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area hotel, and anything else the owners thought was worth displaying. For $2 more you can feed the goats, llamas and unusual chickens. Or head into the mountains and go for a horseback ride. The Broken Saddle Riding Co has one- to three-hour horseback rides through juniper-dotted hills and abandoned mines. Along the way, you’ll learn about local history and geology; don’t forget a camera to capture the spectacular views.

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DETOUR

The views from the top of 10,678ft Sandia Crest are straight out of a John Denver music video. Sacred to Sandia Pueblo, the pink hued granite mountain’s summit is the highest point on the Turquoise Trail. Reach it from Sandia Crest Rd (NM 165), which intersects with NM 14 in Cedar Crest. The steep, winding road is lined with picnic spots and trailheads. Don’t miss the easy 1 mile roundtrip hike to Sandia Man Cave, where North America’s oldest human encampment was discovered in 1936.

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After two days of hiking, horseback-riding and gallery hopping you’ll be more than ready to soak those tired limbs upon arriving in Santa Fe. Head straight to Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Resort & Spa for a massage and a soak in an al fresco private hot tub built for two. Inhale the piñon and savor the silence and steam. Finish your trip down the Turquoise Trail buying a chunk of the blue stone that started it all. The best place to purchase the semiprecious stone, which is usually set in sterling silver jewelry, is from the Native American artists selling their work under the portales (overhangs) in front of the Palace of the Governors on the downtown square. The artists are part of a state initiative that allows Native Americans to sell jewelry and art in front of the palace. It’s a tradition that began in the 1880s, when Tesuque artisans began meeting the train with all manner of wares. Today up to 1200 members, representing almost every New Mexican tribe – some drive as far as 200 miles – draw lots for the 76 spaces under the vigas each morning.

Becca Blond

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GOT ROCK?

Cerrillos has been in the mining business since AD 100, when Native Americans discovered turquoise. Spanish explorers followed, building the first mine in North America. By the late 1800s Cerrillos was a rip-roaring prospector town with 21 saloons. Although best known for its top-quality turquoise, gold, silver and zinc have also been extracted. In fact, Thomas Edison once spent many thousands of dollars on a laboratory meant to refine gold without using water. But unlike the light bulb, this experiment never turned on.

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TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

From Albuquerque take I-40 east for 10 miles to the Tijeras/Cedar Crest exit. Follow the signs for Hwy 14 north.

DO

Broken Saddle Riding Co

This company runs one- to three-hour horseback rides through juniper-dotted hills and abandoned mines. 505-424-7774; www.brokensaddle.com; off County Rd 57; rides $55-90; by appointment

Cerillos Turquoise Mining Museum & Petting Zoo

Five rooms with Chinese art, pioneer-era tools, mining equipment dating to 3000 BC, bottles and antiques excavated from an abandoned area hotel among other relics. 505-438-3008; 17 Waldo St, Cerrillos; admission $2; 9am-sunset

Fuse Arts

First-rate abstract art is on display at this interesting gallery. 505-438-4999; 2878 Hwy 14, Madrid; call for hr

Madrid Melodrama & Engine House Theatre

You get to shoot marshmallows at the bad guys with your very own six-shooter at this summer-time melodrama in the Old Coal Mine Museum. 505-438-3780; 2814 NM 14; adult/child $10/4; 3pm Sat & Sun May-Oct

Seppanen & Daughters Fine Textiles

Textiles are the focus at this gallery, specifically Navajo and Tibetan rugs. Brightly colored wooden animals from Oaxaca are also on sale. 505-424-7470; 2879 NM 14, Madrid; call for hr

Tinkertown Museum

The life’s work of one man, this amazing museum consists of an intricately carved miniature Western town and three-ring circus complete with mechanical people and cars. 505-281-5233; www.tinkertown.com;