1-6 Hours
Alamogordo: Visit the Trinity Site
Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Two times a year, visitors are allowed to see the place where history was made at the Trinity Site. Run by the US Army, the Trinity site was the test area for the Gadget, site of the first human-caused nuclear explosion. The Gadget was placed atop a 100-foot (30.48 m) tall steel tower that was designated Ground Zero. View an obelisk at Ground Zero and the McDonald ranch house, where the Gadget’s plutonium core was assembled.
Trinity Site is located on White Sands Missile Range and is closed to the public. On the first Saturday in April and the third Saturday in October, the US Army hosts a Trinity Site Open House when the public may visit Trinity Site. See the location of the Trinity Test, site of the first human-caused first nuclear detonation. In this area the nuclear test device, named the Gadget, was placed atop a 100-foot (30.48 m) tall steel tower that was designated Ground Zero. While equipment and instruments are no longer found here, you can view an obelisk at Ground Zero and see the McDonald House, where the Gadget’s plutonium core was assembled. A limited number of vehicles are allowed in the Alamogordo caravan. All others will have to enter the site through the Stallion Gate located off U.S. Highway 380. For more information visit the US Army Trinity Site Open House website.
Tags
Self-Guided Tours - WalkingScience, Technology and InnovationWorld War IILos AlamosManhattan Project National Historical ParkTour Behind the FenceAlamogordo
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Details
Duration
1-6 Hours
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Spring, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
The Trinity Test Site is wheelchair accessible. A golf cart can be provided to take disabled individuals to Ground Zero. However, there are no paved roads and visitors must be prepared to travel through loose sand and rocks. Accessible porta potties are available at the site. Unfortunately, there are no handicap buses available to visit the McDonald Ranch House. However, architectural drawings and information about the ranch house are available near the loading/unloading site of the buses. For more information visit the US Army Trinity Site Open House website.
Pets
Yes — Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed and their waste is picked up and put into a trash receptacle. Pets are not allowed on the shuttle that takes visitors to the ranch house.
Reservations
No
Age Info
All ages welcome.A government-issued photo ID is required for everyone 18 years and over and proof of insurance and registration for your vehicle or rental agreement.
Location
Trinity Test Site