Walk Madrid the way locals remember it: an oral-history audio tour that plays automatically as you move through town. Two hours of resident stories, mining memory, and contemporary art—perfect for an independent, low-impact cultural outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dust lifts off the old rail bed as you step from Route 14 into Madrid, New Mexico — a stretch of storefronts, weathered signs, and bright studio doors where coal dust once blew in like fine sand. The audio begins at the red start button and a voice, stitched from decades of interviews, leads you down the main drag; you can almost hear the clink of miners’ lunch pails overlaying today’s guitar strings.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking on uneven surfaces; suitable for most fitness levels, including families and older visitors
Wildlife
History
Madrid rose as a coal-mining company town in 1899, later declined into a ghost town, and was reborn by artists and small-business owners who preserved its mining heritage.
Conservation
Visitors should stick to sidewalks, avoid trespassing on private mining remnants, and support local enterprises to help preserve the town’s cultural and environmental character.
Reserve your spot on the The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Install VoiceMap, enter your code, and download the tour and offline maps while you have Wi‑Fi to avoid mobile-data gaps.
Bring good headphones
The app cues audio at specific spots; earbuds ensure you hear the interviews and directions clearly in a busy street.
Wear sturdy shoes
Sidewalks and short off‑trail sections are uneven—comfortable walking shoes reduce trips and sore feet.
Support local businesses
Many stops are adjacent to galleries and cafes; buy a coffee or a postcard to help the community that maintains the town.
Smartphone with VoiceMap app
Needed to play the downloaded audio, maps, and geodata for the self-guided route
Headphones or earbuds
Ensures clear playback of interviews and turn-by-turn prompts in noisy spots
Comfortable walking shoes
Short distances on uneven sidewalks and gravel require supportive footwear
Reusable water bottle
High desert sun and elevation make hydration important on warm days
summer