On my epic road trip through New Mexico’s romantic desert landscape, I discovered a gem called the Turquoise Trail.
The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway connects Albuquerque to Santa Fe, winding through quirky old mining towns, offbeat arts communities, and surprising little eateries.
After an entire day of exploring, I’ve gathered the best shops, stops, adventures, and tips for the Trail.
Here’s your guide to the Turquoise Trail in New Mexico:
Why is it called the Turquoise Trail?
The Turquoise Trail earned its name from the rich turquoise deposits in the area. Although most of the miners have since left, the name has remained.
Today, the Cerrillos mining district is still a major place for turquoise mining, and you can buy handmade jewelry in shops all along the trail (I know I did!).
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Where does the Turquoise Trail in New Mexico start and end?
The Turquoise Trail in New Mexico stretches 60 miles from Santa Fe to Albuquerque. I think so many people miss it because the freeway route is just more convenient.
This historic trail can be considered one of New Mexico’s most hidden-in plain-sight-gems.
How long is the drive on Turquoise Trail from Santa Fe to Albuquerque?
The drive along the Turquoise Trail covers about 60 miles between Santa Fe and Albuquerque and takes about an hour without stops.
Of course, you should definitely make stops!
There are a ton of cool things to do along the way.
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Is the Turquoise Trail in New Mexico worth it?
Absolutely! The Turquoise Trail is a unique blend of stunning landscapes, artistic communities, and historical sites.
The trail is an adventurous alternative to the typical freeway drive and showcases some of the best of New Mexico’s natural beauty.
Planning Your Adventure
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Turquoise Trail in New Mexico is between April and October, when the weather is warm, and the skies are clear.
Although hot, summer has its own magic. My mom and I took an epic road trip across the Turquoise Trail, and the summer weather didn’t slow us down one bit!
What to Pack
- Layers. Comfortable clothing and layering options for different temperatures.
- Tech. A camera to capture the dramatic desert scenery. A powerful portable charger.
- Love your skin. Sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Eyes. Binoculars for spotting wildlife.
- Plenty of water for hydration!
Turquoise Trail 1 Day Itinerary
I recommend a minimum of one full day to explore and drive the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway.
Here’s a quick 1 day itinerary for the Turquoise Trail:
- Morning: Brunch in Cedar Crest. Visit the historic town of Cerrillos for shopping and food.
- Afternoon: Shop and explore the Spanish and Native American art galleries in Madrid. Visit Cerrillos Hills State Park for a short hike.
- Evening: Reach your final destination (Albuquerque or Santa Fe) by late afternoon. If you have extra time, visit anything nearby that you missed earlier.
Iconic Stops Along the Turquoise Trail
Note: If you drive from Albuquerque, these stops are in order, with San Felipe de Neri Church the closest and the Tinkertown Museum near Santa Fe.
If you’re driving from Santa Fe, simply reverse the order of the stops.
San Felipe de Neri Church
Check out San Felipe de Neri Church, with iconic bleached crosses standing proudly atop the adobe walls.
The church is a testament to the enduring faith and culture that have shaped Albuquerque since its construction in 1706.
Views at Tijeras
The tiny village is the southern gateway to The Turquoise Trail. Stop by the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site and check out the world’s longest tramway (2.7 miles), with amazing views the entire way up.
History at Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest is home to the Center for New Mexico Archaeology, which explores 12,000 years of Native American history through the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890.
Madrid’s Art Scene
Madrid is the main stop on the Trail, where people spend the most time.
You’ll be immediately swept up by the unique art scene here: former miner’s homes have been converted into over 40 shops and galleries, making for an art walk through the middle of the town. Madrid is a great place to buy paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted jewelry.
My absolute favorite place to get jewelry on the Turquoise Trail is Gypsy Gem in Madrid.
The Golden Ghost Town
Golden is a ghost town with a glittering past.
It once bursted with miners during the gold rush era, but today a crumbled town and tall tales are all that remain. The San Francisco Catholic Church is a great spot to snap pics along the Trail.
Turquoise in Cerrillos
This ghost town is known for its Cerrillos Turquoise and for serving as the setting for the movie “Young Guns.”
This is the quintessential dusty Southwestern town, but it is worth visiting for the few shops, art studios, and Western scenery.
Tinkertown Museum
Stop at the Tinkertown Museum, where whimsy meets folk art. At this quirky New Mexico museum, the intricate hand-carved miniatures show the life’s work of artist Ross Ward.
Things To Do Outdoors
Cerrillos Hills State Park
Breathe in the desert air at Cerrillos Hills State Park. Enjoy Five miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife!
My recommendation for hikes:
- Jane Calvin Sanchez Trail (Easy)
- Geronimo Trail (Moderate)
Native American Pueblos
The ancestral Pueblos sprinkled along the Turquoise Trail are a window into Native American culture. Check these out:
- Cochiti Pueblo. This area and its people are famous for making storytellers pottery figures and drums.
- Santo Domingo Pueblo. Near Cerillos, this pueblo is known for its beautiful turquoise, silver, and heishi (shell) jewelry. Santo Domingo Pueblo is a great place to get authentic New Mexico souvenirs.
- Pecos National Historic Park. Pecos National Historic Park is in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, only 33 minutes from Santa Fe. These rustic-colored remains of Indian Pueblos are nothing short of stunning!
Horseback Riding
The Broken Saddle Riding Company has the best reputation for a humane and authentic horseback riding experience near the Turquoise Trail.
Dining and Accommodation
Where to eat on the Turquoise Trail
I just love the unique flavors of New Mexican food along the Turquoise Trail:
- Burger Boy (Cedar Crest). Family-owned and really good at making burgers for over 40 years.
- Cabra Coffee (Cedar Crest). The best damn coffee shop on the Turquoise Trail.
- The Mine Shaft Tavern & Cantina (Madrid). This is one of the coolest places to eat on the Turquoise Trail – a historic tavern overlooking Madrid.
- Black Bird Saloon (Cerillos). Keep with the day’s theme by stopping at Old West Saloon, built in 1885, and having some local New Mexico beer or spirits.
- San Marcos Cafe & Feed Store (Sante Fe). Located in a feed store, San Marcos has a charmingly rustic atmosphere and a menu rich in Southwestern dishes. You can also check out the peacocks, turkeys, chickens, and other animals on the farm.
Where to stay along the Turquoise Trail
There aren’t many places to stay along the Turquoise Trail, so you’ll likely stay at your endpoint (either Albuquerque or Santa Fe).
Here’s where to crash near the Trail:
Where to Stay near Albuquerque
- Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (in the heart of Old Town) is my top choice overall.
- Sandia Peak Inn is clean, comfy, and budget-friendly.
- Hotel Andaluz is luxury AF.
Where to Stay Near Santa Fe
- Inn on the Alameda is my top choice for value and cost.
- Silver Saddle Motel (now owned by La Quinta) is best for those on a budget.
- La Fonda on the Plaza (directly across from La Plaza) or the Four Seasons for the ultimate luxury experience.
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