The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway is located
in the USA in the state of New Mexico.
TURQUOISE TRAIL
The Turquoise Trail offers villages and towns unique to
the USA. Prehistoric people lived here long ago. Spanish missionaries
explored for silver, gold and land. Outlaws and confederate soldiers
camped along the trail. Even today visitors can experience these
historic events.
Tijeras, a mountain town, is the entrance to the Turquoise
Trail. The Cibola National Forest office has information
and brochures. Tel: (505) 281-3304.
In Cedar Crest the archeological museum tells
us of ethnological inhabitants and their development to the 21st
century. Travel to the north brings us into the Sandia Crest
National Scenic Byway, a scenic paradise where riding, bicycling,
hiking, climbing and winter sports together with animals and plants
refresh us. This part of the Turquoise Trail allows us to observe
hundred mile vistas and five different life zones. Information
and refreshments fortify the hiker on the well marked paths. Overnight
camping is in private campgrounds and lodgings only. A must is
a drive to the top of Sandia Crest or a ride on the Sandia
Peak Tramway, the longest in the world. But first, stop at
the Tinkertown Museum, hand-carved miniatures of circus
and western town in animation.
Drive north to Golden and Madrid. Since 1800,
gold and coal miners worked in deep mines, where hard and soft
coals could be found in the same shafts. Famous were the parades
and Christmas displays in the prime time of these mining days.
As the need for coal declined Madrid became a ghost town. In 1970
artists and crafts people opened studios, shops and galleries
in the old buildings and revived the tradition of Christmas displays
and festivals. Music and melodrama brought new life to Madrid.
A coal mine museum documents the life in those days. (505)438-3780.
In Cerrillos, turquoise and lead were used by Indian
artisans. Spanish settlers took turquoise back to Spain. Cerrillos
had enough population to support 21 saloons and 4 hotels. Today
the village is a reminder of the old west. Shops, a turquoise
mining museum and St. Joseph's church welcome you.
The high plateau of San Marcos Pueblo was agriculturally and
culturally important until it was abandoned after the Pueblo Revolt
in 1680. Shops, restaurants, and the first movie ranch in New
Mexico greet the visitor at the north end of the Turquoise Trail.
