Here in New Mexico, there’s so much to see and do in the fall. The entire state is set ablaze with vibrant color and fall festivals abound. Our small towns are particularly beautiful in the autumn season, but one place you may not think about – Los Alamos – is especially inviting this time of year. Not only does this part of Northern New Mexico glow with exquisite fall color, there is plenty of open space in which to enjoy it.
Add some adventure
Larry Lamsa/Flickr Many folks associate Los Alamos solely with research and the nation’s nuclear history. However, it’s so much more. Los Alamos offers ample outdoor opportunities, history, culture, and art. Any, or all, of these options make for an enjoyable fall adventure.
Add Some Color
mark_mark/Flickr Autumn is about more than just crisp, cool air. It’s also the time of year when visitors and locals alike flock to Los Alamos to catch site of the area’s stunning and majestic fall colors. The fall colors are at their most vibrant during the first two weeks of October.
Take a drive
GlennProspectHts_Il /TripAdvisor The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway takes you the “back way” to Los Alamos, from San Ysidro Pueblo through the hot springs village of Jemez Springs, Jemez Pueblo, and past the Valles Caldera. This drive provides optimum leaf peeping and opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Marvel at the views
David F./TripAdvisor The views in Los Alamos are second-to-none. Since you will be 7,300 feet up, you have the incredible opportunity to see 360 degrees of breathtaking scenery.
Take a hike
Andrea Peterson/AllTrails The wide-open outdoors is one of the big draws of the Los Alamos area. Whether you are up for a day-long adventure or a simple out-and-back walk, you can find it here. Mountain bikers will appreciate the trails here too.
Get some culture
Phillip Capper/Flickr The adventures offered in Los Alamos during the fall stretch beyond just the scenic value. Los Alamos is the gateway to three National Park sites—Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
Watch for wildlife
Larry Lamsa/Flickr The Valle Caldera is known for its mountain meadows and meandering streams, but also its wildlife. Be on the lookout for prairie dogs, coyotes, black bears, and even golden eagles. Elk roam the volcanic depressions too. In fact, the caldera is home to the second largest elk population in New Mexico.
Take a tour
Elizabeth B /TripAdvisor If you’re up for a bit of history, take a self-guided walking tour of the town, or visit the Manhattan Project National Historic Park. Both activities will broaden your knowledge of the Atomic Age.
Don’t forget lunch
Justin M./Yelp After partaking in all the activities around Los Alamos, you’re sure to get hungry. Try one of the local lunch spots. The Blue Window Bistro is a long-standing favorite, offering everything from salads and sandwiches to tacos and New Mexican favorites.
Don’t forget to go back
JemezSprings/TripAdvisor Whatever your idea of adventure, you’ll find it in Los Alamos, this fall and all year long. For complete information about Los Alamos, including suggested itineraries and scenic fall drives, see visitlosalamos.org.
For more beautiful fall destinations in New Mexico, check out our previous article: This Dreamy Road Trip Will Take You To The Best Fall Foliage In All Of New Mexico.
Larry Lamsa/Flickr
Many folks associate Los Alamos solely with research and the nation’s nuclear history. However, it’s so much more. Los Alamos offers ample outdoor opportunities, history, culture, and art. Any, or all, of these options make for an enjoyable fall adventure.
mark_mark/Flickr
Autumn is about more than just crisp, cool air. It’s also the time of year when visitors and locals alike flock to Los Alamos to catch site of the area’s stunning and majestic fall colors. The fall colors are at their most vibrant during the first two weeks of October.
GlennProspectHts_Il /TripAdvisor
The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway takes you the “back way” to Los Alamos, from San Ysidro Pueblo through the hot springs village of Jemez Springs, Jemez Pueblo, and past the Valles Caldera. This drive provides optimum leaf peeping and opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.
David F./TripAdvisor
The views in Los Alamos are second-to-none. Since you will be 7,300 feet up, you have the incredible opportunity to see 360 degrees of breathtaking scenery.
Andrea Peterson/AllTrails
The wide-open outdoors is one of the big draws of the Los Alamos area. Whether you are up for a day-long adventure or a simple out-and-back walk, you can find it here. Mountain bikers will appreciate the trails here too.
Phillip Capper/Flickr
The adventures offered in Los Alamos during the fall stretch beyond just the scenic value. Los Alamos is the gateway to three National Park sites—Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
The Valle Caldera is known for its mountain meadows and meandering streams, but also its wildlife. Be on the lookout for prairie dogs, coyotes, black bears, and even golden eagles. Elk roam the volcanic depressions too. In fact, the caldera is home to the second largest elk population in New Mexico.
Elizabeth B /TripAdvisor
If you’re up for a bit of history, take a self-guided walking tour of the town, or visit the Manhattan Project National Historic Park. Both activities will broaden your knowledge of the Atomic Age.
Justin M./Yelp
After partaking in all the activities around Los Alamos, you’re sure to get hungry. Try one of the local lunch spots. The Blue Window Bistro is a long-standing favorite, offering everything from salads and sandwiches to tacos and New Mexican favorites.
JemezSprings/TripAdvisor
Whatever your idea of adventure, you’ll find it in Los Alamos, this fall and all year long. For complete information about Los Alamos, including suggested itineraries and scenic fall drives, see visitlosalamos.org.
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