Turquoise Highway

Thanks we'll do it as a side trip, and I'll take your recommendation for places to stay in Santa Fe. We are going to stay at the military base in Albuquerque, hopefully. We are traveling without reservations and have no idea when we will get there.

I suggest that you take a look at the area on Google Earth. NM-14 is a good two lane road and a scenic drive. We have driven it pulling the trailer a number of times, but never try to stop.

There is very limited parking in Madrid. It may be possible to park a large rig on the side of the road if you can find a long enough space between other vehicles. There is a space at the top of the hill on the North end of town that can accommodate a large motorhome or two. I've never driven down any of the side streets in town so no idea what may or may not be available for parking on them. The last time we were in Cerrilos, there wasn't much of anything open.

If you have the time, do it as a side trip. There are many places to stop but not easily with an RV. As 2gypsides said, a drive up to Sandia Crest is well worth the time. When I was a kid back in the 1950's you could see El Paso, Texas from the crest as there was no pollution. You can still see a couple hundred miles. While in Albuquerque you should also take the tram up to the crest and also visit Old Town. In Santa Fe, visit the plaza and maybe have lunch at the La Fonda Hotel (on the plaza). Check out the church with the spiral staircase (really cool). I can't recommend a campground since I have not stayed at one in Santa Fe or Albuquerque but Santa Fe Skies gets a lot of positive reviews. Have fun in the Land of Enchantment.

Definitely do it as an easy day trip including a drive on the backside of Sandia Peak. We'd recommend Santa Fe Skies RV.

I'm sure someone will be able to give a more complete response, but based our experience: we have enjoyed driving out from Santa Fe Skies RV Park which is out on the "Turquoise Highway" side of town. As I recall it would be very difficult to park in Madrid. I don't know about the towns closer to Albuquerque.