Scenic Overlooks in the Los Alamos Area

A great place to start ... free maps, local road advisory, friendly advice ... open 7 days per week

Great view East down Los Alamos Canyon to the iconic Omega Bridge high above

Panoramic overlook of the Los Alamos townsite and the Los Alamos National Laboratory

This view is not for the driver, and there is no safe place to stop, but passengers will have a treat lokking down the cliff to the the East over Burnt Mesa and Bandelier National Monument. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains make a spectacular backdrop to the East. You are now on the Jemez (pronounced "hay-mez") Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway.

A series of safe pullovers along the highway provide expansive views of the Valle Grande, a massive, collapsed volcano that formed much of the geology and geography of the area. The Valle Grande is part of the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a national treasure trove of geologic, archaeological, and natural resources. It is common to see large elk herds grazing in the distance at these pullovers. The Jemez Mountain National Scenic Byway goes on for many miles to the West, but we'll turn around here to complete our circuit of scenic overviews.

This overlook, within Bandelier National Monument on the road to the visitor center offers a safe place to observe the deep cut of Frijoles Canyon to the West.

There is no place to stop along this stretch of road, but you can't miss the impressive views in either direction.

You can easily spend a day or more here, but if you want to stick with the scenic overlook route this will just be a safe place to loop back. Look for our other guides to activities in Bandelier National Monument.

The community of White Rock is the Eastern terminus of the Jemez Mountain National Scenic Byway and it offers hotel, dining, supplies, and refueling opportunities. The tourist information center is a great stop for area information and advice and a restroom break if needed. Open seven days year round. 800-444-0707

A spectacular overlook of the wilderness of the White Rock Canyon of the Rio Grande River

Spectacular views in all directions of the Mesa tops soaring above. Also the entry to the Tsankawi unit of Bandelier National Monument. Look for our other guides to hikes in Tsankawi.

Classic views of the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the East framed by the mesas of the Pajarito Plateau. This is a safe place to catch your breath on the ascent into Los Alamos.

Congratulations! You have completed the loop!