Trips
Weekend Trips from Los Alamos
Some possible little trips for my students at LANL during their 3 days weekends!
General Tips
- Always check the National Park (NP) website the day before!
- Stay hydrated – bring plenty of water!
- Get a National Park Pass ($80) if you plan to visit multiple parks this summer!
Carlsbad, Guadalupe, and White Sands
Duration: 3 days
Main Sites: Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe NP, White Sands NP
Accommodation: Airbnb in Carlsbad, NM for two nights.
Book tickets for Carlsbad Caverns and a guided ranger tour (King’s Palace is beautiful!).
Day 1: Friday
- Leave early and drive to Roswell (~4 hours).
- Stop for food at Space McDonald’s and visit the UFO Museum!
- Drive to Guadalupe NP and hike the Devil’s Hall trail.
- Drive to Carlsbad and stay overnight.
Day 2: Saturday
- Visit Carlsbad Caverns NP. Explore the main cave, take a tour, and stay to see the bats in the evening!
- Stay overnight in Carlsbad.
Day 3: Sunday
- Drive early to White Sands NP.
- Hike the nature trail and walk a short distance on the Alkali Flat Trail.
- Drive back to Los Alamos (~5 hours).
Arches and Canyonlands
Duration: 3 days
Main Sites: Arches NP, Canyonlands NP
Accommodation: Airbnb in Moab, UT for two nights.
Day 1: Friday
- Visit Arches NP. Try to get a permit for the Fiery Furnace at the visitor center and explore for a few hours.
Day 2: Saturday
- Visit Canyonlands NP. Drive along the canyon, stop at scenic points, and see Mesa Arch.
Day 3: Sunday
- Possible stop at Mesa Verde NP. Book a ranger tour!
Million Dollar Highway and Black Canyon
Duration: 3 days
Main Sites: Million Dollar Highway, Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
Accommodation: One night in Durango, CO, one night in Montrose, CO.
Day 1: Friday
- Drive along the Million Dollar Highway, enjoy the scenery, and stop at Silverton.
- Stop at Ouray, visit the brewery (rooftop!) and waterfalls.
- Stay overnight in Montrose.
Day 2: Saturday
- Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP.
- Return to Durango and enjoy downtown.
Day 3: Sunday
- Drive back to Los Alamos. If not done on another trip, visit Mesa Verde NP.
Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Page
Duration: 3 days
Main Sites: Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest NP, Page AZ
Accommodation: One night in Flagstaff, AZ, one night in Page, AZ.
Day 1: Friday
- Stop at Petrified Forest NP, then drive to Flagstaff.
Day 2: Saturday
- Visit Grand Canyon NP. Some areas are only accessible by bus; check schedules.
- Explore Hermit Rest, the Trail of Ages, and hike down to Ooh Aah Point.
Day 3: Sunday
- Drive to Page, AZ and visit the Buckskin Gulch slot canyon.
Buckskin Gulch Info – Reserve parking in advance!
This guide provides a structured overview of the best weekend trips from Los Alamos. Safe travels!