While the Land of Enchantment is overflowing with towns filled with natural oases, Los Alamos is unique in the fact that it’s home to three national sites. If you’re looking to experience the great outdoors, and history on a local and national level, and embark on a new adventure, this nature town is the perfect place to get a breath of fresh air. Los Alamos might be home to many scientific discoveries, but if you’re looking to visit a national park in New Mexico, don’t just settle for one – go for the gold with all three of these great natural wonders!

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

It's well known that Los Alamos is the home of the atomic bomb and other world-changing scientific discoveries, but this beautiful town is also home to some of New Mexico's best nature spots, including three national sites. These three unique sites are also a glimpse into the past unlike any other.
Larry Lamsa/Flickr
Bandelier National Monument is possibly the most popular and well-known of the New Mexico national parks. With over 33,000 acres of canyon, mesa, and ancient dwellings of Ancestral Pueblo people, you could easily spend a few days taking in all there is to offer.
Mike O/TripAdvisor
The site was named after Adolph Bandelier, an anthropologist who spent much time and effort researching and preserving the culture of the site. Besides taking in the sacred history of the Ancestral Pueblo archeological sites, you can take in the beauty of the canyons, and trek along over 70 miles of the best hiking trails in New Mexico.
Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center, 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Mike O/TripAdvisor
The elevation at Bandelier National Monument can change quite drastically depending on where you're hiking, so we advise you to bring plenty of water and dress for hot temperatures. This national park in New Mexico is known for its extremes!
Speaking of historic sites, Valles Caldera National Preserve is home to a volcanic site that erupted millions of years ago. Now, part of the site is home to the town of Jemez Springs, and within it, you'll find a 13-mile circular preserve that is known as Valles Caldera.
Jayjay P/Flickr
This volcanic site is known for its glorious meadows, mountains, and abundant wildlife. After the eruption, the ground sank inward, creating an incredibly lush landscape.
While exploring this supervolcano, you can learn about the prehistoric cabins and the ranching history of the natives that resided here long ago. The preserve is also home to much wildlife, and if you get there early enough, you'll see one of the largest elk herds in the state.
Valles Caldera National Preserve, 39201 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA
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There's no denying that Valles Caldera National Preserve is home to some fantastically unique landscapes, especially for New Mexico!
The newest national park in New Mexico is the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Here you can dive into the science, technology, and events that took place during WWII in Los Alamos that ultimately led to the creation of the atomic bomb.
cedar4604/TripAdvisor
While this site is more of a museum, you will learn the story of the people and science of the time and how Los Alamos played a role in ending WWII.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park (Los Alamos Site) - Visitor Contact Station, 475 20th St, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Kanbaatar/TripAdvisor
The Manhattan Project National Historical Park is truly unique when it comes to New Mexico's museums - and is one-of-a-kind when it comes to national history museums.
For an incredible glimpse into the past, as well as the nature you crave, why settle for just one park? These three national sites in Los Alamos, New Mexico will blow you away.
alexandram522/TripAdvisor
To learn more about Los Alamos, its fantastic parks, and its unique history, check out the video below.
OnlyInYourState/YouTube

For even more information about these three national parks in New Mexico, check out the Visit Los Alamos website. There you will find detailed guides not only about hours and fees, but the wealth of other things to see, do, and enjoy in the area. Like this easy hiking trail! You can also find more hikes on AllTrails+.

Have you been to any of these national sites in Los Alamos? What’s your favorite? What are you looking forward to? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your outdoor adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!

If you still haven’t had quite enough New Mexico nature, here is your bucket list for hiking the Land of Enchantment, coordinated by month – along with some of our favorite hikes to get out and experience around the state.

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Where can I find some good hiking trails in New Mexico?

There are not just good, but AWESOME hiking trails all over New Mexico! From north to south, east to west, you’re sure to find something that fits your ability level and scenic desires. Among them are the:

  • Crater Rim Trail
  • Bisti Badlands Trail
  • Osha Trail
  • McCauley Hot Springs Trail

 

...just to name a few! Some of these spots also have feeder trails that loop in, and/or lead to waterfalls so you have a lot of options. Grab your boots, pack some water, take along a friend or two, and enjoy some of the most beautiful trails found in the Land of Enchantment.

I’m looking for a good brewery in Albuquerque.

There are lots of great breweries in Albuquerque, but if you’d like to try something a bit different, head on over to La Reforma Brewery. Located about 13 minutes north of downtown off of Interstate 25, it's not just a brewery but rather a taqueria and a distillery! This is an awesome combination and one of the things that makes this place so popular. But since you said you want to come for the beers, you will be very excited to learn that they offer a wide range of house and seasonal varieties that are very different from what you might find anywhere else in town. Cheers!

Where is the New Mexico State capitol?

The New Mexico State capitol building is located in Santa Fe and it is unlike any other in the country. First, it is the only state capitol building that is round, earning it the nickname “The Roundhouse.” And it is also an outstanding art museum. All over the building, you will find multifarious works by numerous New Mexico artists and as you amble around, you’ll even forget that you are in a government structure. Plan to spend at least two hours here, as there is so much to see. It truly is one of the most fantastic structures in the state.

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