Los Alamos Visitor Guide by LACDC

LOS ALAMOS NEW MEXICO

Visitors’ Guide

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Leslie Bucklin

Leslie Bucklin Leslie Bucklin

Welcome to Los Alamos Perched atop steep-walled mesas of the Pajarito Plateau at the foot of the Jemez Mountains, Los Alamos (Spanish for “the aspens”) offers some of the most awe-inspiring vistas anywhere. Located on the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway, Los Alamos is at the heart of cultural, historical and recreational experiences. A sense of deep history permeates and is preserved in Los Alamos. From the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here, to the homesteaders who farmed the plateau, to the hardy and Los Alamos Ranch School students, to the scientists and engineers who perfected new nuclear technologies in World War II and expand our scientific knowledge today, there are fabulous stories you can learn. You can also be active! Outdoor enthusiasts have opportunities year-round—fly fishing, skiing, snowboarding, golfing, swimming, rafting, rock climbing, and more. Biking and hiking trails, some as close as a pull-off on main roads, wind their way through sites both scenic and historic. Come discover Los Alamos!

Linda Deck

Linda Deck, Chair Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board

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Ancient Places VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE

The Preserve offers 54 miles of hiking trails, 30 miles of trout streams, and a variety of activities including mountain biking, equestrian trail riding, hunting, crosscountry skiing, snow shoeing and sleigh rides. Special events such as a marathon, 80 mile mountain bike ride, moonlight skiing, and the Jemez Mountains Elk Festival are featured throughout the year. The Preserve’s goal is to provide a quality experience and to create opportunities where visitors encounter the beauty and solitude of this incomparable landscape.

www.facebook.com/ VallesCaldera www.vallescaldera.gov 1-866-382-5537 14 miles (approx. 30 min.) west of Los Alamos

www.visitlosalamos.org

Michael Mudd

Don Usner

Rourke McDermott

The Valles Caldera is one of those places you don’t want to miss during your visit to New Mexico.

Rob Dixon

One million years ago a volcanic eruption in New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains created the Valles Caldera, one of seven super volcanoes found in the world. Today this unique landscape is home to the second largest elk herd in the state as well as to bears, coyotes and other wildlife. Travelers on the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway, which crosses the southernmost corner of the caldera, can often see the peacefully grazing herds in the vast meadows below.

Ancient Places

Leslie Bucklin

BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT At Bandelier National Monument, one of the National Park Service’s oldest sites (1916), you will find Ancestral Pueblo dwellings scattered across a landscape of broad mesas and steep-walled canyons that provide habitat for a diversity of plant and animal life. The main loop trail (1.2 mile loop) in Visitor’s gaze at the walls of Long House. Frijoles Canyon provides easy access (partially handicapped accessible) to the remains of these ancient homes. Like past inhabitants, you can climb ladders into several of the small carved rooms (cavates). A more challenging climb can be found at Alcove House where Ancestral Pueblo people built homes in a natural recess in the cliff face. Four ladders and a number of stone stairs are required to make the 140-foot ascent.

Leslie Bucklin

Although best known for archeological sites, Bandelier also includes 23,000 acres of designated wilderness. Over 70 miles of trails vary in difficulty from easy footpaths good for the whole family to more challenging ones best for experienced hikers. Permits for overnight stays in Bandelier’s backcountry are available at the Bandelier Visitor Center. There are 57 camp sites at Juniper campground (can accommodate RVs, but not hookups). The Ponderosa Group Campground can accomodate groups up to 50.

Climb 140 feet, on four ladders and stone stairs, to Alcove House.

Craig Martin

Kids play in the Bandelier cavates.

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As you travel through the area, please remember to respect the sanctity of these ancient sites.

The primary visitor area is accessed only by shuttle bus (see info on page 14) during the summer months when Bandelier offers guided walks daily. Evening and cultural demonstration programs occur on weekends during the summer season. Selfguided tours are available all year. Special programs may be offered, including Junior Ranger Programs for children.

Hikers peek into Talus House at Bandelier.

Bandelier National Monument www.facebook.com/BandelierNPS www.nps.gov/band 505-672-3861 ext. 517 10 miles (approx. 25 min.) south of Los Alamos 8 miles (approx. 15 min.) west/southwest of White Rock

Leslie Bucklin

While on State Road 4 to Bandelier, make a short detour to the White Rock Overlook. Stop at the White Rock Visitor Center Complex for brochures and maps.

Tyuonyi Village as seen from the Frijolito Loop Trail

White Rock Overlook offers this panoramic view of the Rio Grande and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

www.visit.losalamos.com

Historic Faces ANCIENT HISTORY • About 1.6 million years ago, the first

series of volcanic eruptions initiated the creation of today’s most scenic landmarks: the Pajarito Plateau’s mesas and canyons where Los Alamos communities settled; and the Jemez (HEYmess) Mountains that surround a 3,000-foot deep caldera, part of the 89,000-acre Valles Caldera National Preserve. Mountain

grasslands punctuated by forested domes can be seen along State Road 4 which traverses the Preserve, just 15 miles west of Los Alamos. Starting in approximately 1150 AD, Ancestral Pueblo people began to build permanent settlements on the Pajarito Plateau. For more than 400 years, they survived by harvesting crops planted on mesa-top fields and collecting a wide range of useful native plants. Changing conditions on the plateau provided the impetus for the people to move and begin constructing the pueblos along the Rio Grande where many still exist today. Evidence of this early occupation of the Pajarito Plateau can be found in the dwellings at Bandelier National Monument and in the Los Alamos Historic District. In the decades leading up to the turn of the 20th century, the Pajarito Plateau experienced the cultures and influences of a new generation of settlers—from Spanish land grant holders to homesteaders, merchants, farmers and ranchers. DEFINING YEARS • In 1917, one of the most successful ranches, the Alamos Ranch, was purchased by Ashley Pond, a Detroit entrepreneur and former “Rough Rider.” Pond converted the working ranch to the Los Alamos Ranch School where “privileged eastern boys might become robust, learned men.” The natural depression that occasionally filled with water on the property came to be known as Ashley Pond. Twenty-six years later, the remote location and existing infrastructure of buildings and roads around the school would make it the ideal choice when the United States Government needed a secure location to base Project Y of the top-secret Manhattan Project.

©Los Alamos Hi storical Museu m

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In 1943, the school closed and in its place gathered some of the world’s greatest scientific minds tasked with unlocking the secrets hidden in the atom. Led by J. Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist at the University of California, this group of men and women conducted fundamental research which led to the world’s first atomic bomb.

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Checkpoint at the Main Gate to the Secret City.

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Leslie Bucklin

LOS ALAMOS

Omega Bridge and the Los Alamos townsite as seen from Camp May Road.

EYEING THE FUTURE • Most of the hundreds of temporary war-time buildings of the Manhattan Project era are gone now, but remaining in the historic heart of Los Alamos are former ranch school buildings that also served the Manhattan Project. Fuller Lodge, designed by famed architect John Gaw Meem, is a massive vertical-log structure built in 1928 to serve as the Ranch School dining hall. After World War II, wings were added when it was converted to a hotel. Today, Fuller Lodge Art Center is a venue for art, performances, and special community meetings. Adjacent to the lodge in the former ranch school guest house is the award-winning Los Alamos Historical Museum, interpreting the social history of the plateau. Admission is free to all Los Alamos museums, as is the printed guide for an easy walking tour that provides a journey through time—from the Stone Age to the Atomic Age. World War II ended in 1945, due in part to the work done here at Los Alamos. In 1947, the Atomic Energy Commission assumed ownership and began building a modern town to support the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. In 1957, the security gates came down and property was sold to private individuals. Since then the town has continued to grow. FIRE RESPONSE & RECOVERY

Leslie Bucklin

Being a mountain community carries with it a specific set of challenges from the natural environment. Los Alamos County has been at the center of two major wildfires during the past 11 years: the Cerro Grande Fire in May 2000 and the Las Conchas Fire in June/July 2011. Both events proved to be a demonstration of the County’s expert emergency response systems and the remarkable resiliency of its community. Within a week of the most recent event, burned areas in the mountains were covered with new regrowth and the town’s businesses and attractions were open for business.

www.visit.losalamos.com

LeRoy Sanchez, LANL

Science & Technology Housed at the Lab, the CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) is a largescale immersive visualization space enabling researchers to interact with their data. The walls and floors are stereo computer surfaces where images are displayed. The use of stereo produces an immersive effect, so that projected images seem to share the space with the user. Here, researchers are surrounded by a simulation of foam material being crushed under a gravitational load. The coloring indicates stress in the material; magenta shows areas of greatest stress. The CAVE is not accessible to the general public, but displays at the Bradbury Science Museum show a variety of scientific data visualizations.

LeRoy Sanchez, LANL

LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY (LANL) The modern culture of Los Alamos cannot be separated from the science and technology introduced with the early 1940s wartime mission to develop the atomic bomb under the Manhattan Project. That collegiate, yet military, atmosphere contributed to a competitive spirit among scientists to be the best in their field.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is one of the premier scientific institutions in the history of the world. With an annual budget exceeding $2 billion, the Laboratory operates more than 2,100 individual facilities across its 38 square miles of land and employs about 11,000 people, including contractors. The Lab is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, (LANS), a public-private partnership that includes the University of California, Bechtel National, the Babcock & Wilcox Company, and the Washington Division of United Research Services (URS).

Courtesy LeRoy of LANL N. Sanchez, LANL

The core mission of the Laboratory is national security. Scientific discovery and technology advances are pursued to ensure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, reduce the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and counter terrorism. In addition, a broad variety of Lab programs are aimed at solving national problems in the areas of defense, energy, environment, health and infrastructure.

The Laboratory operates more than 2,100 individual facilities across its 38 square miles of land and employs about 11,000 people, including contractors.

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Whether in the field of material science, biotechnology, physics, chemistry, advanced computing, or modeling of complex systems, it is difficult to conceive of a technology where Lab science has not played a role. Outstanding science is the intellectual underpinning of the Laboratory’s past and its future.

BRAD B U R Y S C I E N C E M U S E U M

Leslie Bucklin

The technical areas of the Lab are not open to the public. However, the Laboratory’s Community Programs Office operates the Bradbury Science Museum in downtown Los Alamos to provide a window into the history of the institution, its national security mission, and the broad range of exciting science and technology research to improve our Bradbury Science Museum is open 362 days a year. nation’s future. Visitors experience more than 40 interactive exhibits within the Museum’s three galleries—History, Defense and Research. Two 16-minute films shown throughout the day tell the stories of the race to build the first atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project and the work the Lab does today to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. TechLab is a hands-on, experiential space geared toward children and families for exploring scientific and technical concepts. Exhibits include information on the Laboratory’s research on life sciences, achievements in space, supercomputing, energy and the environment.

Bradbury Science Museum

Courtesy of LANL

www.facebook.com/pages/Bradbury-Science-Museum www.lanl.gov/museum 15th and Central 505-667-4444 Admission is FREE, as are special events, evening lectures and science demonstrations.

Kids of all ages get hands-on science experiences.

www.visit.losalamos.com

Wide Open Spaces SPORT S A N D R E C R E AT I O N The high-altitude setting atop Pajarito Plateau, combined with the recreational riches of Los Alamos and White Rock, offer a myriad of sport and leisure opportunities—for all seasons and all ages! More than 150 miles of trails are woven throughout the towns and the surrounding mountains. With so many sunny days, even in winter, hiking and mountain biking are year-round sports. Come visit some of the best sports and recreation venues in northern New Mexico!

Leslie Bucklin

Skate Park Los Alamos County Recreation Division 505-662-8173 www.losalamosnm. us/rec Los Alamos Skate Park is located in the center of Los Alamos in front of Mesa Public Library. Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, this urban skate park was designed by professionals in close collaboration with the local skater community for visiting skateboard, rollerblade, scooter and bike enthusiasts.

Jeff Hylock

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

397 Camp May Rd. 505-662-5725 www.skipajarito.com Come ski the rim of a volcano! Whether you snowboard or ski, there are lifts to take you to 40 trails on 300 acres of cleared terrain—plus some of the best tree and bump skiing in the state. Pajarito Mountain Ski Area is on the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains, just 5 miles west of downtown Los Alamos. Depending upon the season, this family-friendly mountain offers trail access for skiers, boarders, hikers and bikers, featuring the “Crazy Mother” terrain park and a network of cross-country trails accessible from the base of the mountain. The ski/board season generally starts in mid-December lasting through the end of March, with lift service Fridays through Sundays, as well as most holidays. In late May, the mountain converts to a biker’s paradise with mountain bike lift-service to downhill and free ride trails. Visit the website for amenities, services, hours and conditions.

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4475 West Rd. 505-662-4500 www.losalamosnm.us/rec An outdoor ice-skating rink in a canyon setting adds to the winter fun. The ice rink is the only NHL regulationsized outdoor refrigerated rink in New Mexico. Open Nov.–March.

Leslie Bucklin

Los Alamos County Ice Rink

2760 Canyon Rd. 505-662-8170 www.losalamosnm.us/rec Swim in North America’s highest-altitude indoor Olympic-size pool. The pool is used by international competitors and families alike. Open 7 days/week, plus summer specials.

Leslie Bucklin

Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center

Los Alamos County Golf Course

Leslie Bucklin

4250 Diamond Dr. 505-662-8139 www.losalamosnm.us./rec Call to reserve tee times at one of New Mexico’s highest and most scenic courses. Located in the Jemez Mountains, the course currently offers a challenging 6,500-yard par 72, 18-hole layout. Future plans for this attraction include a new club house, as well as course-wide improvements to make this asset even more competitive. Open March–Nov.

Trails: If hiking, running, biking or rock climbing is your

Leslie Bucklin

preferred form of recreation, Los Alamos County has a trail—or outcropping—to match. When you’re at the visitor center be sure to grab a trail map, crafted by one of Los Alamos’ dedicated hikers, and explore some of the best Los Alamos has to offer.

Los Alamos hosts the oldest, continuously running sprint triathlon in the world.

www.visit.losalamos.com

Creative Spaces ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Leslie Bucklin

Tucked around to the side of the Historic Fuller Lodge is the Art Center which exhibits and sells work of regional artists.

Leslie Bucklin

Art abounds in Los Alamos and White Rock and plays a major role in community life. The towns are home to more than sixty organizations and educational programs dedicated to the arts and performing arts. Contact or visit one of the groups listed below for current events and activities.

The Art Center gift shop features local artisans.

Fuller Lodge Art Center 2132 Central Avenue, 505-662-1635, www.fullerlodgeartcenter.com Showcases and sells art by local and regional artisans, crafts fairs, classes, exhibits and gift shop.

The Art Gallery at Mesa Public Library 2400 Central Avenue, 505-662-8240, www.losalamosnm.us Designed by famed New Mexico architect Antoine Predock, the gallery features local artists’ exhibits and special programs.

Arts Council 505-663-0477, www.laartscouncil.org Sponsors seasonal Arts & Crafts Fairs, a spring Kite Festival, the Missoula Children’s Theater, Pumpkin Glow, Los Alamos Film Society, noon-time Brown Bag Performance Series and evening programs.

Los Alamos Concert Association 505-662-9000, www.losalamosconcert.org Bringing world class artists to the local stage since 1947. Presents five concerts per season in the Duane Smith Auditorium.

Dance Arts Los Alamos 505-672-9462, www.danceartslosalamos.org Features top dancers, including guest performers, as well as a winter production of “The Nutcracker” and a spring recital.

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Leslie Bucklin

LOS ALAMOS

Los Alamos hosts local and internationally renowned talent.

New Mexico Dance Theater & Performance Company 505-662-NMDT (6638), www.nmdt.org Presents pre-professional dancers who study with teachers and choreographers from around the world and perform three major works per year.

Los Alamos Historical Museum and Shop

1050 Bathtub Row, 505-662-6272, www.losalamoshistory.org Housed in an historic building, the museum features exhibits and books about the area’s geology, anthropology and history.

Los Alamos Little Theater

1870 Nectar, 505-662-5493, www.lalt.org Community theater at its best—from one-act plays to musical productions—featuring Los Alamos’ local talent, ages 6 to 96!

Gordon’s Concerts

Leslie Bucklin

505-661-4891, www.gordonssummerconcerts.com Produces free concerts by nationally-recognized musicians throughout the summer for the Los Alamos County Summer Concert Series in Los Alamos’ most scenic venues, and other concerts throughout the year.

Gordon’s Concerts Series hosts weekend outdoor concerts.

www.visit.losalamos.com

Calendar of Events WIN T E R

Leslie Bucklin

ALL WINTER Bandelier Night Walks, Solstice Hike www.nps.gov/band and X-Country Skiing DECEMBER Los Alamos WinterFest & www.visit.losalamos.com Holiday Light Parade Annual Affordable Arts Sale www.fullerlodgeartcenter.com “The Nutcracker Ballet” www.danceartslosalamos.org Holiday Symphony Concert http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/ group/laso_nm JANUARY New Year’s at the Ice Skate Rink www.losalamosnm.us/rec FEBRUARY Sweetheart Skate www.losalamosnm.us/rec Choral Performance www.losalamos.org/lacs

Santa waves from his sleigh at the Winterfest Holiday Light Parade.

SPRI N G

Leslie Bucklin

MARCH Skiesta APRIL National Park Service Week Earth Day Celebration Annual Dog Jog Atomic Man Duathlon Classical Symphony Concert MAY Choral Performance Kite Festival Spring Arts & Crafts Fair Memorial Day Golf Tournament Jemez Mountain Runs Pajarito Punishment Mountain Bike Races Deborah Beene Scholarship Recital MAY–OCTOBER Farmers’ Market (every Thurs.)

www.skipajarito.com www.nps.gov/band/index.htm www.pajaritoeec.org www.lafos.org/dogjog www.triatomics.org http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/ group/laso_nm www.losalamos.org/lacs www.laartscouncil.org www.laartscouncil.org www.losalamosnm.us/rec www.highaltitudeathletics.org www.nmmtb.org www.losalamos.org/rotary http://lanf.org/fm

Taking full advantage of the winds of May at the annual Kite Festival.

SUM M E R

Leslie Bucklin

JUNE SummerFest at Pajarito Ski Mountain www.skipajarito.com Nick Nogar Swim Meet www.losalamosnm.us/rec Run the Caldera www.highaltitudeathletics.org JUNE–JULY Atomic City Invitational Golf www.losalamosnm.us/rec Tournament JULY 4th of July Fireworks Celebration www.losalamos.kiwanisone.org Mud Volleyball Tournament www.losalamosnm.us/rec Tour de Los Alamos Bike Race www.tourdelosalamos.org Missoula Children’s Theater www.laartscouncil.org AUGUST County Fair & Rodeo www.losalamosnm.us/rec Annual Summer Arts & Crafts Fair www.fullerlodgeartcenter.com Annual Los Alamos Triathlon & Kids www.losalamosnm.us/rec Triathlon ALL SUMMER Bandelier Interpretive Programs/Nightwalks, www.nps.gov/band Campground Open Los Alamos Summer Concert Series www.gordonssummerconcerts.com

Pajarito Punishment

Climbing opportunities abound.

FALL SEPTEMBER Annual “Meltdown” Rock Climbing Competition SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER Ullr Fest: Hiking, Biking & Entertainment OCTOBER Pajarito Trail Fest Halloweekend Pumpkin Glow Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Fair NOVEMBER Ice Rink Opening Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair Classical Symphony Concert Ski Hill Opening

www.laymca.org www.skipajarito.com www.pajaritotrailfest.com www.losalamos.org/lacdc/ programs/mainstreet www.laartscouncil.org www.fullerlodgeartcenter.com www.losalamosnm.us/rec www.laartscouncil.org http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/ group/laso_nm www.skipajarito.com

YEAR R O U N D Bandelier Museum & Ranger led Walks Movies in the Park International Concert Series Los Alamos Golf Tournaments Activities for Seniors Hands-On Science Programs & Lectures Los Alamos Historical Society Lectures Public Lecture Series: Frontiers in Science Los Alamos Community Wind Concerts Native American Feast Days & Events

www.nps.gov/band www.losalamosnm.us/rec www.losalamosconcert.org www.losalamosnm.us/rec www.losalamos.com/lasc www.lanl.gov/museum www.losalamoshistory.org www.lanl.gov www.lacw.org www.enipc.org

For specific information and updates:

800.444.0707 or 505.662.8105 visit.losalamos.com/events

DAY TRIPS IN & AROUND LOS ALAMOS

Los Alamos County and Bandelier

Courtesy of Los Alamos County

Follow the trails of Los Alamos history from Puebloan culture to modern science; let the adventures begin!

Hikers climb one of the area’s steep canyon trails.

From Los Alamos townsite, take NM 502 down the “Main Hill” Road, stopping at the Anderson Overlook to take a photo of Tuck’s Table and the other flat-top mesas. Exit to SR 4 to the town of White Rock and stop at the new White Rock Visitor Center Complex (on the right, north side of the highway). Then, make a quick detour to the White Rock Overlook (just follow the blue signs) where, you’ll find a panoramic view of the Rio Grande and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Back on SR 4, turn left, heading west and follow the signs to Bandelier.

Allow at least two hours to explore Bandelier National Monument, taking a self-guided, 1.2-mile tour on paved trails. When you leave the park, go left on SR 4, then north on Route 501 passing through Los Alamos National Lab’s security checkpoints. Cross Omega Bridge, then turn right at Canyon Road (the third traffic light) to Los Alamos.

Leslie Bucklin

Drive a half mile on Canyon Road and veer right onto Central Avenue to Los Alamos’ downtown district. To your right is Ashley Pond and to your left is the Fuller Lodge Art Center and the Historical Museum & Shop. Two blocks further, at 15th and Central, is the Visitor Center and Bradbury Science Museum. Restaurants and shops are on every corner and parking is free! Make Los Alamos your hub as you explore northern Take in the local flavor of downtown. New Mexico.

Ask about the County’s NEW shuttle service to Bandelier at the White Rock Visitor Center Complex. White Rock Visitor Center Complex 505-672-3183 www.visit.losalamos.com

Leslie Bucklin

If time permits, explore the Tsankawi (SAN-kah-wee) District of Bandelier. From Los Alamos take NM 502 to SR 4 south and look for a gravel parking lot on the left side of the road just before the stoplight. Your Bandelier receipt covers entrance to this site and its 1.5 mile loop trail.

Visit the sculptures of Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer and General Leslie R. Groves outside Fuller Lodge.

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DAY TRIPS IN & AROUND LOS ALAMOS

Pueblos, Chimayó and Truchas Wind your way through ancient roads that lead you to authentic Northern New Mexican places and people. mileage round trip: 137.42 miles total driving time: 4 hrs.

NM Dept. of Tourism

Truchas (TRUE-chas) is a breathtaking location where Robert Redford filmed “The Milagro Beanfield War.” Notice in Las Trampas a magnificent adobe church made famous by a Georgia O’Keeffe painting. Continue on SR 76 to SR 75 at an elevation of 9,324 feet where Picuris (pick-your-REESE) Pueblo is located. There’s a bison herd and guided or selfguided tours are offered. Visit or call the visitor center (575-587-2519) for permits. Continue west on SR 75 for charming vineyards and quaint towns.

NM Dept. of Tourism

Drive east from Los Alamos on SR 502. Cross the Rio Grande; one mile on your left is the entrance to San Ildefonso Pueblo (505-455-3549). Visitors are welcome but are required to register at the visitor center. Next, continue east on SR 502 to Pojoaque (Poe-WAH-kee); exit north onto US 285/84 and drive 0.8 mile and turn right onto SR 503. Drive 4 miles to the entrance of Nambé (Nam-BAY) Pueblo on SR 101 (505-455-2036). Go to the Governor’s Office for self-guided tours. Or, if you prefer, take a short hike to Nambé Falls (open April–Oct.). Back on SR 503, drive about 10 minutes to SR 98 to Chimayó (Cheemy-OH). Watch for signs to the famous Santuario de Chimayó where thousands of people make the annual pilgrimage to this church on Good Friday. Chimayó is also home to several famous weaving families, shops and galleries. Continue on SR 98 and turn right on SR 76 for a rambling, scenic drive.

Santuario de Chimayó

At SR 68 turn left. Pass through Velarde where autumn offers delicious apples and bright red strings of chili ristras (REE-stras). Approaching Española, turn right onto Fairview Lane (SR 584), cross the Rio Grande again, then take a left on US 285/84 to SR 30 back to Los Alamos. On the way, stop at Santa Clara Pueblo, famous for its polished black and red pottery and the Puyé (Poo-YAY) Cliff Dwellings (www. legendsofamerica.com or 505-753-7326). Roadside Farmers’ Markets offer chili ristras.

www.visit.losalamos.com

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Leslie Bucklin

LOSLOS ALAMOS DAY TRIPS IN & AROUND ALAMOS

The landscape at Ghost Ranch.

Georgia O’Keeffe Country and Ojo Caliente mileage round trip: 175.50 miles total driving time: 4 hrs. 45 min.

Private pool at Ojo Caliente.

www.visit.losalamos.com

Courtesy of Ojo Caliente

Drive east from Los Alamos on SR 502, exit on SR 30 to Española, then continue north on US 84. The first stop is Georgia O’Keeffe’s home in Abiquiu (AB-bey-cue). Tours are given mid-March through November (505-685-4539); advance reservations are required. Continue on US 84 to the 21,000-acre Ghost Ranch Conference Center (www.ghostranch.org) and visit an ongoing paleontology quarry and several hiking trails. Afficionados of Georgia O’Keeffe’s artwork will note many of her landmarks here. Drive further north on US 84 and visit the Echo Amphitheater—a short hike takes you to its stage. Reverse back on US 84 to Abiquiu, then left onto State Road 554 for a rambling 12-mile drive through El Rito. Continue right on SR 554 for another 12 miles to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa (www.ojospa.com or 800-222-9162) and its famous hot springs and mineral pools. Then return to Los Alamos County.

Ojo Caliente’s hot stone massage.

see North-Central New Mexico map

DAY TRIPS IN & AROUND LOS ALAMOS

The Jemez adventure is as old as time itself. Explore the remnants of the volcanic events which took place millions of years ago, and more.

Leslie Bucklin

Rourk McDermott

Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway

Don Usner

mileage round trip: 98.80 miles total driving time: 2 hrs. 15 min. One of 8 official “byways” in the state, the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway has an abundance of scenic, natural, cultural and historic assets. This 132-mile loop accommodates most vehicles and offers a convenient and rewarding way to experience the best of Northern New Mexico—in just one day! Los Alamos is home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Research of national interest is conducted at the Lab. For security purposes, you will pass through the Security Perimeter on route to SR 4 and Jemez Springs. In most cases, you will not be required to show an ID. Be prepared to respond to security protocols when traveling within the Laboratory.

see Jemez Mtn. Nat. Scenic Byway map

1.800.444.0707

Leslie Bucklin

LOS ALAMOS

Hike to East Forks from the Las Conchas Trailhead.

Leslie Bucklin

Don Usner

Depart west from Los Alamos via State Road 501 and turn right onto State Road 4 (SR 4) toward Jemez (HEY-mess) Springs, traveling through Bandelier National Monument. The road leads up more than 1,000 feet through dense forest, cresting at an elevation of 9,000. It is at this point that the view will open up to reveal the incredible Valles Caldera, a volcanic crater with grazing elk and trails to fishing and hot springs. From here, continue on to Jemez Falls campground where a 1/4-mile easy hiking trail leads down to a lovely waterfall. Back on SR 4, see the majestic Battleship Rock (on left). A short, but steep, hike takes you to McCauley Warm Springs. Further along SR 4, you will see Soda Dam and then the Jemez State Monument, site of the historic pueblo and mission. If time permits, drive 5-1/2 miles to the Gilman Tunnels on SR 485 (a remnant of the old D&RG “Chili Line” railroad that ran in the early 1940’s). An extra three miles will take you to Ponderosa Valley Vineyard (575-834-7487) on SR 290 or the red rocks of Jemez Pueblo and Walatowa Visitor Center (575-834-7235) on SR 4. Return to Los Alamos to refresh, relax and regroup at one of our fine lodging establishments and Christmastime at Jemez State Monument eateries.

The Jemez River is both a destination and a guide for hikers.

www.visit.losalamos.com

CONNECT

EAT

PLAY

STAY For a complete listing of restaurants, local attractions, lodging and wifi/smart apps, visit: www.visit.losalamos.com

1.800.444.0707

THE ORIGINAL

ATOMIC BOMB T-SHIRT You have read about it. Maybe you have even seen it. Now you can have your own. The original Atomic Bomb T-Shirt (which we created). See our on-line selection or send $17 plus $5.00 shipping & handling to:

CB Fox P.O. Box 1119 Los Alamos, NM 87544 or call: (505) 662-2285

For the biggest selection of all kinds of Atomic Apparel come see us in person or at www.cbfox.com

CB FOX HOURS: Mon. – Sat. 9am–5pm 1735 Central Ave., 1 block west of the science museum.

This Store’s Booming. It supplies what’s prized and needed: Variety that goes well past expectation. Proven quality for the heart of this market. Find it on 3 floors, not just one: CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR & OUTERWEAR FOR EVERY AGE...EVERY AGE! FURNITURE & MATTRESSES, LUGGAGE, BACKPACKS,TRAVEL ACCESSORIES UNDERWEAR ‘N SOCKS...LOTIONS, SOAPS, GELS, WORLD-CLASS CHOCOLATES & CONFECTIONS

WWW.CBFOX.COM JUST VISIT, IT’S IMPRESSIVE.

CB FOX 1735 CENTRAL. LOS ALAMOS. 87544 • 505.662.2864 WWW.CBFOX.COM

www.visitlosalamos.com

NOBODY

takes care of you

LIKE STATE FARM. Lou Santoro, Agent Los Alamos, NM 87544-4020 Bus: 505-661-0600 lou.santoro.nz8q@statefarm.com

The feel of home away from home

Reasonable Rates

Wireless DSL

non-smoking

80 Canyon Road 505-662-9595 1-800-662-2565 Ken & Glenda Ashley, Owners www.canyoninnbnb.com

Open 7 days

MADE FROM SCRATCH BAKED FRESH YUMMY BAGELS

Gourmet Sandwiches Fruit Smoothies Pastries and Coffee

1789 Central Los Alamos, NM 87544 next to starbucks

505-662-YUMM

BIG TASTE!

Bagels so yummy, you have to eat the hole thing!

Retreat, Relax, Rejuvenate

11 Sulfur-free Mineral Pools • Seasonal Mud Pool Enchanting Suites & Cottages • Full-service Spa Restaurant & Wine Bar • Yoga, Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails

505.583.2233

ojospa.com

Just north of Los Alamos on US 285. Hot Springs open daily 8 am - 10 pm.

1.800.444.0707

Depend On Us.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, we offer a full range of services backed by our company and our agents. We are committed to providing the finest real estate service available with a personal touch. You can depend on us.

TEL 505-662-5551

FAX 505-662-3070

2610 Trinity, #4, Box 567, Los Alamos, NM 87544 www.marydealrealty.com

Old Fashioned Comfort Food

homemade mashed potatoes • chicken fried steak • half lb. hand formed burgers • all you can eat seasoned fries • banana cream pie • maple bourbon pecan pie • largest dinner salad in town • four homemade soups daily • Prime Rib Night fri. and sat.

HILL DINER 7 days a week, 11am-8pm 1315 trinity dr. 662-9745

www.visitlosalamos.com

http://www.labluewindowbistro.com/ 813 Central Avenue, (505) 662-6305 Mon.-Fri. 11 am to 2:30 pm & 5-9 pm; Sat. 5-9 pm The Los Alamos Visitors’ Guide Los Alamos Meeting and Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 460, VG2012 Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544 800-444-0707 • 505-662-8105 visit.losalamos.com Published for the Los Alamos Meeting and Visitor Bureau and the Los Alamos Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board, ©2012 Designed and Produced by Griffin and Associates, Albuquerque, NM Contributing Photographers: Leslie E. Bucklin, Beto Carlson, Rob Dixon, Jeff Hylock, Rourke McDermott, Craig Martin, Michael Mudd, LeRoy Sanchez, LANL and Don Usner Maps: Andrea Kron Special Thanks to: Linda Deck, Rob Dixon, Jason Lott (LTAB), Beto Carlson, Eve and Gordon Spencer [LACDC], and Kelly Stewart [LAC] Every effort was made to ensure accuracy in the information provided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.

1.800.444.0707

Transform in

Get back to your relaxed self and recharge. For a full listing of happenings, go to

www.Taos.org

PAULA VALENTINE

Member FDIC

1200 Trinity Dr. Los Alamos, NM 87544

77 Rover Blvd. Los Alamos, NM 87544

Full Service Banking • • • •

International Currency Exchange • Money Orders & Cashier’s Signature Guarantees Checks Wire Transfers • ATM’s Notary Public • And So Much More!

Hours: M-Th 9 am - 5 pm • Fri 9 am - 6 pm • Sat 9 am - noon • M-F 9 am-6 pm (Rover Location) Drive Up Hours: M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm • Sat 9 am - noon LANB.com (505) 662-5171 (800) 684-5262

www.visitlosalamos.com

LAVisitorsGuide_Layout 1 10/14/11 9:54 AM Page 1

Do you know how “Bathtub Row” got its name?

We do! That’s because we were founded by Los Alamos Scientific Labs employees in 1954. To learn more about DNCU history, visit www.dncu.org 1000 Trinity Drive

35 Rover Boulevard, Suite T

Los Alamos

White Rock

Los Alamos’s newest 86 room hotel & suites. FREE high speed internet. Indoor pool, whirlpool & fitness center. 24 hour business center. Meeting rooms. Refrigerator & microwaves in suites. Sundries shop. All rooms have hair dryers, coffee makers, iron & ironing board. Holiday Inn Express’ hot start breakfast. Extended stay rooms.

60 Entrada Drive Los Alamos, NM 87544

1-800-HOLIDAY www.hiexpress.com 505.661.2646

1.800.444.0707

of Los Alamos Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. 505.662.6789 | 800.987.7764 www.remaxoflosalamos.com info@remaxoflosalamos.com 108 Central Park Square – next to the Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center

Residential | Relocation | Land | Commercial | Rental

Los Alamos County Facts and Figures Population: 18,091 Albuquerque Location: 93 miles north of (1.5 hrs) ta Fe 35 miles northwest of San (.5 hrs) s 65 miles southwest of Tao (1.0 hr) Elevation: 7,355 feet and mild Climate and Temperature: Dry 18° F in of climate with an average low of 80° F in h hig e rag ave January and an per year. July. 340 days of sunshine al precipitaPrecipitation: Average annu ember through tion is 19 inches. From Nov to 6 inches per March, snowfall averages 5 month. port: is a The Los Alamos County Air ving private, general aviation airport ser Avgas is ft. business and charter aircra ice pump erv f-s sel a h oug available thr sy car are and rental cars and a courte l 505-662available on site. Please cal nearest . The 8420 for more information Fe Airport ta San is t por commercial air minute drive. which is approximately a 45 onal Sunport The Albuquerque Internati d is serviced is only 90 minutes away an to cities by numerous airlines flying throughout the US. in 2011: Median value of homes sold $260,000 ls, many B&Bs, Hospitality: 6 hotels/mote ts and cafes. and more than 37 restauran os.com Info: www.LocateInLosAlam

www.visitlosalamos.com

Service Listings ACCOMMODATIONS Back Porch Bed & Breakfast 13 Karen Circle

1-505-672-9816 cbsawebb@hotmail.com

Best Western Hilltop House Hotel 505-662-2441, 1-800-462-0936 400 Trinity Dr. at Central www.bwhilltop.com Canyon Inn 80 Canyon Rd.

505-662-9595 1-800-662-2565 www.canyoninnbnb.com

Comfort Inn 2455 Trinity Dr.

505-661-1110 1-800-4Choice gm.nm152@choicehotels.com

Hampton Inn & Suites 124 State Rd. 4

505-672-3838 1-866-662-0620 www.LosAlamos.HamptonInn.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 60 Entrada Drive

1-800-HOLIDAY www.hiexpress.com 505.661.2646

North Road Inn 2127 North Rd. at Urban St.

505-662-3678 www.northroadinn.com

ATTRACTIONS Fuller Lodge Art Center Shop & Exhibits 2132 Central Ave.

505-662-1635 www.fullerlodgeartcenter.com facebook.com/fullerlodgeartcenter

Bandelier National Monument Camping available.

505-672-3861 ext. 517 www.nps.gov/band

Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce 109 Central Park Sq.

505-662-8105 www.visit.losalamos.com

Los Alamos County Recreation Division 2760 Canyon Rd.

505-662-8173 www.losalamosnm.us/rec

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area 397 Camp May Road

505-662-5725 www.skipajarito.com

Valles Caldera National Preserve P.O. Box 359 Jemez Springs, NM 87025

1-866-382-5537 www.vallescaldera.gov

White Rock Tourist Info. Center 505-672-3183, 1-800-444-0707 35 Rover Blvd., Ste. D, White Rock www.visit.losalamos.com White Rock Visitor Center Complex on SR4 to open in 2012

LIBRARIES/BOOKSTORES Bandelier National Monument

505-672-3861 ext. 515, 516

Mesa Public Library 2400 Central Avenue

505 662-8240 or 662-8253 www.losalamosnm.us/library

White Rock Branch Library 133 Longview Drive

505 662-8265 www.losalamosnm.us/library

Otowi Station Bookstore & Science Museum Shop 1350 Central Ave.

505-662-9589 www.otowistation.com

For a comprehensive list of businesses, contact the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce at www.losalamoschamber.com or 505-662-8105 or the Los Alamos Meeting and Visitors Bureau at 800-444-0707 or 505-662-8105 or www.visit.losalamos.com.

1.800.444.0707

LOS ALAMOS

CHURCHES

Bethlehem Lutheran Church ELCA 2390 North Road

505-662-5151 www.bethluth.com Pastor Bruce Kuenzel

Hope Fellowship UPCI Call for Location

505-662-HOPE (4673) www.HopeActs.com Pastor Allen Weiser

FINANCIAL

Del Norte Credit Union 1000 Trinity Drive

505-455-5228 www.dncu.org

Los Alamos National Bank 1200 Trinity Drive 77 Rover Blvd.

505-662-5171 800-684-5262 LANB.com

State Farm Insurance Lou Santoro 110 Central Park Sq.

505-661-0600 505-661-0610 (fax) lou.santoro.nz8q@statefarm.com

HEALTH AND FITNESS Los Alamos Fitness Center 771 Central Ave. Unit #28

505-662-LAFC (5232) www.losalamosfitness.com

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

505-583.2233 www.ojospa.com

HUNTING & FISHING Land of Enchantment Guides Guided Fly Fishing

505-629-5688 www.loeflyfishing.com

MEDIA | INTERNET SERVICES

KRSN AM 1490 505-663-1490 “Kommunity Radio Station Now” www.KRSNAM1490.com 3801 Arkansas Suite E Tune in to 1610 AM Emergency Broadcast Radio for updates.

MEDICAL

Los Alamos Medical Center 3917 West Rd.

MUSEUMS

505-662-4201 www.losalamosmedicalcenter.com

Bandelier National Monument Museum

www.nps.gov/band

Bradbury Science Museum 15th St. and Central Ave.

505-667-4444 505-665-6932 (fax) www.lanl.gov/museum

Los Alamos Historical Museum Central at Bathtub Row

505-662-6272, 505-662-4493 www.losalamoshistory.org

REAL ESTATE

Los Alamos Inc., Realtors 2101 Trinity Dr., Ste. D

505-661-1200 www.LosAlamosHouses.com

Los Alamos Properties, LLC 1475 Central Ave., Ste. 150

505-662-0930 losalamosproperties@msn.com

www.visit.losalamos.com

Service Listings REAL ESTATE (cont.) Mary Deal Realty 2610 Trinity #4, Box 567

505-662-5551 www.marydealrealty.com

RE/MAX of Los Alamos 108 Central Park Sq.

505-662-6789 1-800-987-7764 www.remaxoflosalamos.com

Suzie Havemann - RE/MAX 108 Central Park Sq.

505-662-6789x18 505-412-1620 (cell) www.suziehavemann.com

RESTAURANTS Blue Window Bistro 813 Central Ave. DeColores Restaurant 2470 East Rd.

505-662-6305 www.labluewindowbistro.com

The Hill Diner 1315 Trinity Dr.

505-662-9745 www.thehilldiner.com

Ruby K’s Bagel Café 1789 Central Ave., Ste. 2

505-662-9866(yumm) yum@rubykbagel.com

505-662-6285

SHOPPING/SERVICES Aspen Copies & Office Supplies 1907 Central Ave. FedEx Authorized Ship Center

505-661-3008 www.aspencopies.com

CB Fox 1735 Central Ave.

505-662-2864 www.cbfox.com

Pet Pangaea LLC 158 Central Park Sq.

505-661-1010 www.petpangaea.com

UPEX UPS & FedEx Shipping/Copies 505-662-3119 Bennett’s Fine Jewelry 505-662-7145 106 & 107 Central Park Sq.

TOURS

Tour the Atomic City with Buffalo Tours P. O. Box 726

TRANSIT

Atomic City Transit

505-662-3965 www.buffalotoursla.com

www.losalamosnm.us/transit

Rides are Free!

TOWN OF TAOS

Taos Visitor Center 1139 Paseo del Pueblo Sur

575-758-3873 or 1-800-348-0696 or www.taos.org/visitor-center

1.800.444.0707

Learn About Los Alamos From a Trusted Local!

Suzie Havemann Associate Broker, GREEN, CRS, Hall of Fame 505.412.1620 SuzieH@REALTOR.com www.suziehavemann.com

> Exceptional Service > Superb Market Knowledge > Experience That Adds Value

of Los Alamos 108 Central Park Square 505.662.6789 x18

www.visitlosalamos.com

505-662-8105 800-444-0707 visit.losalamos.com

PAID

Los Alamos, NM PERMIT #152

PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage

Meeting & Visitor Bureau P.O. Box 460, VG Los Alamos, NM 87544

LOS ALAMOS

For Work or Play, The Best Place to Stay Close to LANL, Bandelier & Valles Caldera

At the gateway to the Jemez Mountains & close to some of the state’s best outdoor recreation sites, we offer spacious rooms & suites with great amenities, including: • Complimentary hot breakfast • Evening Snacks • Free WiFi & High Speed Internet • 70 HD Channels with HBO • Hair dryer, coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator • Fitness center with sauna • 24 hr. Business Center Los Alamos/White Rock

124 State Road 4 • 505-672-3838 www.LosAlamos.HamptonInn.com

For reservations call 866-662-0620