Sandia Crest and the Turquoise Trail

The Turquoise Trail is a National Scenic Byway that follows New Mexico Highway 14 for about 50 miles between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and it offers a slower, more scenic alternative to the interstate. The road passes through the east side of the Sandia Mountains, rolling ranchland and a string of historic mining villages. The name comes from the turquoise that Native peoples mined near Cerrillos for centuries, long before the arrival of the Spanish, and the region later saw gold, silver, lead and coal booms that left behind frontier towns, abandoned shafts and a distinctive artistic community. Highlights begin close to Albuquerque. At Sandia Park, a folk art museum filled with hand-carved miniatures and recycled treasures is a quirky stop for families, and the nearby scenic road to Sandia Crest climbs to more than 10,000 feet, where the view across the Rio Grande valley is one of the best in the state. Farther along, the village of Golden preserves a historic church and the site of the first gold rush west of the Mississippi. Madrid, once a coal-mining company town, was revived by artists in the 1970s and now has galleries, shops, cafes and a lively tavern, and it has appeared in films. Cerrillos keeps a Wild West feel with dirt streets and old storefronts.

Plan this as a slow, flexible day. Drive time without stops is around an hour and a half, but a good itinerary includes the Crest in the morning, a stroll and lunch in Madrid, and a visit to Cerrillos before continuing to Santa Fe or returning to Albuquerque. Bring layers, since the Crest is cold and windy even on summer days, and confirm the road to the Crest is open, as winter weather can close it.

Gas up before you go, and carry water, because services thin out between towns. Shops in small towns often close early or on weekdays, so check hours on the trail's own website.

The Crest offers short walks, picnic areas and trailheads. In summer, wildflowers carpet the high meadows, and in fall, aspens turn gold. In winter, the area becomes a snowshoe and ski destination. You can also reach the top by tram from the west side, and some travelers do both, driving up and riding down. Pets and children are welcome at most outdoor sites, though the altitude can cause mild headaches, so go slowly and drink water.

The trail pairs well with other experiences. Combine it with the Sandia Peak Tramway for a full mountain day, continue to Santa Fe for the plaza and galleries, or start in Santa Fe and end in Albuquerque with dinner on Nob Hill. If you are driving a rental car, it is a rewarding chance to see a side of New Mexico that most tourists miss.

Photographers will enjoy the light on the hills, and history buffs will enjoy the stories of boom and bust. Treat it as a day of wandering rather than a checklist, and let the road decide where you stop.

Seasonal events add reasons to go. The villages hold art markets and festivals, the Crest gets its first snow in autumn and its wildflowers in summer, and fall color along the byway is a draw for photographers. Consider starting early to catch the light on the Sandia face and returning at dusk, when the lights of Albuquerque spread out below the road like a carpet.