Los Alamos

Los Alamos is a community on four mesas of the Pajarito Plateau near Santa Fe in New Mexico. The town sits between the Rio Grande and the Valles Caldera at roughly 2,231 meters (7,320 feet) elevation and combines residential areas with scientific facilities.

The US Department of War selected the Los Alamos Ranch School site in 1942 as the location for secret atomic weapons research. The facility developed the first atomic bombs as part of the Manhattan Project.

The Los Alamos History Museum tells the story of the community from Pueblo peoples through the development of atomic research during World War II. Visitors can discover murals around downtown that commemorate the scientific achievements and regional history.

Hiking and biking trails cross the surrounding canyons and plateaus with different difficulty levels. The Pajarito Mountain Ski Area offers downhill options in winter not far from downtown.

The town sits on volcanic tuff rock that Manhattan Project scientists used to build underground laboratories. Bandelier National Monument borders the community directly and displays ancient Pueblo dwellings in the same rock walls.

Location: Los Alamos County

Elevation above the sea: 2,231 m

Website: https://losalamosnm.us/cms/one.aspx?portalid=6435810&pageid=6509934

GPS coordinates: 35.89111,-106.29778

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:02