Madrid New Mexico Tourism

Venture off the freeway and onto the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (State Highway 14) to experience “the artful way to Santa Fe”. This Scenic and Historic Area linking Albuquerque to Santa Fe encompasses 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico.

The Trail begins to the South in Tijeras and the Cibola National Forest, then heads north through Cedar Crest, Sandia Park and Edgewood. It continues through the historic mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, before ending in the San Marcos/Lone Butte Area. Along the 65 miles are homes, ranches, vacation lodging, restaurants, RV parks, a golf course, a ski resort, museums, horseback riding stables, shops/galleries and lots of respected craftsmen and artists. The Trail is also fast becoming known for its adventurous hiking and bike trails. In spite of the recent growth to the area, The Turquoise Trail remains historically quaint and Old West.

Among the most popular stops along the Trail are the road to the crest of the Sandia Mountains (Highway 536) which includes the Sandia Peak Ski Area and Tinkertown Museum, the former coal-mining town of Madrid, and the picturesque village of Cerrillos. Tinkertown Museum is located on the road to the Crest and highlights the folk art of Ross Ward. Over 50,000 glass bottles create rambling walls housing an absolutely unique 22-room museum.

Over 40 shops and galleries line Madrid’s charming main street. Once a coal mining town, Madrid is now a creative community with art on display ranging from fine art rivaling Canyon Road to western art to whimsical recycled and found object creations. While in town, you can belly up to the longest standing bar in New Mexico at the historic Mine Shaft Tavern or explore the oldest lighted minor league ballpark in the west. Madrid is also famous for its Fourth of July parade and Christmas celebration.

Cerrillos, just three miles north of Madrid, hosts several shops, galleries, the Cerrillos Turquoise Mining Museum and Petting Zoo, plus hiking, biking, and horse trails. With its dirt streets, Cerrillos harkens the Old West and, along with Madrid, has been the setting for several major motions pictures.