Trinity Site

Trinity Site. Only a monument remains at Trinity Site, where the world's first atomic bomb exploded, on July 16, 1945. The resulting crater has been filled in, but the test site and monument are open for public viewing and self-guided tours two days of the year. The McDonald ranch house, where the first plutonium core for the bomb was assembled, can be toured on those days. Picnic tables are available. It's wheelchair-accessible. There are no vehicle services or gas at the site, and visitors must bring their own food and water. Off I–25, 34 mi southeast of Socorro; Exit 139 (10 mi south of Socorro), at San Antonio, and go 12 mi east on U.S. 380 and turn south onto paved road, NM 525 (there is a large sign for Trinity Site), for 5 mi until route reaches Stallion Range Center gate; visitors (everyone over age 16 must present photo ID) will be met at the gate and escorted 17 mi east to site, Socorro, New Mexico, 88002. 575/678–1134; www.wsmr.army.mil. Free. 1st Sat. of Apr. and Oct., gate open 8–2.