Golf
At the los alamos county golf course (http://www.losalamosnm.us/golf), an exceptional golfing experience at 7,400'. operated by the los alamos county recreation division the golf course offers a full driving range, passes and daily fees, carts, a full concession, and is able to host any and all tournaments.
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Bandelier National Monument, 505 672-3861, (http://www.nps.gov/band/), is nearby and contains many Pueblo dwelling ruins to visit and other hiking opportunities. Don't forget to visit the separate Tsankawi unit of Bandelier, which is equally fascinating, but less visited. The latest hike to be opened at Bandelier is the Cerro Grande hike that rises up to the rim of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The hike climbs 900 feet through beautiful forest and meadow and provides spectacular views of the surrounding area for miles around.
Trails.
Los alamos county boasts 58 miles of pedestrian/bicycle/equestrian trails through town (http://www.losalamosnm.us...){4e8595b0-32e2-4ebc-8b18-28b5df428961} (http://visit.losalamos.co...) and connecting to hundreds of miles of cross-country trails in the surrounding santa fe national forest. trails west and north of townsite were damaged severely by tree falls and erosion after the catastrophic cerro grande forest fire in 2000, but thanks to the hard work of many volunteers, trail damage has been repaired. since 2006, each spring a 50-mile ultramarathon foot race has been held on these trails. a pleasant at least until summer heat sets in set of connecting trails lead into white rock canyon from several points around white rock, they are know as the red dot & blue dot trails. beware of rattlesnakes in white rock canyon. a good resource for mountain bike riding is the local mountain biking club, the tuff riders (http://tuffriders.losalam...) who know the area inside and out and are always willing to provide information. free maps are available at the visitors center; (http://visit.losalamos.com/) other maps can be purchased at otowi station bookstore beside the bradbury museum and mesa public library has a complete collection of usgs topographic maps of new mexico.
Santa Fe National Forest lies west and north of the town and offers many recreation opportunities such as hiking and exploring four-wheel drive roads. The reference book below gives more details. SFNF trails connecting to the Los Alamos trails network include:
Alpine and Nordic Skiing
A very good and surprisingly challenging downhill ski area is on pajarito mountain (http://www.skipajarito.com/) just outside town. snow conditions can be marginal indeed, during the drought years at the end of the 20th century, there were seasons when the area didn't open for months, or even at all; winter 2005-6 is such a time, alas, but when the snow is good, it's excellent value for dollar, with very small crowds. rentals are available and a good lunch can be had. cross-country ski trails are accessible from the same parking lot as services the downhill area; however, snow conditions are more likely to be marginal or not skiable than on the higher downhill runs. the area often runs its lifts during the summer to allow hikers, mountain bikers, etc., access to the top of the mountain. camp may is a county park just beyond the ski area that is nice for picnics during the height of early summer heat, but skip it if you're prone to respiratory problems, as it's at very high altitude.
Swim
At the larry r. walkup aquatic center (http://www.losalamosnm.us...), an international, high-altitude training facility and public pool. it is an indoor facility. on wacky wednesdays, freaky fridays, and warm water weekends, the aquatic center has special recreational programs featuring pool toys and floating obstacle course. the separate warm therapy pool is very popular with families with small children all week long. in summer months, one-month family memberships can be purchased for use of one of several outdoor pool clubs. golf course pool and east park pool serve lunch.
Soak
In the hot therapy pool at larry r. walkup aquatic center (http://www.losalamosnm.us/swim). the therapy pool water is cholorinated; to soak without chorine travel to one of the undeveloped hot springs on the mountain above town, to developed hot springs in jemez springs or ojo caliente, or to ten thousand waves in santa fe.
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Valles Caldera National Preserve, a brand-new unit of the national park system in the Jemez Mountains. Recreational opportunities at the Preserve are still being developed; inquire locally. When driving up to the Jemez Mountains from Los Alamos on HWY 501/W. Jemez Rd., you will encounter what is locally known as "Bodman's Blocked Colon," a kink in the road with a "toll booth" like structure that provides security for the Los Alamos National Laboratory . Do not fear proceeding through the security entrance as it is open to the public unless security warning levels rise to most extreme levels. You will be able to continue on 501 unhindered; no stop is required under normal security conditions. How many places can you go and drive through a high security National Nuclear Research Laboratory site?
Ice Skate
At the los alamos county ice rink (http://www.losalamosnm.us/rink), a seasonal outdoor nhl regulation size ice skating facility. operated by the los alamos county recreation division the rink offers youth and adult hockey, public skating, skating lessons, holiday events, and a full concession stand.
Los Alamos Concert Association
For a small town, Los Alamos attracts some very good musical groups, particularly in the classical genre. The Los Alamos Concert Association (http://www.losalamosconce...) runs a subscription series of concerts by internationally-known classical performers. The professional Santa Fe Desert Chorale and non-professional but very good Sangre de Cristo Chorale (http://www.sdc-chorale.org/) and Coro de Camara perform choral music. Popular concerts occur frequently in the main community shopping center, and there are "coffeehouses" on several Friday nights a year at Fuller Lodge; inquire locally for details.
Los Alamos Festival, Fair and Rodeo.
Los alamos county recreation division (http://www.losalamosnm.us/rec), on the second weekend of august friday-sunday, los alamos holds it's annual festival, fair and rodeo. musical and rodeo events happen each day. on saturday, an arts & crafts fair can be found on the east lawn of fuller lodge, sponsored by the art center at fuller lodge (http://www.artfulnm.org/). a hometown parade goes down central avenue on saturday.
Orienteer.
From spring to fall and occasionally winter the new mexico orienteers (http://www.nm-orienteers.org/) hold monthly public orienteering meets in the scenic local canyons and forest. no experience needed; training is provided. see orienteering in new mexico.
Fly
Take lessons from a private instructor or take a ride with a charter pilot operating out of the tiny but air force one capable los alamos airport.
Los Alamos Events Calendar.
Check this calendar (http://visit.losalamos.co...) for current or future events.
Los Alamos High Altitude Sports.
Check this calendar (http://www.lahighaltitude...) for sports and recreation opportunities in the area.
Clubs and organizations
The Los Alamos Sportsmans Club
Provides instruction and a place to safely enjoy all shooting activities.
Caldera Action!
The organization fosters active citizen participation in the restoration, protection, and appreciation of the valles caldera national preserve, for the long-term benefit of the place itself, the american public, and visitors from around the world. the group keeps it's membership appraised of any proposed activities and action of the valles caldera trust board and provides opportunites for input into the public decision making processes of the trust, including those based on national environmental policy act or nepa process activities.
Our Los Alamos
Provides information about the town, business, events & activities, and some local news.
The Los Alamos Mountaineers
Founded in 1952 the club is devoted to mountain climbing, hiking, travel and hut trips. the mountaineers' monthly meetings are at fuller lodge generally on the third wednesday of every month, at 7:30pm. the meetings provide information on recent club trips and on new trips coming up on the schedule. they also feature a slide show program on an outdoor activity by club members or invited speakers. members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings. the mountaineers run a top notch climbing school program each spring. if you are looking for climbs in the region, these are the folks to contact.
The Los Alamos Ski Club
Is a non-profit community based recreation club which owns and operates the pajarito mountain ski area of los alamos.
The New Mexico Orienteers
Are based in los alamos and hold orienteering meets regularly from march to october. winter meets are occationally held.
There are a surprising number of club and organizations in Los Alamos, something for everyone. Here are just a few to connect with in no particular order.
The Triatomics
Is a multisport / triathlon club. organizers of the atomic man duathlon which is held the last sunday in april.
Los Alamos County Recreation Division
Is a county run recreation division that offers a world class aquatic center, outdoor regulation nhl size ice skating rink, and a competitive golf course. additionally the los alamos county recreation division hosts the longest continuously running triathlon the los alamos triathlon held the third saturday in august. they also host the los alamos kids triathlon held the third sunday in august.
The Tuff Riders
Encourage and participate in responsible mountain biking while working to preserve access to recreational trails. don't let the name fool you, they welcome all new members, including beginners. if your trying to get a handle on the regions plethra of mountain biking trails, these are the folks to talk to.
The Valles Caldera Rim Trails Project
Is a grassroots effort to create a system of interconnected trails around the rim of the valles caldera national preserve.
Los Amigos de Valles Caldera
Or "friends of the valles caldera" is devoted to supporting the valles caldera national preserve through fundraising and volunteer programs. the group is currently preparing for an environmental restoration project on the preserve as well as other projects. activities and outings into the valles caldera are scheduled periodically.
Los Alamos Online Visitor Guide
Is maintained by the los alamos chamber of commerce and includes maps, area information, an events calendar, and a searchable business directory.
The High Altitude Athletics Club
Is devoted to long distance running. the following events are planned: jemez mountain trail runs 50 mi, 50k, half-marathon in may 17, 2008, the pajarito trail runs festival oct. 11, 2008, run the caldera! in the valles caldera national preserve date tba.
The Southwest Nordic Ski Club
The purpose of the club is to encourage involvement in cross country skiing, both recreational and racing. they accomplish this by holding clinics and races, maintaining a trail system, and providing information on the xc ski scene in northern new mexico.
The Los Alamos Concert Association
A non-profit organization that presents five concerts per season in the duane smith auditorium on the los alamos high school campus.
The Los Alamos Community Winds
Is a wind ensemble made up of members of the los alamos, nm community. they are comprised of both amateur and professional musicians of all ages and backgrounds from middle and high school students to retirees in our area.
The Pajarito Group of the Sierra Club
Frequent hiking opportunites can be found on their calendar.
LA Walks
A citizens' group supporting pedestrian safety, accessibility, convenience, and comfort throughout the community.
PEEC
P.e.e.c - "pajarito environmental education center" offers classes for all ages, books, local & regional hiking maps, activities, lectures, events and more. if caring for the environment is your thing, this is the place for you.
Zia Spacemodelers
(http://web.mouser.org/zia...) launch rockets 3rd sunday each month except december.
Pajarito Astronomers
Hold public observing sessions dark nights, where you can observe selected solar-system objects, colorful double stars, galaxies, gaseous nebulae, open star clusters, and globular star clusters.
Los Alamos High Altitude Sports
Gives you the run down on recreation and sports related activities in the area.
Northern New Mexico Radio Control Car Club
Holds car races year round in white rock.