April 30, 2024, Public Meeting
The National Nuclear Security Administration and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Trails Management Program will hold a public information meeting Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The meeting will take place at the Mesa Public Library, 2400 Central Ave., Los Alamos, NM 87544. The meeting will provide updates on LANL trails, and feature discussions on biological and cultural resources protection, safe trail use, wildland fire, and fire protection. Trail updates will also be provided by the U.S. Forest Service, Los Alamos County, and Bandelier National Monument.
LANL Trails Management Program
Recreational trails use at Los Alamos National Laboratory has always been highly valued as one of the benefits of working and living in Los Alamos County. Laboratory trails are uniquely located on Department of Energy (DOE) land. In order to maintain public access, the LANL Trails Management Program ensures trails use does not interfere with the security of LANL operations and protection of resources.
The trails program adapts trails use at LANL to changing conditions and situations in a responsive manner. These efforts maintain the recreational functionality of DOE-owned lands so that they may remain open to all members of the public for non-motorized recreation, while remaining in compliance with federal laws and LANL operational constraints.
Trail users should not attempt to clear downed trees or other major obstructions on any Laboratory trails, as the trails are on DOE land and some trails present unique hazards, which are posted at each trailhead kiosk.
Please contact the Trails Management Pprogram at trails@lanl.gov with any concerns about the trails, including maintenance needs, map or signage issues, presence of unfamiliar objects, or suspicious activity. Let us know what you would like to see from the trails program.
Links
Trails Information and Maps
Outreach and Management Plans
Regional Trails Information
It is your responsibility to understand the rules of a particular trail and respect temporary trail closure signage.
Some Laboratory trails are open to the public, whereas others are only open to Laboratory badge holders.
- Dogs and horses are allowed on some trails.
- Bicycles must remain on existing trails at all times. (See web map and trails list for details).
All trails are open from dawn to dusk.
Please leave no trace and pack out your trash. Clean up after your pet.
Hike open trails at your own risk, carry water, and beware of weather conditions.
Unique Hazards – Unexploded Ordnance
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is any sort of military ammunition or explosive that has failed to function as intended. Despite its dormant nature, UXO can cause serious harm if you touch or handle it. Unexploded ordnance has been found by trail users on DOE property near White Rock and you could encounter it while using these trails. During World War II, the United States Army was stationed in Los Alamos for the top-secret Manhattan Project and used the remote areas surrounding the Laboratory as training grounds. One of their former artillery training areas was near Ancho Canyon, although the exact location is unknown.
The chances of seeing UXO are low, but it is important to know what to do if you come across an actual or potential UXO. Remember the three “R’s.”
- First and foremost, recognize you may have encountered a UXO.
- Next, retreat from the UXO without touching or disturbing it in any way. Walk out the same way you entered the area.
- Once you have left the immediate area, mark its location on or near the trail so that it can be relocated by trained personnel, and report the location to the LANL Emergency Operations Center at 667-2400 or 911. UXO experts will be dispatched to investigate.
- Feeding wildlife
- Disturbing natural archeological resources
- Digging and trail building
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Possession of firearms
- Building a fire
- Camping
- Usage of drones
- Geocaching
Trail users should not attempt any trail maintenance activities, as the trails are on DOE land can present unique hazards such as the presence of unexploded ordnance. All hazards are posted at each trailhead kiosk. Please contact trails@lanl.gov with any maintenance issues.
Report illegal or suspicious activity to: 505-667-2400
To send general inquiries or feedback: trails@lanl.gov