Discover Historic Cerrillos: The Ultimate Santa Fe Day Trip to a Charming Mining Ghost Town
Nestled in the hills just south of Santa Fe, the Village of Cerrillos is an official “ghost town” welcoming day-trippers year-round. While many American ghost towns faded into suburbs, Cerrillos thrives with timeless allure.
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County
Accessible via State Highway 14, Cerrillos lies along the historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. With just over 200 residents, its old-world charm punches above its size.
Named Los Cerrillos (“little hills”) by Spanish cattle ranchers in the 1600s, the area boomed in the mid-1880s with mining of gold, silver, lead, zinc, and renowned turquoise.
In 1889, Tiffany & Co. jeweler George F. Kunz showcased Cerrillos turquoise in Paris, deeming it “gem quality”—the iconic Tiffany Blue still used on their boxes. New Mexico’s turquoise output that year was valued at $1,600,000, largely from these hills. Today, hobbyists work small private mines.
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County
The town’s weathered buildings evoke a movie set—fitting, as Cerrillos starred in films like The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca, Young Guns, and John Wayne’s The Cowboys. Visit stocked shops like the Casa Grande Trading Post and Mining Museum, where you can take home locally mined turquoise.
Don’t miss the Turquoise Trail Sculpture Garden, featuring curated, origami-like sculptures amid stunning scenery. Friendly staff offer guided tours; meet the artists themselves.
Though seemingly sparse from afar, the landscape soothes up close. Hike five miles of trails in Cerrillos Hills State Park for views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo mountains, mining relics, and picnic spots. Year-round events include stargazing, birdwatching, and photography.
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County
Head south to the Mine Shaft Tavern in Madrid, established 1899. This local favorite serves New Mexico craft beers, hearty dishes, and hosts folk and country bands in its quirky vibe.
Visiting Cerrillos reveals beautiful scenery and history. Plan via the Santa Fe Travel Guide and check deals and specials.
This article was produced in partnership with TOURISM Santa Fe and Santa Fe County.
