The historic Turquoise Trail, a National Scenic Byway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, is synonymous with Native American spirituality, Spanish explorers, adventurous mining, and brave pioneers.<br>The blue-green turquoise, nationally recognized as a precious stone, was first mined by the early Pueblo people as early as 900 A.D. From the 1800s onward Spanish explorers, missionaries and prospectors followed the trail of the native American Indians already here. Today the National Scenic Byway is home to many modern day settlers and host to tens of thousands of visitors a year!<br>The drive is approximately 50 miles along Highway 14. Enjoy breathtaking scenery while traveling back into history through the mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos. These small towns are now alive with art, crafts, museums and restaurants.<br>Drive, gawk, walk, and eat on this trail of history!