The end of summer was approaching and I wanted to make the most of the remaining warm days. One item on my Summer Bucket List was driving the Turquoise Trail from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. I planned a day of short hikes, small-town exploring and a picnic. I brought along two favorite wines, JaM Cabernet and Butter Chardonnay, to enjoy at the end of the drive.
Tijeras – “Gateway to the Turquoise Trail”
Nestled at the base of the mountains just outside Albuquerque, the village of Tijeras is known for its quirky “musical road” on Route 66 that plays America the Beautiful when driven at the right speed. It’s also the official start of the Turquoise Trail along Highway 14, a scenic route that leads north to Santa Fe.
My partner and I packed a picnic with sandwiches, cheese, grapes, crackers and the two wines, filled water bottles and drove to the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site for a sunrise hike. The onsite museum was closed early, but the trail is dotted with informative markers that explain the history of the pueblo and the people who lived there more than 700 years ago. Much of the site was excavated for research and is now covered and protected to preserve the remains.
After the hike we stopped at Roots Farm Cafe for breakfast. Their menu uses produce grown on the property and everything felt fresh and satisfying. I ordered a fancy toast with goat cheese, pesto and roasted red peppers and sipped a lavender lemonade. My partner loved a hearty breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, sausage, green chile and cheddar on ciabatta. It was the perfect fuel for a day on the road.
Madrid
The stretch of Highway 14 between Tijeras and Madrid is full of winding vistas and places to pull over for photos. Rolling hills and wide-open skies make for a scenic drive with several turnout areas to enjoy the view.
Madrid (pronounced MAD-rid) is a small historic town that has transformed into a lively arts and tourist stop. Colorful sculptures, local galleries and shops line both sides of the highway. It’s easy to park and stroll, popping into unique stores and studios. You might recognize Maggie’s Diner from the film Wild Hogs, and the Mine Shaft Tavern often hosts live music and serves an outstanding Wagyu burger.
Madrid is filled with charming surprises and handmade goods. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir, listen to music and take in the town’s creative energy. I was glad to have brought my own wine for tasting since there aren’t public tastings on every corner.
Cerrillos
Continue north on Highway 14 and after about 3.5 miles you’ll reach Cerrillos, a small town with access to state park trails and mining history. The area offers more than five miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, plus wide-open scenery. Make sure to protect yourself from the sun — wear sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, as shade is limited.
One of the highlights in Cerrillos is the Turquoise Mining Museum, a small but fascinating collection assembled by the owner. For a modest fee you can see an extensive private display of turquoise, minerals and mining artifacts. The museum’s personal touches and well-crafted exhibits make it worth a stop for anyone interested in the region’s mining past.
End of the Turquoise Trail
The Turquoise Trail ends in Santa Fe, where we found a grassy spot and a picnic table to enjoy a late lunch. Unpacking our sandwiches and cheese board, we finally opened the JaM Cabernet and Butter Chardonnay. Their screw-top bottles made them easy to bring along without a corkscrew, which is convenient for picnics and day trips.
The JaM Cabernet paired nicely with black grapes and the flavors of plum and blackberry complemented our cheese board. Butter Chardonnay offered lush, vanilla-like notes that felt indulgent and dessert-like alongside crackers and fruit. It was a relaxing way to finish the drive, surrounded by sunny skies and the peaceful energy of Santa Fe.
This trip along the Turquoise Trail combined easy hikes, small-town charm and beautiful scenery. If you’re planning a day trip from Albuquerque, allow time to stop in Tijeras, Madrid and Cerrillos — each town offers its own history, art and flavors that make the drive an enjoyable adventure.
Note: This post was previously sponsored and has been edited to better serve readers.