Just north of Madrid is a quirky little place that if you don’t look closely could be mistaken for a junk yard. Called Tiny Town, this mixture of cast off toys, bones, and other junk, proudly displays a sign at its entrance: “If it isn’t broke, dead, or rusted, well I just can’t use it.” As the sign implies, a short sojourn through this roadside display will turn up all manner of strange displays in this ever-evolving miniature ghost town.

Los Cerrillos

Before long, you will arrive at Los Cerrillos, best known its beautiful blue-green turquoise mined in the Cerrillos Hills as early as 900 A.D. One of the oldest historically documented mining districts in the United States, this almost “ghost-town” is a must stop along your journey of the Turquoise Trail.

Tiny Town "Art" Display?

June, 2006, Kathy Weiser

The What Not Shop on the left carries a variety of antiques and a beer can still be had at Mary's Bar.

Kathy Weiser, 2006.

This image available for photographic prints HERE!

Beginning with Native American miners followed by the Spaniards, the area boomed in the 1880’s when gold, silver and lead mines began to operate in the area. In no town, the population of Los Cerrillos had grown to over 2,000 souls who supported four hotels, 21 saloons and numerous other businesses.  Like so many other boom towns, Los Cerrillos played out when the minerals were gone. However, the town has made a partial rebirth as numerous people find this historic Old West settlement and its many sites, including the Los Cerrillos Historic Park, adobe homes and businesses, Saint Joseph’s Church, a museum, and more.

Beyond Los Cerrillos the trail continues to meander through the Galisteo Basin that once supported a very large Pueblo population in 1300 A.D. The area, known for its razor-back rock formations called “Garden of the Gods” is home to the Eaves Movie Ranch, where more than 100 movies have been filmed.

Just north of Lone Butte/San Marcos travelers reach the end of the Trail, where it meets historic Route 66 and Santa Fe.

Contact Information:

Turquoise Trail Association

888-263-0003

©Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated January, 2008.

Also See:

The Saint Joseph Church, built in 1922, stills provides

 mass every Sunday. Kathy Weiser, June, 2006.

This image available for photographic prints HERE!

Hollywood's Gene Kelly had this "town" built in 1969 for the filming of a movie he was producing, Cheyenne Social Club, starring Jimmy Stuart and Henry Fonda. In the years since it has hosted the likes of John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Kevin Costner, Kevin Kline, and Johnny Cash. When it isn't serving as a Wild West backdrop for cameras, it is open to the public for tours. The J. W. Eaves Movie Ranch is about 10 miles south of Santa Fe. Photo by Mark Nohl, courtesy New Mexico Tourism.