Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow Turquoise Trail Drive Slideshow

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.

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 »

Featured Stops & Shops

Sandia Peak Summer Chairlift

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…

Read More »

The Museum of Archaeology & Material Culture

The Museum of Archaeology & Material Culture

Explores archaeology and a 12,000 year time-line telling the story of North America's earliest inhabitants through the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890.…

Read More »

East Mountain Centre for Theatre

East Mountain Centre for Theatre

Offering quality theatrical performances for all ages as well as after-school and summer educational programs for children.

Read More »

Talking Talons Thrift Store

Talking Talons Thrift Store

A thrift store with a mission: goods are recycled and sales support wildlife rehabilitation and nature programs for youth.

Read More »

Garden of the Gods Sculpture Center

Garden of the Gods Sculpture Center

Sculpture Garden opening 2011. Outdoor sculpture set in New Mexico's enchanting landscape. Visit www.gardenofthegodsinternational.blogspot.com.

Read More »

The Watermelon Gallery

The Watermelon Gallery

Fine Art Gallery showing Oils, Watercolors, Pastels, Photography, Sculptures, Bronzes, Miniatures, Etchings, Charcoal and Pencil drawings.

Read More »

Upcoming Event

Saturdays at the Johnsons

Saturdays
Check through Events for Saturday performances: music, poetry, dance, talks, etc. in the galleries performance space, 1-3 pm. Our First Saturday Gallery Receptions for new exhibitions are 3-5pm.


Event details »
View all events »

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 »

Our Connections

Take a moment to visit our other friends.

Visit our connections »