Uncover Hidden Gems on the Turquoise Trail: The Ultimate Santa Fe Day Trip
Embark on an unforgettable Santa Fe day trip. (Photo courtesy of New Mexico Tourism Department)
Explore legendary ghost towns, historic saloons, and quirky art galleries along the Turquoise Trail. This iconic 60-mile scenic drive on State Highway 14 offers an authentic taste of Santa Fe's rich history, from Native American heritage and turquoise mining to Wild West adventures. It's the perfect day trip to immerse yourself in New Mexico's rugged past and vibrant present.
Santa Fe's stunning landscapes, Spanish colonial architecture, and thriving community of artists and writers earned it the No. 2 spot for "Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker" in North America by MovieMaker Magazine. The trail has starred in hits like the TV series Longmire (filmed in Cerrillos and Madrid), True Grit, and Wild Hogs, which popularized Madrid's Maggie's Diner.
Madrid
Madrid's revival in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Hayduk-King Advertising)
Tucked in a narrow canyon 23 miles south of Santa Fe, the eclectic village of Madrid boasts a colorful history. Pueblo people mined turquoise and lead here first, followed by Spaniards discovering gold and silver, and later coal powering the Santa Fe Railroad. After the coal bust, 1970s hippies revived it into an artists' haven with restored shops, galleries, and B&Bs.
Dive into Madrid's art and music scene: Browse Western art and turquoise at Cowgirl Red, hunt gems at The Great Madrid Gift Emporium & Maggie's Diner Gift Shop, sip coffee at Java Junction, or savor a green chile cheeseburger at The Mine Shaft Tavern. Across the street, The Hollar offers New Orleans shrimp and grits alongside New Mexican chile rellenos.
Cerrillos
Discover bronze sculptures at Indigo Gallery. (Photo courtesy of Hayduk-King Advertising)
The historic mining town of Cerrillos lured Spanish settlers to central New Mexico with some of the state's oldest mines—turquoise is still extracted from private claims today. Rusty mining gear lines dusty streets, evoking the Wild West. For stargazing, book Astronomy Adventures to marvel at the crystal-clear night skies.
Edgewood
Connect with wildlife at Wildlife West Nature Park. (Photo courtesy of Hayduk-King Advertising)
At the trail's southern end, Edgewood marks the transition from Sandia foothills to grasslands. Once a Route 66 stop, visit the nonprofit Wildlife West Nature Park to see rescued coyotes, owls, foxes, and hawks up close. Enjoy weekend events in warmer months.
Plan your Turquoise Trail adventure with the 2017 Santa Fe Travel Guide. Check Deals and Specials for lodging, dining, and shopping offers.
This guide was created in partnership with TOURISM Santa Fe and Santa Fe County.
