YOU COULD TACK THIS ONTO A VISIT to Los Alamos, just for the view. White Rock Overlook delivers on that score. Take the wheelchair-accessible path to an overhanging structure and gaze down a petroglyph-rich canyon to the Río Grande and across to the distant Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains. Time it right—sunrise or sunset—and your snaps could win the internet. But there’s more. Get your heart thumping with a hike to the canyon bottom and back up. (Bring plenty of water, and watch the weather!) Or maintain your altitude along the moderately challenging Canyon Rim Trail, which wanders for about five miles round-trip, with plenty of ops to gaze at the magical interplay of volcanic cliffs, a lazy river, and dancing clouds. The adjacent Overlook Park has picnic tables, restrooms, a dog park, and more (580 Overlook Road, White Rock).
Roadside Stop: White Rock Overlook
Pull over just to take in the view or to explore the petroglyph-rich canyon below.
By Kate Nelson