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Hiking
and camping around Los Alamos
Los Alamos is surrounded by beauty, and there's no better way to
get outdoors and experience that beauty than by camping or hiking.
Wonderful trails with breathtaking views can be found right in our
backyard -- literally! Be sure to check out hiking
opportunities right in Los Alamos and White Rock. Adjacent
to Los Alamos, the Santa
Fe National Forest offers fishing, archeology and some of the
finest mountain scenery in the Southwest. Bandelier
National Monument contains spectacular views of an ancient culture,
and numerous other parks are located nearby. You may find answers
to your camping questions in the online
FAQ, an off-beat
guide, or in pages here at Virtual Los Alamos, where we've tried
to address some points specific to our area.
Safety Concerns
Your hiking or camping trip can be an enjoyable and a memorable
one. It can, however, be one which leaves you another victim
of vandalism or theft. In order to minimize this possibility
we suggest the following:
- Do not leave valuable items in plain view in your vehicle
or campsite.
- Do not leave your vehicle parked unattended for extended
periods of time, unless you have been assured of safety
in the area.
- Inquire about the availability of a shuttle service where
vandalism and theft are a problem.
- Do not leave your camp unattended. If you must, assure
that it is located away from hiking trails.
- Valuable items are best left in your car/truck/at home.
- Identify your belongings in case of theft.
- All incidents should be reported to your local Forest
Service office. A detailed list of stolen items and home
address is a must.
- Make sure a friend or a member of your family knows where
you are going, and when you are to be back from your trip.
- Please check on fire prevention
condition closures and use of open fires from June-August.
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Physical
conditioning for a trip is extremely important. Do not assume
anything. Take several practice hikes to condition the body
before staking your life on a wilderness trip. Several things
are important to know and prepare for.
Los Alamos and Northern New Mexico elevations range from
7,000 to 13,161 feet. Altitude sickness
may severely affect those who live at elevations below 3,000
feet. Severe headaches, nausea and other symptoms may affect
people at higher elevations. Visitors should spend a day or
two getting acclimated at higher elevations before undertaking
strenuous exercise or walking.
Giardiasis is a hidden hazard
that may be contracted from drinking untreated "natural"
water. The disease is an intestinal disorder and can cause
severe discomfort. While Giardiasis may or may not be present,
you should be aware of possible danger.
Personal Back Country Travel Preparedness
List
- Map of the area in which you will travel. Topographic
maps are available from the U.S. Geological Survey.
- Compass; a model you know how to use.
- Flashlight with fresh batteries.
- Emergency food.
- Supplemental clothing (wool hat, gloves, and socks) and
shelter (tube tent or space blanket).
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Knife
- Matches - wooden ones in a protected container, so they
won't get wet.
- Fire starter - candle, etc..
- First aid and emergency kit (include whistle, needles,
thread, ace bandage, safety pins, and mirror).
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