About Los Alamos

Translated from Spanish, Los Alamos means "The Cottonwoods." Los Alamos, New Mexico, is a place of ancient village sites, spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, uncommon high-altitude recreational opportunities, small town friendliness, world-class cultural activities, fascinating history, and world-changing technology development. Visit us and you will make your own discoveries at every turn in the road, bend in the trail, and visit to one of our many attractions.

Geography and Climate

Los Alamos is situated on the Pajarito Plateau on the eastern flank of the Jemez Mountains. The 13 mile wide Valles Caldera is the collapsed center of the volcano rimmed by peaks that can exceed 11,000 feet. Los Alamos is the transition between the mountain peaks above, and the Rio Grande valley below, which bottoms out around 5,400 feet. Temperatures in the area rarely exceed 90 degrees, but when visiting you should still keep in mind the sun's rays. Average yearly precipitation is about 19 inches, while the average winter snowfall is 14 inches in town and 100+ inches a year on Pajarito Mountain, the local ski area.

A Diverse Community

The 19,000+ people who live in Los Alamos County represent the most internationally diverse population in the state of New Mexico. The work of Los Alamos National Laboratory means there is a constant exchange of people. There are two communities in the County, the town of Los Alamos and the community of White Rock. Lands belonging to the San Ildefonso and Santa Clara Pueblos, sovereign Native American trives, are located within and adjacent to Los Alamos County.

Location

Los Alamos is located just 45 minutes from Santa Fe, New Mexico, a city with an international reputation for southwest culture, arts, and cuisine. Los Alamos is also within 45 minutes of eight Indian Pueblos. Los Alamos has the dual benefit of small town living coupled with close proximity to a diverse variety of cultural and entertainment possibilities.