The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway in New Mexico

NEW MEXICO LEGENDS

Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway

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Nestled in the hills and valleys of central New Mexico is one of the state’s most interesting and scenic drives – the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. This often forgotten road is filled with history, scenic views, ghost towns, a National Forest, a ski resort, art galleries, shops, museums, and more.

Linking New Mexico's two most major cities – Santa Fe and Albuquerque, the 65 mile national scenic byway is often called the back road between the two cities. Named for the rich turquoise deposits found near its northern end, the Turquoise Trail was used for centuries by Native Americans and Spanish explorers before miners began to flood the area in the late 1800’s in search of the hills’ many rich minerals. The beautiful blue-green turquoise was first mined by the early Pueblo people as early as 900 A.D. Though this hilly highway has seen much recent growth, it still maintains a historic view of the Old West, along with its galleries, restaurants, and museums.

Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway map courtesy

Turquoise Trail Association.

Tijeras

The scenic byway begins in Tijeras about 16 miles east of Albuquerque. In Tijeras is one of the Cibola National Forest’s Visitor Centers, which provides numerous brochures and information about the area. The forest spans three states and almost 2 million acres. Also here, is the site of the Tijeras Pueblo Ruin, formed about 1300 A.D. This canyon community eventually housed about 400 Indians; however major droughts drove them out. Today the 200-room pueblo is a grass-covered mound and a frequent site of archeological excavations. This small town was once one of the many communities on old Route 66 and is also home to the world’s longest tramway, where visitors can ride almost three miles to see spectacular views of the Sandia Crest Highway, Albuquerque, and the Cibola National Forest.

During the summer and into the fall, from May through October, Tijeras also offers a juried arts and crafts market at 488 E Highway 66, that provides not only the work of some of New Mexico's finest artisans, but also live music, and a beautiful scenic setting.

Cedar Crest

From Tijeras, the route follows NM-14, through Cedar Crest, which is the home of the Museum of Archaeology and Material Culture, which explores the 12,000 year story of our Native American History. This small, mostly residential community also provides a number of shops and restaurants for the Turquoise Trail visitor.

Sandia Park

Just up the road you will arrive at Sandia Park. Here, you will find all manner of outdoor activities from skiing at the Sandia Peak Ski Area, to hiking, horseback riding, climbing and more. Another Scenic Byway also presents itself here – the Sandia Crest Highway, just 13 short miles on NM 536, which winds through the Cibola National Forest and provides amazing scenic views. On this highway, visitors can ride the Sandia Peak Tramway and visit the Tinkertown Museum, which provides an animated miniature Old West town, along with circus relics and thousands of hand-carved figures.

The 1830's San Francisco Church in Golden is one of

the most photographed sites along the Turquoise Trail.

Kathy Weiser, June, 2006.

This image available for photographic prints HERE!

Golden

Continuing on the Turquoise Trail another ten miles brings you to its first ghost town – Golden, established in 1879 when gold was found in the area. Soon prospectors crawled all over the area, but less than a decade later, the gold was gone and the town began to die. Ranching continues in the area that is dotted with the crumbling remains of the ghost town, as well as traces of two pueblos that date back to 1300 A.D. The San Francisco Catholic Church, built in 1830, is one of the most photographed buildings along the Trail. This beautiful little adobe church was restored by historian and author Fray Angelico Chavez, during his tenure as padre of the San Jose in Cerrillos in the 1960’s.

While here, don’t miss the general store that has been in operation since 1918 before moving on towards Madrid.

The ruins of Golden's old school can be seen behind this old mining structure. Kathy Weiser, June, 2006.

This image available for photographic prints HERE!

Golden's General Merchandise store dates back to 1918 and is still open today. Kathy Weiser, June, 2006.

This image available for photographic prints HERE!

Madrid

Twelve miles later the trail takes you through Madrid, categorized as a ghost town , even though it has some 300 residents and thrives in the summer with shops, restaurants, and galleries catering to the many visitors along this ancient path.

Madrid and neighboring Cerrillos to the north have long been known for the turquoise nestled in the surrounding hills. Mined by the Indians for centuries, it was later discovered by Spaniards who also searched the area for silver and gold. In the early 1800’s, American prospectors moved into the area and in the 1880’s large coal mine companies began operations.

Madrid, New Mexico, June, 2006, Kathy Weiser

This image available for photographic prints HERE!

It was during the coal mining peak, that Madrid boasted more than 3,000 residents and produced some 250,000 tons of coal a year.

Continued Next Page

Also See:

Golden, New Mexico Has Seen Better Days

Los Cerrillos - 2,000 Years of History

Madrid - A Ghost Town Reborn

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