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Turquoise Trail
Named for the rich deposits of turquoise that cover the area, this National Scenic Byway encompasses 15,000 square miles in central New Mexico. Enjoy breathtaking views from atop the Sandia Crest, the magnificent summit of the Sandia Mountains in the Cibola National Forest. Then drive back into history through the mining towns of Golden, Madrid and Cerrillos, now alive with art, crafts, theater, music, museums and restaurants. It was soon discovered this very scenic area held more than gold. Native Americans have been mining the turquoise for centuries.
Cerrillos
This tiny town has played host to the filming of Young Guns and the Lonesome Dove TV mini-series. Visit the mining museum.
505-438-3008
Madrid
Originally a coal-mining town, Madrid all but died after the last mine shut down in 1950. Visit the Old Coal Mine Museum and enjoy Madrid’s unique art galleries and cafes.
505-438-3780
Golden
Golden was the site of the first gold rush west of the Mississippi in 1825.
Tinkertown Museum
Unique folk art environment containing an animated, miniature, wood-carved western town and circus.
505-281-5233
Visit the Turquoise Trail
in the
Heart of New Mexico
Click for a close-up of the map
Turquoise Trail Side Trip
Sandia Peak Tram & Sandia Peak Ski Area
Enjoy skiing and snow boarding in the winter and mountain biking and chair lift rides in the summer.
Sandia Peak Ski & Tramway
505-242-9052.
Sandia Crest
Experience magnificent 15,000 square mile panoramic view from the summit of the Sandia Mountains.
Turquoise Trail
505-243-0605
Museum of Archaeology & Material Culture
Explores archaeology and a 12,000-year timeline telling the story of North America’s earliest inhabitants through the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890. Located in Cedar Crest.
Turquoise Trail
505-281-2005
Visitor Information:
Turquoise Trail
888-263-0003
Cibola National Forest - Sandia Ranger Station
505-346-3900
