NM-042 Gold and Turquoise

Marker text: GOLD AND TURQUOISE

The prominent hills to the east and to the left are the Cerrillos Hills, site of ancient turquoise mines worked by the Indians centuries before the arrival of the Spanish. The Cerrillos (Òlittle hillsÓ) are regarded as the oldest mining district in the United States, and New Mexico is a major turquoise producer. Elevation 6,200 feet.