Townsite Geography

Los Alamos County is a single municipal entity, located 36 miles west-northwest from Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico. It is split between the Los Alamos townsite, and White Rock - about 8 miles south east from the main townsite, and also lower in altitude - about 6,600 feet. White Rock serves as a "bedroom community" for Los Alamos - most of the amenities are located at the Los alamos townsite. (It does have its own grocery store, gas stations, two motels, a couple of banks and restaurants, and a branch library). They are connected via NM 502, or the "Truck Route" (see map). The lower altitude of White Rock affects its climate - typically it has less precipitation, and slightly higher temperatures.