Trinity Site

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Trinity Site - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Trinity Site is located on White Sands Missile Range and is closed to the public. Twice a year, the US Army hosts a Trinity Site Open House when the public may visit Trinity Site. 

On July 16, 1945, the atomic age began. Manhattan Project scientists detonated the first atomic device, known as “the Gadget,” at 5:29 am Mountain War Time at the Trinity Site in the Jornada del Muerto desert of New Mexico.  

For the Project Trinity test, the bomb was placed atop a 100-foot (30.48 m) tall steel tower that was designated Zero. Ground Zero was at the foot of the tower. Equipment, instruments, and observation points were established at varying distances from Ground Zero. The wooden observation shelters were protected by concrete and earthen barricades, and the nearest observation point was 5.7 miles (9.17 km) from Ground Zero. 

An incredible flash of light illuminated the sky as air temperatures rose to over 9,000oF (4982oC). Within seconds, witnesses saw the first mushroom cloud ever created by atomic weaponry. To most observers—watching through dark glasses—the brilliance of the light from the explosion overshadowed the shock wave and sound that arrived some seconds later. A multi-colored cloud surged 38,000 feet (11.58 km) into the air within seven minutes. Where the tower once stood was a crater one-half mile (804 m) across and 8 feet (2.43 m) deep. Sand in the crater was fused by the intense heat into a glass-like solid, the color of green jade. This material was given the name trinitite. The explosion point was named Trinity Site. 

Although no information on the test was released until after the atomic bombings of Japan on August 6 and 9, 1945, the flash of light and shock wave made a vivid impression over an area with a radius of at least 160 miles (257.49 km). Kenneth Bainbridge, director of the Trinity Test, called it “a foul and awesome display.” Despite months of speculation and wondering over what would happen, “the atom bomb did not fit into any pre-conceptions possessed by anybody,” according to future Los Alamos National Lab director Norris Bradbury. After three years of directing the project’s scientists and much anxious chain smoking at the Trinity Site, Robert Oppenheimer simply said to his brother, “it worked.”    

After the explosion, Trinity Site was encircled with more than a mile (1.6 km) of chain-link fencing. Signs were posted to warn people of radioactivity. By 1953, much of the radioactivity had subsided, and the first Trinity Site open house was held in September of that year. 

In 1965, Army officials erected a monument on Ground Zero. In 1975, the National Park Service designated Trinity Site as a National Historic Landmark. The landmark includes base camp, where the scientists and support group lived; the McDonald ranch house, where the plutonium core was assembled; as well as Ground Zero. 

Continue Your Journey 

K-Site, Q-Site, and L-Site were critical locations for studying and understanding implosion before the Trinity Test. Learn more about the history of the Manhattan by visiting the Bradbury Science Museum ! The museum’s interactive exhibits share stories from the project and provide a glimpse of other “behind the fence” historical sites. 

Manhattan Project National Historical Park

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Last updated: March 17, 2023

Trinity Site Offers a Rare Chance to Visit Ground Zero of the World’s First Atomic Bomb Explosion

The detonation site is only open to civilians twice a year

Jennifer Nalewicki

Travel Correspondent

Detonation 1

July 16, 1945 was a day that changed the world forever. At 5:29 a.m. Mountain War Time, just minutes before sunrise, the night sky above central New Mexico was illuminated in a brilliant fireball of white light as the U.S. military tested the world’s first atomic bomb . Called Trinity Site and located on the grounds of the White Sands Missile Range about 70 miles west of Alamogordo, the site is typically off limits to civilians—but on October 7, visitors can experience it firsthand during its biannual open house.

Held on the first Saturday of every April and October, the open house is the only opportunity the public has to access the missile range, which normally serves as an active site for the U.S. Army to test out new weaponry. During the open house, visitors can see ground zero, where the plutonium-based A-bomb was detonated more than 70 years ago as part of the Manhattan Project . The open house also includes a visit to the McDonald Ranch House, a 1913 adobe home built by Frank Schmidt, a German immigrant, and where the device’s plutonium core was assembled.

Today, a monolith marks ground zero along with what’s left of the footing of a 100-foot tower that military personnel used during the detonation. Also on view: photos taken during the explosion, and the leftover bomb casing from “ Fat Man .”

can you visit trinity site new mexico

“Most of the tower was vaporized during the explosion,” Drew Hamilton, a public information and community relations specialist for White Sands Missile Range, tells Smithsonian.com. “Since the explosion, much of the surrounding area has more or less returned to the way it would naturally be. There are no bushes growing around ground zero, but it’s because we regularly mow it. If we didn’t, it would look like the rest of the landscape.”

Visitors may also come across crumb-size pieces of Trinitite, a rock-like byproduct leftover from the explosion known for its glassy texture and deep green hue. (Since White Sands is a national monument, however, visitors are prohibited from removing anything from the site.)

can you visit trinity site new mexico

And while Trinity Site has been cleaned up since the atom bomb detonation, its  radiation levels  remain above that of naturally occurring background levels. To put this into perspective, Hamilton gives the following example:

“Radiation is everywhere, it’s a naturally occurring phenomenon,” he says. “But it’s a little bit higher [at Trinity Site as compared to] the surrounding territory. During a one-hour visit, you’ll be exposed to approximately half a millirem of radiation. In comparison, during a flight aboard a commercial airliner from New York City to Los Angeles, you’ll be exposed to 2 millirems. You’ll get the same exposure from the Trinity Site as you would if you ate eight bananas, which, because of their potassium content, are naturally radioactive.”

This year’s Trinity Site open house will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 7. Admission is free and reservations are not required. Pets are allowed and must be leashed. To reach Trinity Site, take exit 139 off Interstate 25 to State Highway 380 and drive east 12 miles to Stallion Gate. Make sure to bring a valid ID to show at security checkpoints. Drivers should be prepared to provide proof of insurance. 

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Jennifer Nalewicki | | READ MORE

Jennifer Nalewicki is a Brooklyn-based journalist. Her articles have been published in The New York Times , Scientific American , Popular Mechanics , United Hemispheres and more. You can find more of her work at her website .

Most People Have No Idea You Can Do This One Fascinating Activity In New Mexico

can you visit trinity site new mexico

Juliet White

Staff writer for Only In Your State and freelance writer. Juliet can be reached on Twitter @JulietWrites.

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While most people know that the world’s first nuclear device was detonated in New Mexico, fewer people are aware that you can actually visit the Trinity Site.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

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can you visit trinity site new mexico

Radiation levels at the Trinity Site are still ten times higher than the naturally occurring levels in the area. To learn more about your exposure while visiting, click here .

The Trinity Site will next be open to the public on 16 th October, 2016.

Would you go? If you’ve already visited the Trinity Site, what did you think?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Trinity Site: What you need to know before you go

can you visit trinity site new mexico

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE — At precisely 5:29:45 a.m. on July 16, 1945, a tremendous explosion in the New Mexico desert signaled the beginning of the end of World War II.

The explosion was the world's first atomic bomb and as part of the Manhattan Project, it had been tested at the Trinity Site, now known as the north end of White Sands Missile Range.

Today Trinity Site is open to the public at 8 a.m. but closes promptly at 3:30 p.m.

According to White Sands Missile Range, the atomic bomb released 19 kilotons of power, instantly vaporizing the tower it was on and turning the surrounding asphalt and sand into green glass. The shock of the bomb broke windows 120 miles away and was felt by many as far away as 160 miles.

Success of the test meant an atomic bomb using plutonium could be used by the United States military in Japan during World War II.

Tour the Trinity Site

Touring the Trinity Site is free but it's only opened to the public twice a year, on the first Saturday in April and October. Thousands of visitors enter the site from either the Stallion Range Gate or the Tularosa Gate.

Entering the site from the Tularosa Gate entails joining your vehicle in a caravan at Tularosa High School football field parking lot, 1305 Eight St., in Tularosa. This caravan enters the site at 8 a.m. and is led by military police. From the Tularosa Gate, it's a 75-mile drive to the site and there are no gas stations on the route or at the site.

Everyone 18 and older must show a valid driver's license , pass port or DoD issued identification. All vehicles are subject to search and should be carrying proof of insurance and current registration papers. No weapons of any kind are allowed on the installation.

Entering the site from the Stallion Range Gate is a 17-mile trip and visitors are allowed to drive in and out of the site unescorted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Stallion Range Gate is located five miles south of U.S. Highway 380 and the turnoff is 12 miles east of San Antonio and 53 miles west of Carrizozo. 

Both roads are paved and marked. The site closes promptly at 3:30 p.m.

At the site, visitors can take a quarter-mile walk to ground zero where a small obelisk marks the exact spot where the bomb was exploded. Historical photos are mounted on the fence surrounding the area. Visitors also can ride a missile range shuttle bus two miles to the Schmidt/McDonald ranch house. The ranch house is where the scientists assembled the plutonium core of the bomb.

Tularosa Basin Downwinders

The Tularosa Basin Downwinders believe the Trinity test disturbed the genetics of residents in surrounding communities, leaving a cluster of cancer and illness in the those who witnessed the atomic bomb, and their descendants. For 13 years, the Downwinders have collected data, met with New Mexico's U.S. senators and continued fighting for inclusion in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).

Semiannually when the Trinity Site opens to the public, the Downwinders host peaceful demonstrations at the Stallion Range and Tularosa Gates, informing visitors about their cause. 

More: Downwinders aim to educate public about Trinity Site test

The Downwinders have been invited twice to testify in front of Congress during hearings for RECA amendments but both times the hearings have been postponed. The Downwinders were recently given word that the hearings might be rescheduled for this summer and are preparing to travel to Washington, D.C. 

Last month, the Downwinders hosted a town hall in Carrizozo and listened to residents who were just 33 miles from the Trinity Site when the atomic bomb was tested. 

Read More: Tularosa Basin Downwinders to host Carrizozo town hall

Read More: Tularosa Downwinders make strides in battle for recognition

For more information about the Tularosa Basin Downwinders, visit their website at  www.trinitydownwinders.com . 

For more information about Trinity Site go online at wsmr.army.mil/Trinity/Pages/Home.aspx

UponArriving

UponArriving

can you visit trinity site new mexico

Trinity Site Open House Guide (New Mexico)

Over the years of turning out content for this blog, I’ve visited a lot of historical sites but I’ve never visited a site quite like the Trinity Site in New Mexico.

It’s an ultra-remote site barely ever open to the public and it’s home to one of the most pivotal moments in mankind’s history.

If you have any type of interest in the atomic era, this is a bucket-list worthy destination for sure.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Trinity Site’s open house.

Table of Contents

What is the Trinity Site?

The Trinity Site is where the first nuclear bomb exploded on July 16, 1945 at 5:29 AM mountain war time. Two days out of the year there is an open house that allows the public to visit the site along with other related sites like the McDonald Ranch House.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

How to visit the Trinity Site

It is free to visit the Trinity Site but you can only visit the site two days out of the yea r, which is usually the first Saturday of April and October. However, sometimes they do change the dates around a little bit.

There are three main ways that you can visit the Trinity Site.

Alamogordo Caravan

One way to experience the Trinity Site is to take part in the Alamogordo Caravan.

Line up for the caravan begins at 7:00am at the Tularosa High School Athletic Field parking lot and the tour will enter the missile range through the Tularosa Gate at 8:00am and arrive at Trinity Site around 10am.

It is only open to the first 125 vehicles that show up. 

The journey is 85 miles one-way to Trinity Site.

Stallion Gate

The other way to experience the Trinity Site (which is the way that we did it) is to simply arrive at the Stallion Gate. This gate is located on the north side of the missile range on U.S. highway 380, 12 miles east of San Antonio, NM.

The Stallion Gate Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the Trinity Site closes promptly at 3:30 p.m

Once you show up at the military testing site, you’re not allowed to take any photos until you arrive inside the Trinity site so keep that in mind.

It’s about a 30 minute drive from the Stallion Gate to the parking lot for the Trinity Site.

At the Stallion Gate, you’ll go through a security checkpoint where every passenger 18 years and older will need to show an ID and declare that they are not bringing in weapons or any illegal items. (It only takes a few seconds to get through.)

Once you arrive at the parking area, military personnel will direct you to your specific parking spot.

Related: New Mexico Safety Corridors Explained 

can you visit trinity site new mexico

Book a tour

You can also book a tour to get you there.

For example, the New Mexico Museum of Space History offers a package deal where you can get a bus ride to and from the site, some snacks, and access to the museum.

We checked out the museum and thought that it was a pretty well done space museum. They also have a small exhibit on Trinitite which was cool to see.

Where to stay

You might consider staying in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or in Alamogordo which is where we stayed because we decided to explore the New Mexico Museum of Space History and White Sands National Park the next day.

If you’re headed to Albuquerque, be sure to check out The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and consider adding Los Alamos as an additional stop.

Los Alamos was the headquarters for the Manhattan Project and they still have a couple of museums you can check out like the  Los Alamos History Museum  and the Bradbury Science Museum .

Trinity Site history

To fully grasp and appreciate the history of the Trinity Site it helps to understand how it fits into the overall efforts of creating the atomic bomb.

The history of the atomic bomb begins in Berlin, Germany when in 1938, scientists discovered how to split the nucleus of the uranium atom (fission).

This discovery came close to the beginning of World War II when Adolf Hitler invaded Poland in September 1939.

The breakthrough in fission created serious worry that the Nazis would get their hands on a nuclear weapon which would obviously not be ideal to say the least.

Concerned Hungarian physicists helped write a letter to President Roosevelt (FDR), signed by none other than Albert Einstein, to warn the US about the prospect of an “extremely powerful” Nazi atomic bomb.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

After that, it didn’t take long for FDR to authorize a top-secret project to begin researching the atomic bomb.

The initiative went through a few name changes but ended up as the: Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD).

Things took off after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when the US found itself involved in World War II with a formal declaration of war on both Japan and Germany.

President Roosevelt authorized the Manhattan Project on December 28, 1942 and on the 18th floor of 270 Broadway in New York City, the Manhattan Project began.

General Leslie Groves was appointed to lead the Manhattan Project after just just finishing the completion of the Pentagon.

Groves went on to recruit Robert Oppenheimer, an instructor at the University of California at Berkeley and a bit of an odd selection given his lack of managerial experience and associations to communism via family members.

But he proved to be an ideal candidate and an excellent recruiter of scientific talent.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

The Manhattan project sought to create atomic bombs from two substances: uranium and plutonium.

For uranium, they were focused on acquiring U-235 and they built a huge complex and town in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to accommodate 30,000 workers .

For Plutonium, the Hanford Engineer Works produced plutonium at a site along the Columbia River in Washington state.

They also needed a place to develop and test the bombs.

They wanted somewhere secret and remote but still appealing enough to attract renowned scientists all over the world so they went with Los Alamos, New Mexico.

On January 1, 1943, the Los Alamos Laboratory — known as Project Y — was formally established .

And a few months later , the University of California signed a contract with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to operate the secret laboratory.

They once again built an entire city just for the purpose of the Manhattan Project and hundreds of people would arrive to the city with no clear idea as to what they were actually building.

(Pretty much only scientific personnel had an idea of what they were doing.)

Questions were highly discouraged and on paper the city didn’t actually exist.

Many experiments were done as the teams collaborated to construct the bombs and waiting for the nuclear material to arrive. At some point, though, it became clear that the plutonium bomb was going to be an issue.

The issue was that creating an explosion with plutonium was a much more complicated process.

The scientist had to create an entirely different type of mechanism to initiate the chain reaction and that’s when they came up with implosion.

The implosion-type nuclear weapon , “held a core of subcritical plutonium which would reach criticality when high explosives surrounding the core detonated causing the core to compress instantly.”

The creation of this new type of work and was so challenging that it required bringing in a lot more scientists. Unfortunately, when bringing in more talent at least one Russian spy made his way into the team.

The team would ultimately make progress but unexpected challenges arose in April 1945 and the work was interrupted when FDR died in office.

Shockingly, the Vice President Harry Truman did not even know about the Manhattan Project when he took office!

A month later, on May 7, 1945, Germany would surrender but the war was still going strong in the Pacific Theater and an atomic weapon was being considered for use against the Empire of Japan.

The allies had battered the Empire of Japan’s military down to a shadow of what it had been before but casualties were still running very high.

But before any bombs would be dropped, some testing needed to be done.

Testing at the Trinity Site

Back in September 1944, around the time nuclear material was arriving, New Mexico’s Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range (aka the Trinity Site) had been selected as the the test location .

It was located about 210 miles south of Los Alamos, and in November 1944 construction of the base camp began.

All of the components of the uranium atomic bomb had been tested giving scientists the mathematical certainty they needed to know that the bomb would work.

But because the plutonium bomb was more complex they needed a test run to ensure that it would work.

The plutonium bomb set to be tested at the Trinity Site was known as “Gadget.”

can you visit trinity site new mexico

The core of the bomb consisted of a grapefruit-sized ball of plutonium and was delivered to the McDonald Ranch House on July 11, 1945 and the bomb was assembled on July 13, 1945.

The bomb, a large 6-foot sphere covered with wires and patched up with tape, was then hoisted up a 100-foot steel tower for the test.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

At the time, none of the scientists truly knew what was going to happen. In fact, many thought the bomb would be a dud.

On the day of the test, the weather did not cooperate at first and the team postponed the test until the skies cleared up a little bit.

Then at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time on July 16, 1945, first atomic bomb was tested .

After the bomb exploded, clouds of bright reds and purples filled the sky up to 40,000 feet high. People said they felt the warmth of the sun.

Local newspapers were told that an ammunition depot had exploded which had resulted in the spectacular display but those at the site knew the truth: humankind had entered the atomic age.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

The Trinity site

Ground zero.

Ground Zero is about a quarter mile away from the parking lot so you have to walk a little bit to get there.

trinity site

Once you arrive, you’ll see a monument towering in the middle.

Erected in 1965, The Trinity Monument is a lava-rock obelisk about 12 feet (3.7 m) high that marks the explosion’s hypocenter.

Crowds gather around the monument pretty quickly so you might need to exercise some patience to get a photo.

trinity site monument

Right next to the obelisk, you can find the remains of the 100 foot steel tower that hoisted Gadget.

trinity site steel tower remnants

Along the perimeter of Ground Zero, you’ll find photos hanging from the fence that will give you some insight into everything going on at the time of the test. It’s best to start from right to left when viewing these.

There’s a structure that covers some of the original soil from the test but sand and dust got in and covered up the original soil so the viewing window has been closed.

trinity site

There’s also a bomb casing that I believe was going to be used for future atomic bombs. It’s almost identical to the casing used for the fat man bomb which was dropped on Nagasaki.

trinity site monument fatman bomb casing

Trinitite is a radioactive green glass-like substance that covered the depressed area where the explosion took place after the test.

There’s different explanations as to how the trinitite was formed.

The simple and long-held explanation is that the heat simply heated the sand until it became glass.

One hypothesis is that the explosion brought pieces of sand and rock into the fireball and liquefied the pieces which eventually fell down like rain into the crater and hardened.

I’m not sure which explanation might be more accurate but I think it’s safe to say that it had a lot to do with the heat from the explosion.

trinity site trinitite

Most of the trinity it is light green but other pieces are slightly different colors. Some are black and others look slightly red and that’s because those contain elements that were vaporized during the test.

For example, the black pieces contain elements from the steel tower and the red pieces contain elements from the copper in the wires.

If you stroll around Ground Zero and look closely at the ground it won’t be very difficult to find pieces of trinitite.

They possess background levels of radiation and you are okay to touch them but probably not a good idea to do something stupid with them like swallow them. It’s also a federal crime to remove them from the property.

You’ll also want to stop by the trinitite fueling station. Here, you can get a close look at trinitite and also use a geiger counter to detect the radiation levels of the trinitite.

trinity site trinitite

McDonald Ranch House

The McDonald Ranch House is where they assembled the bomb on July 13, 1945. Built in 1913 by Franz Schmidt, a German immigrant and acquired by the McDonald family in the 1930s, the ranch was eventually taken over by the government in 1942.

In order to get there, you need to head to the bus stop which is located right by the parking lot. It’s only about a 5 to 10 minute bus ride to get to the ranch house. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on the bus unless they are service animals.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

When you arrive, you can simply wander through the McDonald Ranch House at your own pace. There should be somebody inside that can help answer any questions you might have and who can show you around.

They also had a table with photographs set out in front so you can learn a little bit more about the structure.

McDonald Ranch House

The northeast room was designated the assembly room where they had work benches and tables.

McDonald Ranch House Assembly room

To keep all of the sand and dust from ruining the instruments, they covered the windows and walls with plastic. In fact, you can still see some of the nails that were used to seal up the windows.

McDonald Ranch House Assembly room door

As mentioned above, the plutonium core was delivered to the ranch house on July 11, 1945 and it was assembled on July 13, 1945.

The explosion occurred only 2 miles (3.2 km) away and it blew most of the home’s windows out but did not significantly damage the structure.

Instead, it was the years of rain water leaking through the roof that was responsible for the deterioration.

In 1984 it was restored by the National Park Service to appear as it did on July 12, 1945

Near the main parking lot you’ll see Jumbo which is a large structure which was once the heaviest object to ever be transported by rail.

The 25-foot jumbo container was initially going to be used to contain the plutonium with its 14 inch thick walls in the event of a botched explosion.

However, after they realized that they would have plenty of plutonium for additional bombs they didn’t need to use jumbo for the explosion.

So they hoisted it from a tower about 800 yards away from ground zero and while that tower would be vaporized during the explosion, jumbo would remain intact.

While they did not use it for this explosion, it was used on April 16, 1946, when an Army ordnance team detonated eight 500 lb bombs in the bottom of the steel container.

trinity site jumbo

Food and souvenirs

You’ll also be able to find food and souvenirs at the Trinity site.

Souvenirs range from about $3 to $20 and they have a lot of the typical stuff like magnets, stickers, patches, and T-shirts.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

As for food, they’ll have breakfast burritos, hamburgers, hotdogs, and some other snacks. I believe the registers should take credit cards but I would bring cash just in case.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

Also, they do have bathrooms which are a little bit of a walk from the parking lot.

Visiting the Trinity Site is not very easy because it is only open two days out of the year and it’s basically in the middle of nowhere.

But it is still absolutely worth planning out a visit because it’s hard to find a location that compares to the Trinity Site in terms of its importance to the history of mankind.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

very informative. i am planning a visit in october 2023. was wondering about the mcdonald ranch house, and you answered all my questions…. this trip in october will knock off another event on my bucket list.

July 2023: The tour package is now $150 per person.

Confused. Sorry. From a that I see it’s free to drive and take pictures of the monument and see site from distance What is the 150.00 Charge for. It’s free to drive up and see site frown distance Can I also see McDonald house for free. Please advise. Coming from Dallas How can I get free brochures for trinity mailed to me on trinity testing Came I get a number to call. Please let me know.

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Trinity site.

www.wsmr.army.mil/Trinity

The world was forever changed on July 16 th, 1945 at the Trinity Test Site. It was here at the White Sands Missile Range that the first atomic bomb was detonated and brought a quick end to the Second World War in the Pacific. Today it is a national historical site that is open to visitors just 2 days per year, in April and October. (On April 2, 2022, & October 15, 2022) Visitors can see ground zero, the ranch house where the bomb was assembled, and one of the instruments bunkers. For more information about visiting the site go to www.wsmr.army.mil/Trinity

History of Trinity Site www.nps.gov/whsa/learn/historyculture/trinity-site.html

You have a few different options when it comes to visiting Trinity Site.  You can enter through the Stallion Gate which is off of Hwy 380 between Carrizozo and San Antonio, NM at the times specified on the White Sands Missile Range website.  You can also caravan into the site, this route takes you from Tularosa, NM through the Missile Range with other travelers. To participate in the caravan you need to meet in the Athletics parking lot on the west side of the Tularosa High School off of La Luz Ave.  Line up starts at 7 am and the caravan will leave promptly at 8 am.  Please arrive no later than 7:45 am so that officers will have a chance to check your license and registration, and give you a pass to place in your window signifying that you are a part of the caravan.  You may return to Tularosa with the caravan between 12:30 and 1 pm, or leave on your own through the Stallion Gate.  Please ensure that you have a full tank of gas and bring plenty of water with you.  Finally, the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation (New Mexico Museum of Space History support group) hosts a guided tour to the site in charter buses, they also provide b a sack lunch, water, and a guide tour of the museum upon return.

Find more info and register for the guided tour at http://nmspacetrail.com/sites/NMMSH/Trinity-Site-Tour/register.html For more information about the caravan lineup https://www.alamogordo.com/trinity-site / New weekend itinerary coming soon!

NEW!!! The Tularosa Basin Museum of History is hosting a viewing followed by a Q&A, of the new documentary, 'Alamogordo, Center of the World, Trinity 1945' the Friday evening before each open house.  Tickets are available through the museum at the corner of White Sands Blvd & 10th, 575-434-4438.  The film will be shown at the historic Flickinger Center for Performing Arts (1110 New York Ave. Alamogordo, NM) in downtown Alamogordo. For more info call 575-437-2202.

Directions to Trinity Site: http://www.wsmr.army.mil/Trinity/Pages/DirectionsMaps.aspx

can you visit trinity site new mexico

Watch the movie on Friday, April 1, 2022, at the Flickinger Center for Preforming Arts in Alamogordo, NM

can you visit trinity site new mexico

More information about the caravan to Trinity Site visit www.alamogordo.com

can you visit trinity site new mexico

Map to caravan lineup site, limited to 125 vehicles.

can you visit trinity site new mexico

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The Trinity Test Site Is Open One More Time This Year. You Might Not Get In.

Plaque on the obelisk that marks ground zero at the Trinity Site

The Army said the only day for tourists to visit the Trinity nuclear test site in New Mexico this year could be packed amid the massive popularity of the blockbuster movie "Oppenheimer."

White Sands Missile Range, where the U.S. detonated the world's first nuclear weapon known as "the Gadget" on July 16, 1945, as part of the Manhattan Project, is open to the public only twice a year. The development effort, led by theoretical physicist Robert Oppenheimer, was spurred to outpace Nazi Germany's pursuit of its own weapons of mass destruction.

The next date for tourists to visit the site is Oct. 21, and then again on April 6, 2024. For the rest of the year, the site is used for non-nuclear Department of Defense weapon and radar tests. Usually on each of the two days the site is open to the public every year, the Army sees some 3,000 visitors but expects 5,000 in October. Visitation is first come, first served.

Read Next: Bill Would Ban Discrimination in Military 75 Years After Racial Integration

"Due to the release of the movie 'Oppenheimer' in July, we are expecting a larger than normal crowd," a message from the Army said. "You may experience wait times of up to two hours getting onto the site. If you are not one of the first 5,000 visitors, you might not get through the gate prior to its closure at 2 p.m."

Army officials consider the site safe for visitation . Radiation levels are above normal levels in the surrounding area but far below the exposure in an X-ray or CT scan. One hour at ground zero is roughly equivalent to a long commercial flight across the U.S.

The tour is free, though a service spokesperson told Military.com that the missile range cannot accommodate anyone who cannot walk a half mile round-trip on a dirt trail.

The Trinity site is in a desolate location in the middle of the desert 130 miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The main attraction is a roughly 12-foot-tall obelisk commemorating the detonation in what was a monumental scientific achievement. The development of much more powerful atomic weapons also marked a dark turn for modern warfare by introducing the potential to create instant destruction on a scale that had been unimaginable before.

The test blast was witnessed from as far as 200 miles away and broke windows as far as 160 miles away as the mushroom cloud reached more than 50,000 feet into the atmosphere . Because the bomb was detonated on top of a tall tower, the crater was only about four feet deep and 240 feet in diameter. The heat from the blast was 14,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It melted the desert sand, turning it into a glass-like substance.

The Trinity bomb was completed after the German surrender. But the U.S. was still planning a massive invasion of mainland Japan, in which fatalities were expected to dwarf the rest of the war, including the invasion of Nazi-occupied France.

As many as 400,000 to 800,000 American troops were expected to be killed in the invasion, more than the entire war up to that point. Some five to 10 million Japanese were expected to die as the Imperial government was imploring its citizens to fight to the end, including the use of suicide bombings.

President Harry Truman authorized the only use of nuclear weapons in combat in August 1945 after Japan declined to surrender.

A U.S. B-29 Superfortress bomber dropped the atomic bomb nicknamed "Little Boy" on the city of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945. As Imperial Japan clung to its war effort and again did not surrender, Truman used another bomb -- named "Fat Man" -- three days later on Nagasaki.

Together, the bombs killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people.

The last time the U.S. tested a nuclear weapon was in 1992.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: There's a Good Reason Why 'Oppenheimer' Is Christopher Nolan's Longest Movie Ever

Steve Beynon

Steve Beynon

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Trinity Site Open to the Public – CANCELED

Date(s): Saturday April 6, 2024 Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Location: White Sands Missile Range

“On July 16, 1945 the world changed with the explosion of the first atomic bomb. The explosion took place at Trinity Site which is on what is now White Sands Missile Range. Trinity is a national historic landmark which is currently open to the public twice a year.”

Visit the TRINITY SITE’s website for more information.

The City of Socorro Transportation Department will be providing shuttle services to Trinity Site at White Sands Missile Range.

Depart Socorro:   8:00 am   (Socorro Transportation Office , 201 Church Street) Depart Trinity Site:   11:00 am Return to Socorro by 12:00 noon.

Must reserve your ride.    $2.00 a person Call Socorro Public Transportation to schedule your ride.    575.835.1501

can you visit trinity site new mexico

-Kenneth Bainbridge, physicist

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Home > Cities > How to Visit Trinity Site: A Journey Through History

Trinity Site How to visit

How to Visit Trinity Site: A Journey Through History

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The Trinity Site is the location where, on July 16, 1945, the first nuclear bomb in history was detonated. Thanks to Christopher Nolan’s film, “ Oppenheimer ,” the site has gained renewed and significant attention in public opinion worldwide.

If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to visit, the answer is yes, but several aspects must be considered. Let’s then explore everything there is to know about the Trinity Site.

Why to visit Trinity Site

Trinity site: a monument within the largest military installation in the united states, pricing and operational hours: details about admission fees, operating hours, and more, what you must know: understand the nuances of visiting trinity site, is trinity site still radioactive, where to stay in the area, about trinity site.

trinity site new mexico

The Trinity Site is located within the military boundaries of the White Sands Missile Range . It derives its name from the test that led to the explosion of the first atomic bomb, which also resulted in the creation of trinitite , a glassy material that formed in the crater created by the atomic explosion due to the heat emitted. These fragments still have low levels of radioactivity and can be handled for a limited time without causing harm to one’s health.

In 2018, almost all of the remaining debris at the site was collected and buried, and now it is strictly prohibited by law to collect them. During your visit to the site, you will notice many signs reminding visitors of this prohibition.

However, during public openings of the Trinity Site, pieces of trinitite that were recovered in previous years by collectors and enthusiasts may be on display.

Exploring the Trinity Site offers a unique and profound opportunity to step back in history . Visiting the site is not just about witnessing the location of a significant scientific achievement; it’s about understanding the impact this event had on the world, marking the end of World War II and starting in the atomic age.

It’s a journey that offers insight into the complexities of human ingenuity and its consequences, making it a must-visit for those interested in history, science, and the broader implications of human actions.

Very likely, before entering the military base, you may encounter a group of people with protest signs . These are the so-called Downwinders who lived in New Mexico. Unlike those residing in other states, they were not evacuated before the explosion and were excluded from federal compensations provided to those who experienced health issues due to exposure to nuclear radiation after various tests.

Let’s then explore what there is to see at the Trinity Site.

Ground Zero

trinity site cosa vedere

This is the location where Gadget, the first nuclear bomb, was detonated . You will have to walk for just under 1600 feet along a road bordered on both sides by a metal fence to reach this spot from the parking area where you leave your car.

Upon reaching Ground Zero, don’t expect to enter a crater. Instead, you will find a stretch of arid land with a central obelisk made of volcanic rock bearing a commemorative plaque. Along the fence, you’ll also see a series of historical photos.

You can also observe the casing of the Fat-Man bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki.

McDonald Ranch House

McDonald Ranch House

If you prefer, a shuttle service is available that will take you to the McDonald Ranch House, which is the location where the plutonium core of the Gadget bomb, later detonated at the Trinity Site, was assembled.

The house was originally constructed in adobe in 1913 by Franz Schmidt, a German immigrant who settled in this area of New Mexico. It was later purchased in the 1930s by the McDonald family. However, in 1942, when the U.S. Army took possession of the land for aerial bombing testing, the McDonald family was forced to abandon their home, receiving a compensation of $60,000.

The atomic bomb explosion, which occurred just over 1.8 miles away, did not damage the structure but only shattered the windows. Nonetheless, in 1984, a decision was made to restore the house to address damages caused by weathering and abandonment, aiming to closely resemble its original appearance in 1945.

Near the house, you can see the remains of water tanks that were used as a pool during a hot summer in 1945, as depicted in a historical photo on display.

Located within the expansive White Sands Missile Range , the largest military installation in the United States, the Trinity Site holds a unique position in both history and geography.

This significant location is set against the backdrop of a vast testing ground for missile technology , encompassing a diverse landscape that has played a crucial role in defense and research developments since 1945. The range itself, stretching across the deserts of New Mexico, offers a glimpse into the nation’s military prowess and technological advancements.

To gain a deeper understanding of the history of this area, I invite you to read our in-depth feature on the White Sands Missile Range Museum .

Visiting Trinity Site

Unfortunately, visiting this area in person is quite complicated as it can only be done twice a year .

Yes, you understood correctly. You can participate in a tour of the Trinity Site only on the first Saturday of April and the fourth Saturday of October . The dates are not fixed and can change from year to year. For example, the upcoming tour is scheduled for April 6, 2024. For this reason, I recommend checking the official U.S. Army page for the most accurate information.

There are two access options to the area: one through Stallion Gate , located along Highway 380, and the other using the Alamogordo Caravan organized by the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce.

  • Alamogordo Caravan : This is a caravan of vehicles (limited to a maximum of 125) led by military police, departing at 10:00 AM from the Tularosa High School Athletic Field parking lot. You can start lining up from 8:00 AM. To participate, you need to have a photo ID such as a passport, show your rental agreement, ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, and have a spare tire. Once the caravan starts, it will enter the military base through the Tularosa Gate , and no stops will be allowed along the route.
  • Alternatively, you can access through Stallion Gate from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM by presenting a photo ID like a passport. There is no reservation system, so your chance to visit the Trinity Site depends on your arrival time and the number of people present. Be prepared to wait for a few hours before entry due to both the significant influx of people and the necessary checks at the entrance (keep in mind that you are entering the boundaries of an active military base).

It is not allowed to take photos or videos along the route inside the military base, but you can take photos and videos only once you arrive at the Trinity Site.

Given the unique nature of the site we are visiting, it’s possible that over time, the hours and access procedures may change. For this reason, I always recommend checking the official website for the latest information.

In addition to personal visits, there are other ways to tour the Trinity Site, namely through private tours that require booking and have associated costs. Here are the main options:

  • The City of Socorro Transportation Department offers a shuttle service departing from the Socorro Transportation Office at 201 Church Street at 8:00 AM, with a return at 12:00 PM, at a cost of $2 per person. More information is available on the official website .
  • The New Mexico Museum of Space History organizes a guided tour to the Trinity Site at a cost of $125 per person, which includes breakfast, lunch, and a museum visit upon return. More information is available on the official website .

Despite the historical radiation release, today’s visitors can be reassured by the fact that radiation levels at the site have diminished to the point where they’re considered safe for brief visits. The comparison of radiation exposure from spending an hour at the site to everyday activities— like taking a cross-country flight —puts into perspective the minimal risk involved.

Visitors are reminded not to collect Trinitite , the glassy substance created by the bomb’s detonation, as it remains radioactive. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, it is strictly prohibited to do so.

Certainly, staying within the White Sands Missile Range is not an option, but if you wish to remain in the vicinity, I recommend looking for accommodation in the major towns surrounding the military area. Among the most notable are:

  • Alamogordo : You can find all available hotels at this link .
  • Las Cruces : Explore all available hotels at this link .
  • Truth or Consequences : Discover all available hotels at this link .

Alternatively, you can click on the link below to explore all the accommodation options nearby.

Search for Accommodation in the Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

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Filippo Nardelli

I have a degree in History of North America and have always been fascinated by the United States.

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Thousands visit historic Trinity Site during open house

[anvplayer video=”5196623″ station=”998122″]

SOCORRO COUNTY, N.M. – The movie “Oppenheimer” is continuing to have in impact on our state.

On Saturday, there were huge crowds at the Trinity Site for a rare open house to see the test site of the first atomic bomb.

People lined the road to one of the most exclusive national parks in the country. Early birds arrived hours before the gates opened at 8 a.m. 

“We had already heard of the site before. But after we saw the Oppenheimer movie, we thought it’d be really cool to come see it,” said Laurel Houston, a visitor from Dallas. 

This year, a long line of cars waited to see the test site of the first atomic bomb after the “Oppenheimer” movie released this summer. 

can you visit trinity site new mexico

“It’s unique that you actually get to stand in the place where the world changed,” said Houston.

The site only opens twice a year. Site officials say over 3,000 people came out, and some with other goals than just site seeing.

“I think all of us think of the bomb and the creation of the bomb, and then what happens on the battlefield or not. But there’s other consequences, and one of the big ones is all of this waste, this has been produced,” said Cynthia Wheeler with the 285 Alliance. 

Mark Swan and his wife were passing through New Mexico from Minnesota and had to stop. 

“We were in Alamogordo this whole past week, and people were talking about the fact that the Trinity Site is going to be open only twice a year, and we are lucky enough to be here,” said Swan. 

The open house also includes a tour of the McDonald House. That is where the plutonium core was put in the world’s first atomic bomb. The test site is just a few miles away from the house.

Swan says walking the same halls as Oppenheimer was amazing. 

“It’s a bit overwhelming to think that they put that much power together in a little ranch like this, and then blew it up. But it’s scientifically over overwhelming to try to understand what they accomplished here,” said Swan. 

The open house gives visitors a window into the past and what life was like on the Manhattan Project. 

Site officials say the missile range was almost used for filming in the actual movie. 

“Chris Nolan actually came out and toured the site to get a feel for it, because he’s really into kind of getting a feel for these historic films when he works on them. And they even did ask about the possibility of filming the Trinity scenes somewhere in the nearby area,” said Drew Hamilton a public affairs specialist of White Sands Missile Range, Army Test and Evaluation Command.

One school group came all the way from Canada to see the sites in-person after studying the Manhattan Project. 

“It is so incredible being here. And I, you know, being in this little crater, just knowing that this is the site where the human history changed forever, is really, really interesting feeling,” said Dylan Schoing, a visitor from Canada. 

Only harmless radioactivity remains at the site where man became death or the destroyer of the worlds. 

If you missed this weekend’s open house, the next chance we’ll get to come out to the Trinity Site will be April 2024. 

Trinity Site Open House

Welcome to Trinity Site!   Trinity Site holds immense historical significance as the location where the first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945, at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time. Spanning 51,500 acres, this site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1975. It encompasses base camp, ground zero, and the McDonald ranch house, where the plutonium core of the bomb was assembled.   During the Trinity Site Open House, visitors can explore various attractions. These include Ground Zero, the iconic "Jumbo" bomb casing, the McDonald House, one of the historic instrumentation bunkers, captivating historical photographs, a Fatman bomb casing, and a portion of the original crater created by the explosion, revealing a unique greenish glassy substance known as "Trinitite." The intense heat and pressure of the atomic blast form Trinitite.   Trinity Site opens its gates to the public on the FIRST Saturday in April and the THIRD Saturday in October. Stallion Gate welcomes visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It’s important to note that the Trinity Site closes promptly at 3:30 p.m. Admission to this event is free, and reservations are not required.   We invite you to the official website  Trinity Site Open House: White Sands Missile Range (army.mil)  at for detailed information regarding tour entrance gates and times. You can find the latest updates and additional resources related to Trinity Site's Open House events there.   Join us for a journey to Trinity Site, sponsored by the Alamogordo Center of Commerce. Only 125 cars will be allowed in the caravan. We recommend you arrive early as some cars start lining up as early as 6:00 AM. A food truck will sell delicious breakfast items and coffee to kickstart your day.   The meeting point for the caravan is at the Tularosa High School Athletic Field Parking lot. When you reach Tularosa, turn west off Hwy. 54/70 at Higuero St. Continue west until you reach La Luz Ave. Turn right on La Luz Ave. (heading north) until you reach the athletic field.   To ensure a smooth entry, please bring a government-issued photo ID for all individuals aged 18 and over. Also, please provide proof of insurance and registration for your vehicle or rental agreement. If you have a non-compliant state driver's license, please look at the REAL ID information for acceptable alternative documentation.   The caravan will depart promptly at 8 a.m. It’s important to note that no latecomers will be allowed once the last person in the caravan has been identified. Visitors will travel together as a guided group to the Trinity Site, covering a total distance of 145 miles roundtrip. Please ensure your vehicle has a full gas tank, as no service station facilities are on the missile range. All visitors will exit Trinity Site on HWY 380.   While cameras are permitted at Trinity Site, they are strictly prohibited anywhere else on White Sands Missile Range.   Join us on this incredible journey and immerse yourself in the history and significance of the Trinity Site. Experience and learn about the pivotal moments that took place here. We look forward to seeing you on the Alamogordo Caravan!   

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Date and Time

Saturday Apr 13, 2024 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM MDT

Get there early cars start lining up as early as 6:00 AM  The caravan will depart promptly at 8 a.m. It’s important to note that no latecomers will be allowed once the last person in the caravan has been identified. Visitors will travel together as a guided group to the Trinity Site, covering a total distance of 145 miles roundtrip. Please ensure your vehicle has a full gas tank, as no service station facilities are on the missile range. All visitors will exit Trinity Site on HWY 380.

When you reach Tularosa, turn west off Hwy. 54/70 at Higuero St. Continue west until you reach La Luz Ave. Turn right on La Luz Ave. (heading north) until you reach the athletic  field. The caravan starts at Tularosa High School, line up is in the athletics field parking lot, this parking lot is behind the school by the football field.  

Fees/Admission

Q1. is there a fee, q2. are bathrooms available, q3. do they sell food items, q4. do i have to register, q5. are there scheduled tours/ceremonies, q6. can i take pictures, q7. what do i need to do to get on the installation, q8. can i bring my firearm, q9. are pets allowed, q10. can i ride my motorcycle, q11. what are the hours for the open house, q12. how far will i have to walk, q13. what is there to see, q14. can you accommodate large vehicles (rvs, campers, buses), q15. are there any handicapped restrooms, q16. are there handicapped buses available to visit the mcdonald ranch house, q17. do you sell souvenirs/food, q18. is there a gas station nearby, q19. is there wheelchair access, q20. do i have to register for the alamogordo caravan, q21. where does the alamogordo caravan meet, q22. what time does the alamogordo caravan leave from trinity site, q23. can i use my gps device for directions to the site, q24. where is the nearest city with hotel accommodations, q25. is it harmful to visit trinity due to radiation.

  • One hour at Trinity Site ground zero = one half mrem
  • Radioactivity from air, water, and food = about 240 mrem per year

Q26. Is marijuana allowed on the installation?

https://www.wsmr.army.mil/Trinity/Pages/Home.aspx

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  1. Reservations Open for October 2021 Trinity Site Tour

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  2. Public Tours Of The Trinity Test Site In New Mexico

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  3. Trinity Site (Albuquerque)

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  4. Visit Trinity Site in New Mexico

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  5. October Trinity Site Tour

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  6. A visit to Trinity Site (where the first atomic bomb exploded

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COMMENTS

  1. Alamogordo: Visit the 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 ...

  2. Trinity Site

    The site was closed to both WSMR personnel and the general public. By 1953, much of the radioactivity had subsided, and the first Trinity Site open house was held in September of that year. In 1965, Army officials erected a monument on Ground Zero. In 1975, the National Park Service designated Trinity Site as a National Historic Landmark.

  3. Trinity Site

    Unnamed Road New Mexico United States 33.6773, -106.4753, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Reach out directly. Visit website Call Email. Contribute. ... There are other interesting places in the area, even if you can't see the trinity site. Read all replies. louielandadventures. Gilbert, AZ 8 contributions. If one is active duty military or retired can ...

  4. Trinity Site

    Twice a year, the US Army hosts a Trinity Site Open House when the public may visit Trinity Site. ... known as "the Gadget," at 5:29 am Mountain War Time at the Trinity Site in the Jornada del Muerto desert of New Mexico. For the Project Trinity test, the bomb was placed atop a 100-foot (30.48 m) tall steel tower that was designated Zero ...

  5. Trinity Site Offers a Rare Chance to Visit Ground Zero of the World's

    Photo of the world's first atomic explosion at the Trinity Site in New Mexico. White Sands Missile Range . July 16, 1945 was a day that changed the world forever. ... During a one-hour visit, you ...

  6. Public Tours Of The Trinity Test Site In New Mexico

    While most people know that the world's first nuclear device was detonated in New Mexico, fewer people are aware that you can actually visit the Trinity Site. Flickr/7263255. Twice a year, on one day in April and October respectively, members of the public are granted access to White Sands Missile Range. This location, which forever changed ...

  7. Trinity Site: What you need to know before you go

    Trinity Site: What you need to know before you go. WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE — At precisely 5:29:45 a.m. on July 16, 1945, a tremendous explosion in the New Mexico desert signaled the beginning ...

  8. Trinity Site Open House Guide (New Mexico)

    The Stallion Gate Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the Trinity Site closes promptly at 3:30 p.m. Once you show up at the military testing site, you're not allowed to take any photos until you arrive inside the Trinity site so keep that in mind. It's about a 30 minute drive from the Stallion Gate to the parking lot for the Trinity Site.

  9. Trinity Site

    This site is open to the public only twice a year in April and October. A shuttle service to the site from Socorro is provided by the City of Socorro Transportation Department (575) 835-1501. More Info / Website. Contact: 575-678-1134. The first atomic bomb was tested at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time on July 16, 1945 at Trinity Site.

  10. Trinity Site

    You have a few different options when it comes to visiting Trinity Site. You can enter through the Stallion Gate which is off of Hwy 380 between Carrizozo and San Antonio, NM at the times specified on the White Sands Missile Range website. ... (New Mexico Museum of Space History support group) hosts a guided tour to the site in charter buses ...

  11. The Trinity Test Site Is Open One More Time This Year. You Might Not

    Published July 26, 2023. The Army said the only day for tourists to visit the Trinity nuclear test site in New Mexico this year could be packed amid the massive popularity of the blockbuster movie ...

  12. Trinity Site, where first atomic blast was set off, opens for one day

    The remnant of the container used to hold the first tested atomic bomb is seen as people visit during an open house on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Trinity Site opens only two Saturdays a year ...

  13. The best way to visit Trinity Site

    To reserve your tickets or for more information, call 575-437-2840 ext. 41132 or visit nmspacemuseum.org. The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a division of the NM Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information, call 575-437-2840 or toll-free 1-877-333-6589 or visit the website at www.nmspacemuseum.org.

  14. Atlas Obscura

    Since it's a military base, the whole area is a no drone zone. To visit the Trinity Site on days when it is open to the public: From Socorro, head south on I-25 to US Rte. 380. Take US 380 east ...

  15. New Mexico's Trinity Site opens to the public this weekend.

    If You Go. Directions to the Trinity Site: Enter WSMR through its Stallion Range Center gate, located five miles south of U.S. Highway 380. The turnoff is 12 miles east of San Antonio, New Mexico ...

  16. Trinity Site Open to the Public

    Depart Socorro: 8:00 am (Socorro Transportation Office , 201 Church Street) Depart Trinity Site: 11:00 am. Return to Socorro by 12:00 noon. Must reserve your ride. $2.00 a person. Call Socorro Public Transportation to schedule your ride. 575.835.1501. -Kenneth Bainbridge, physicist.

  17. Trinity Site

    The Trinity Site is where the first atomic bomb was tested. During an open house, patrons will see an obelisk at Ground Zero and the McDonald ranch house where the plutonium core was assembled. The sight is open twice a year on the first Saturday of April and October. Stallion gates open from 8 am to 2 pm. The Trinity Site closes at 3:30. Admission is free.

  18. Trinity Site Open House :: White Sands Missile Range

    Directions **DO NOT use GPS to get to Trinity Site use directions below** Stallion Gate Entrance. Exit I-25 on mile marker 139 (San Antonio, N.M.) and head 12 miles east or exit U.S. Highway 54 onto U.S. Highway 380 and head west 53 miles of Carrizozo, N.M. Turn south on New Mexico State Highway 525 and head south five miles to the Stallion gate.

  19. Reservations Open for October 2021 Trinity Site Tour

    The tour, which is pending current Department of Health restrictions due to the pandemic, is scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2021. Trinity Site is where the world's first atomic bomb was detonated in 1945. "Reservations for the October Trinity Site Tour have far exceeded all of our expectations," said Christopher Orwoll, Museum ...

  20. How to Visit Trinity Site: A Journey Through History

    If you prefer, a shuttle service is available that will take you to the McDonald Ranch House, which is the location where the plutonium core of the Gadget bomb, later detonated at the Trinity Site, was assembled. The house was originally constructed in adobe in 1913 by Franz Schmidt, a German immigrant who settled in this area of New Mexico.

  21. Thousands visit historic Trinity Site during open house

    SOCORRO COUNTY, N.M. - The movie "Oppenheimer" is continuing to have in impact on our state. On Saturday, there were huge crowds at the Trinity Site for a rare open house to see the test ...

  22. Trinity Site Open House

    Welcome to Trinity Site! Trinity Site holds immense historical significance as the location where the first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945, at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time. Spanning 51,500 acres, this site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

  23. Trinity Tour

    The Los Alamos Historical Society is pleased to offer again its popular two-day excursion to Trinity Site October 20th and 21st, 2023. ... Bonuses include a visit to the young (5,000-year-old) lava flows at Valley of Fires, and the New Mexico Space Museum overlooking the Tularosa Basin, Holloman Air Force Base, and White Sands Missile Range ...