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Welcome to the Turquoise Trail
Back roads often lead to great discoveries
Venture off the freeway and onto the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, and you'll see what we mean. The Scenic and Historic Area encompasses 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico, linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Enjoy a breathtaking view from atop Sandia Crest, then drive back into history through the mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, now coming alive with art, crafts, theater, music, museums and restaurants.
Featured Stops & Shops
Sandia Peak Summer Chairlift
Enter Cibola National Forest and take a scenic chairlift ride gliding over the lush forest below. The more adventurous can take their own mountain bikes…
Coffee At Dawn
Specialty Coffee & Teas for sale. Victorian Tea Room. Outdoor seating. A sense of community.
The Mine Shaft Tavern
Great Music, Great Food, Historical Ambiance! One of the last great roadhouses.
Crystal Mesa Farm Bed & Breakfast
Charming adobe hacienda on miniature animal farm. Beautiful decor, stunning vistas; sunsets and stars.
Interactive Map of Stops & Shops
Plan Your Day Trip On The Turquoise Trail
The Scenic and Historic Area of the Turquoise Trail encompasses 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico, linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Enjoy a breathtaking view from atop Sandia Crest, then drive back into history through the mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, now coming alive with art, crafts, theater, music, museums and restaurants. View Interactive Map »
Upcoming Event
Tijeras Open-Air Arts Mart
Every weekend from May 1 - OctoberJoin us for the 5th season of the Tijeras Open-Air Arts Market. High quality exhibitors, with live music all weekend.
Event details » View all events »
From Our Forum
- Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway's 10th Anniversary
- Advisable to get gas in ABQ or Santa Fe
- Call for Artists
- Take the HGTV Dream Home tour!
- Aspects of Clay opens studio co-op
National Scenic Byway
On June 15, 2000 the Turquoise Trail received designation as a National Scenic Byway from the The National Scenic Byways Program after completing a comprehensive corridor management plan.The plan is available for review here »





