Secrets of the Southwest: Discovering the Turquoise Trail

The Turquoise Trail, a National Scenic Byway, is a captivating journey through New Mexico's heart, weaving together the region's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant artistic communities. It's a route that offers far more than just a drive; it's an immersion into the soul of the Southwest.  

A Trail Through Time:

The Turquoise Trail's history is a tapestry woven with threads of Native American heritage, Spanish exploration, and the rugged spirit of the Old West. Long before the arrival of settlers, Native American tribes mined the Cerrillos Hills for turquoise, a stone considered sacred and used for both adornment and trade. The Spanish conquistadors followed, drawn by the promise of mineral wealth, and later, the area boomed with the discovery of gold, silver, and coal.  

The trail's name itself is a nod to the precious turquoise that has been extracted from the region for centuries. The area surrounding Cerrillos holds some of the oldest and most significant turquoise mines in North America. The history of the trail includes:  

• Native American Heritage:
  • For centuries, indigenous people mined turquoise in the Cerrillos Hills, using it for jewelry and trade.
     
  • The stone held deep spiritual significance.  
     
• Spanish Exploration:
  • Spanish explorers sought mineral wealth in the area, contributing to the region's early development.  
     
• Mining Boom:
  • The discovery of gold, silver, and coal in the late 19th century led to a surge in population and the growth of towns like Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos.  
     

Why the Turquoise Trail Is a Must-See:

The Turquoise Trail offers a unique blend of experiences that make it a must-see for any traveler:

• Scenic Beauty:
  • The trail winds through breathtaking landscapes, from the foothills of the Sandia Mountains to the vast expanses of the high desert.  
     
  • Views from Sandia Crest are especially spectacular.
• Historic Towns:
  • Towns like Madrid and Cerrillos offer a glimpse into the Old West, with their preserved historic buildings and unique character.  
     
  • These towns have reinvented themselves as artist communities, adding a vibrant cultural element to the trail.  
     
• Artistic Hubs:
  • Madrid, in particular, has become a haven for artists, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing local talent.  
     
  • This provides a very eclectic and interesting shopping experience.
• A look into the past:
  • The trail provides a look into the mining history of the southwest, and how those mining towns have evolved over time.  
     

Four Things Most People Don't Know About the Turquoise Trail:

1. Early Gold Rush:
   • The town of Golden experienced one of the earliest gold rushes in the West, predating the California Gold Rush.  
      
2. Hollywood's Backdrop:
   • The trail's scenic beauty has made it a popular filming location for numerous movies, giving it a unique cinematic history.  
      
3. Madrid's Christmas Lights:
   • In its coal-mining heyday, Madrid was famous for its extravagant Christmas light displays, which were said to be quite the spectacle.  
      
4. Ancient Turquoise Trade:
   • Turquoise mined from the Cerrillos Hills was traded far and wide, with evidence suggesting it reached as far as Mesoamerica. 
      

The Turquoise Trail is more than just a road; it's a journey through time and a celebration of the unique spirit of New Mexico.  

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