The Potential of the Los Alamos Urban Trail

by Kevin Holsapple

Keith Wilson

In the heart of Los Alamos, a fairly new pedestrian and bicycle artery of concrete and boardwalk shows interesting potential for a new way for residents and visitors to move through the "Secret City." The Urban Trail, a one-mile multi-use paved route, is a high-quality piece of pedestrian infrastructure that could benefit from enhancements to increase its value.

An Engineering Feat

The physical trail itself is a test of municipal design skills. Stretching between the Los Alamos Visitor Center and the Los Alamos Nature Center (PEEC), it provides a safe, ADA-compliant corridor that navigates a slice of the town’s notoriously tricky terrain. 

"The terrain here is a puzzle," explained Keith Wilson, Los Alamos County Deputy Public Works Director. To solve it, the project utilized a PermaTrak precast concrete boardwalk that "floats" above rocky slopes near the Canyon Road tennis courts. With a consistent 10-foot width and gentle grading, the trail successfully links major recreational and cultural hubs.

Keith ballparked the safer on-demand pedestrian crossing at Canyon Road at roughly $20K. Similar flashing lights and signage will be constructed at Trinity and 20th in the coming months. From our conversation, it was clear that consideration of the trail’s visitor/tourism role was not part of the initial project scope. Could interpretive and navigational enhancements make a difference?

The Missing (and Underrecognized) Links

Despite its engineering accomplishment, the Urban Trail remains a "diamond in the rough." For the trail to evolve into a visitor-worthy attraction, several gaps must be bridged:

• The Visibility Gap: While the trail passes local businesses, it feels disconnected. Other than the beer garden, it looks like the backs of buildings. Attractive screening or graphics that tastefully hint at nearby dining, coffee, and taprooms could help pedestrians find their way into local commerce.

• Navigational Cues: Other communities use stenciled surface icon systems or community art projects to guide pedestrians without adding signage clutter.

The "Bean, Book, and Brew" Corridor: The stretch between the Los Alamos Visitor Center and Bathtub Row Brewing is a prime candidate for immediate visitor promotion. This quarter-mile trail segment is adjacent to five coffee sellers, two taprooms, and eight dining locations. Simple navigational symbols on the trail surface could unlock this commerce for tourists.

• Route Connections: Think of the route as a loop. By returning via Central Avenue, visitors pass Ashley Pond Park and public art, creating a "Park Once" itinerary blending history and natural beauty.

• The Southern Connection: The trail’s potential will explode when safely connected to the planned extension of the Canyon Rim Trail, serving as a vital multi-use transportation asset.

Leveraging the Investment

With a project cost of approximately $4.3 million, the Urban Trail is a significant investment. It provides the "spine" for a walkable Los Alamos, but the "ribs"—the navigational clues and promoted connectivities—could be low-cost, quick projects that will leverage that investment and boost the downtown experience.