Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe from Abq. Airport
Jun 9th, 2011, 06:38 PM
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Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe from Abq. Airport
What is the time difference to Santa Fe between the Turquoise Trail and the Interstate? Would this drive be more interesting and more fun for kids in any way?? Just making my plans.. thanks!
Jun 9th, 2011, 07:37 PM
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I am not sure I understand what you are wanting to know.
You can drive from the airport to Santa Fe via I 25 which takes about an hour from the time you get on interstate to time you get off. Travel time from interstate to destination in Santa Fe will vary depending on where you are going.
You can go north on I 25 and exit onto I 40 eastbound to exit 175 for NM 14. That is also known as Turquoise Trail. It is a 2 lane road that meanders through some interesting scenery. If you go that way, and need lunch, stop at the MineShaft Tavern in Madrid [pronounced MAD-rid, not like the city in Spain MA drid]
Sandia Tram is a cable car like ride that takes you up to top of Sandias, but isn't a way to Santa Fe.
Tramway is a local road that goes north south and isn't one you would take to go from airport to Santa Fe.
It will take you longer on Turquoise Trail, maybe 30 minutes more if you didn't stop. I can't say whether is would be more "fun" for kids, other than driving thru Madrid, there isn't much to see that a kid would think was fun. Personally, I like to get where I am going after getting off a plane.
You can drive from the airport to Santa Fe via I 25 which takes about an hour from the time you get on interstate to time you get off. Travel time from interstate to destination in Santa Fe will vary depending on where you are going.
You can go north on I 25 and exit onto I 40 eastbound to exit 175 for NM 14. That is also known as Turquoise Trail. It is a 2 lane road that meanders through some interesting scenery. If you go that way, and need lunch, stop at the MineShaft Tavern in Madrid [pronounced MAD-rid, not like the city in Spain MA drid]
Sandia Tram is a cable car like ride that takes you up to top of Sandias, but isn't a way to Santa Fe.
Tramway is a local road that goes north south and isn't one you would take to go from airport to Santa Fe.
It will take you longer on Turquoise Trail, maybe 30 minutes more if you didn't stop. I can't say whether is would be more "fun" for kids, other than driving thru Madrid, there isn't much to see that a kid would think was fun. Personally, I like to get where I am going after getting off a plane.
Jun 10th, 2011, 07:04 AM
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It's under an hour to Santa Fe on I-25. 90 minutes via the Turquoise Trail, which is more scenic for adults. You could drive up to the top of Sandia Peak (maybe 20 minutes each way) from the Turquoise Trail, and there is a funky museum at that intersection http://tinkertown.com/
If you do go this way, make sure you take the interstate to Santa Fe (east 1 or 2 exits), do not proceed north under the interstate into Santa Fe via Cerillos Road. It's very slow and ugly.
If you do go this way, make sure you take the interstate to Santa Fe (east 1 or 2 exits), do not proceed north under the interstate into Santa Fe via Cerillos Road. It's very slow and ugly.
Jun 10th, 2011, 08:26 AM
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Thanks,..I am trying to decide if I should take the Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe after we ride the tram to Sandia Peak instead of I-25. If the Turquoise Trail is twice as long to get to Santa Fe, I'll probably just go the interstate, unless we will miss out in a big way! We will only be in this area for a day or two, so just trying to maximizie the experinces! I'm taking this trip with 4 boys ages 8-12.
Jun 10th, 2011, 08:57 AM
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OK, now you have changed things. If you go from the airport to take the tram up to the top of the Sandias: you will have to add in a detour from I 25 to the tram base, the ride up and back down. Then you have to go back to I25. This would add at least 45 minutes [depending on the time of the day]for the drive to and from I 25 and then the time up and down the tram [not sure how long the ride is up] and I'd imagine you will want to walk around a bit before taking the tram down. That might entails some wait time for the next tram down.
IF you want to go to the top of the Sandias for the view, go to Santa Fe via Turquoise Trail, drive up to the crest, check out the view and continue on to SF. I am pretty sure it will be less time to do it this way.
You are going to have to decide whether you want to see things, save time or what.
If you need specific drive directions once you decide, I am happy to provide them.
IF you want to go to the top of the Sandias for the view, go to Santa Fe via Turquoise Trail, drive up to the crest, check out the view and continue on to SF. I am pretty sure it will be less time to do it this way.
You are going to have to decide whether you want to see things, save time or what.
If you need specific drive directions once you decide, I am happy to provide them.
Jun 10th, 2011, 09:09 AM
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DebitNM's suggestion is a good one. The drive to the crest is scenic, and it's certainly cheaper than taking the tram. If you can fit in a stop at Tinkertown Museum, your boys will enjoy it.
Lee Ann
Lee Ann
Jun 29th, 2011, 04:26 PM
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Not sure if you have done your trip or not but thought I would let you know that while you can still take the tram up to the top, you can only walk a very limited distance in the immediate area. Fire restrictons have closed most of the Sandias.
http://www.sandiapeak.com/
Tramway News & Events:
The Tram and the High Finance Restaurant will remain OPEN, however,
New Stage III Fire Restrictions have CLOSED most of the Sandias. Fire Danger is EXTREME.
Tram riders will not be allowed to leave the boardwalks at the tram upper terminal.
The Scenic Summer Chairlift & Lift Access Mountain Biking will be CLOSED until fire restrictions are lifted.
No hiking on the mountain, no smoking anywhere
http://www.sandiapeak.com/
Tramway News & Events:
The Tram and the High Finance Restaurant will remain OPEN, however,
New Stage III Fire Restrictions have CLOSED most of the Sandias. Fire Danger is EXTREME.
Tram riders will not be allowed to leave the boardwalks at the tram upper terminal.
The Scenic Summer Chairlift & Lift Access Mountain Biking will be CLOSED until fire restrictions are lifted.
No hiking on the mountain, no smoking anywhere
