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.
About Trinity Site
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.
Why to visit Trinity Site
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
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
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.
Trinity Site: a monument within the largest military installation in the United States
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
Pricing and Operational Hours: Details about admission fees, operating hours, and more
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).
What you Must Know: Understand the nuances of visiting Trinity Site
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.
Is Trinity Site Still Radioactive?
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.
Where to stay in the area
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.
