For
a full appreciation of the wilderness and other
attractions in this rather unknown part of northern New
Mexico, be sure to explore the many beautiful natural
areas around this town. If you had driven through this
area in the 1940s and 1950s, you would not have been
allowed to enter Los Alamos. The town was a closed area,
created in 1942 as the nuclear laboratory that produced
the atomic bombs that helped to end World War
II.
The
scientific facilities are still in Los Alamos but the
town has been opened to the public and it serves as a
center for tourists who wish to explore the historic
sites and the wilderness opportunities in this remote
area -- 90 miles north of Albuquerque and 35 miles from
Santa Fe. The famous laboratory is once more on the map
with recent questions being asked about national security
issues.
The
most notable geological feature is Vallee Grande,
an enormous caldera (collapsed volcano) situated 35 miles
west of town. The Anasazi people who inhabited the region
in prehistoric days carved their dwellings out of the
volcanic cliffs. Bandelier National Monument -- a
few minutes' drive from Los Alamos -- is an excellent
example of Anasazi cliff dwelling and pueblo
architecture.
Historical
Venues
Bandelier
National Monument
is 13 miles south of Los Alamos on N.M. Route 4. In
addition to miles of hiking trails, this large protected
area includes a campground and a picnic area beside
Frijoles Creek. The major attraction here is the ruin of
a prehistoric Anasazi community in Frijoles Canyon, but
the park also has many hiking opportunities, and fine
camping in the New Mexico wilderness.
In
town, the Ray Bradbury Museum is a showcase for
the history of nuclear development, including a
collection of the original bomb casings as well as other
atomic exhibits. Modern technology is not neglected, and
the museum has interactive computer displays and exhibits
of lasers and fiber optics. Films are shown on a regular
basis. For information, call (505) 667-4444.
The
Los Alamos Historic Museum (2132 Central Ave.) has
exhibits relating to the evolution of the
area&emdash;human, geological, and scientific. Admission
is free. The complex includes the Fuller Lodge Art
Center, an old log building with a regional art and
crafts display. Many of the items here are for sale; call
(505) 662-6272.
A
Day-Trip from Los Alamos
Vallee
Grande and the Jemez Mountains are to the
southwest of Los Alamos, providing the basis for a scenic
day trip. The sunken valley -- a caldera -- is 35 miles
from town, about 15 miles in diameter, and 500 feet deep.
The highway leads along the rim. A little farther west is
the Jemez Falls Recreation Area, with camping and
trails. Highway 4 continues to Jemez Springs, a
small resort town, 40 miles from Los Alamos. It is noted
for its two popular hot spring pools. You'll also find
the Jemez National Monument, an Indian ruin with
visitor center.
