If you would like hints to help you find the Passport to the Pajarito Plateau rubbing plates, then you are in the right place.
Map:
Los Alamos Trails Map with Passport Post locations
Hints by Trail:
Acid Canyon: When you are halfway-down into the canyon on the switchbacks, take the right-hand fork that goes towards the nature center, instead of the newer trail that goes to the left. The post is near the all-wooden bridge, close to the Ranch School Trail and a storm water monitoring station.
Aspeñola: From the parking near the red gate, stand facing the gate and look to the right. Between several large boulders, a trail heads uphill. Follow the trail for 20 adult steps to a t-intersection of trails. Turn left; the right fork is the return leg of the loop.
Follow the trail uphill through the low forest and twice across a ski run, winding through several switchbacks. After about a half mile, enter the conifer forest on the easy-to-follow trail. After a few minutes, reach a trail junction that identifies the way you just came as the Lower Aspeñola Loop. Turn right onto the Aspeñola Trail. Cross a ski run and reenter the forest, watching for orchids and maybe a Passport post. Stay right at the next trail junction. Cross another ski run, pass through another forested section, and at the third ski run, head downhill toward the old lime-green restroom shack. The trail resumes at a trail sign at the restrooms and is easy to follow for about three-quarters of a mile back to the trailhead.
Bayo Bench (post is currently missing): We are working to reinstall the post near the overlook at the end of the trail. In the meantime, bring your passport to the nature center after hiking this trail to receive credit for this hike.
Blue Dot Trail: At the end (bottom) of the trail at the junction with the River Trail.
Bridges Loop: Near the south side of the big bridge over Pueblo Canyon, at the edge of a large meadow.
Burnt Mesa: On an obvious bench on the left side of the trail as you’re hiking in.
Canyon Rim Trail: Near the west side of the long bridge. West is towards town, not towards Santa Fe.
Coyote Call: On the back of the trailhead sign (you’ll see it when you finish the hike), right next to the parking area. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.
Deer Trap: At the North Point near the overlook.
Historic Downtown: North of the Romero Cabin, past the pueblo walls. This plate is not on a 4×4 wooden post, it’s on a wood plate attached to an existing sign.
La Jara: On a fence post near a cattle guard across the road from the trailhead. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.
Main Loop: On the seat of a rough bench near the beginning of the loop. NOTE: this bench had a tree fall on it and has been moved to the nature trail.
Quemazon Nature Trail: near the upper portion of the trail around nature trail post number 26.
Ranch School Trail: At the bottom of the trail near the stream crossing. Watch out for poison ivy in the canyon bottom this summer.
Rendija Crack: Before you get to the crack, near the cemetery. It’s in a wide-open area and very easy to spot.
White Rock Canyon Rim: about halfway to Kimberly Drive from Overlook Park (Blue Dot trailhead)
Do these tips help? Email us your feedback and suggestions of other helpful post-finding tips.