seeing—and hearing—elks bugling at this time of year.
Historic Walking Tour of the Downtown Historic District in Los Alamos – Whether you opt for a tour guided by the Los Alamos History Museum docent or take the Historic Walking Tour map to explore on your own, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the different cultures that have settled here over millennia, including the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The tour takes you inside the award-winning museums (History, Bradbury Science Museum and the Nature Center) as well as outside to monuments and structures under the crisp, blue skies.
Los Alamos Trails Network – With varying terrain, over 5,000 vertical feet and more than 200 miles of trails, there’s a trail for every skill level of hiking and biking. Some of the most incredible fall colors can be viewed among the aspens and oaks in the Jemez Mountains. Time your visit to coincide with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta—held the first two weeks of October—to catch an iconic New Mexico event in the early morning and gold and red aspens on Pajarito Mountain in the afternoon. With vibrant colors, cooler weather and high elevation, everyone from autumn lovers to artists, nature enthusiasts and photographers will delight in this natural beauty. Visit Los Alamos Trails Network.
“Whether you’re coming to Los Alamos to experience three National Park sites in one visit or you’re coming up the road from the Balloon Fiesta, we welcome you to explore the magic of autumn in northern New Mexico,” Stewart said.
For more information on visiting Los Alamos safely, go to https://visitlosalamos.org/nm-safe-state. For more information on Los Alamos, go to https://visitlosalamos.org.