Balloon Fiesta • Turquoise Trail • Santa Fe
After the Balloons, Take the Scenic Route
Balloon Fiesta mornings start early. Once the balloons come down, you’ve still got a whole New Mexico day ahead of you.
If Santa Fe is next, skip I-25 and take the Turquoise Trail.
NM-14 winds north through open country and communities including Golden, Madrid and Cerrillos before reaching Beer Creek Brewing Company near the north end of the trail.
Come hungry.
Balloon Fiesta Is Taking the Scenic Route This Year
That feels pretty appropriate.
The 2026 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs October 3–11, and this year’s theme is “The Scenic Route.”
Highway 14 gives you another scenic route north.
It takes a little longer than the interstate.
That’s kind of the point.
Albuquerque to Santa Fe
Take the Scenic Drive From Albuquerque to Santa Fe
Highway 14 gives you a different look at New Mexico.
Drive through Madrid. Pass through Cerrillos. Look around.
You don’t need some elaborate itinerary.
If Balloon Fiesta brought you to New Mexico, this is an easy way to see more of it.
And if you live here, you probably already know why we like Highway 14.
Lunch on Highway 14
Looking for Restaurants on the Turquoise Trail?
By the time you get this far north, you may be ready for lunch.
That’s where Beer Creek comes in.
We’re a locally owned brewery and restaurant right on Highway 14, just south of Santa Fe.
There’s pizza, jumbo wings, sandwiches, salads and plenty more from the kitchen.
And yes, the beer is brewed right here.
A Brewery on the Turquoise Trail
You don’t need a special occasion to stop.
Have lunch. Try a Beer Creek beer. Grab a table inside or head to the patio if the weather is cooperating.
Then head on toward Santa Fe — or stick around awhile.
Sometimes the best part of taking the scenic route is not being in much of a hurry.
Before You Head Our Way
One Thing to Know
Beer Creek opens at 11:30 AM Thursday through Sunday and at 4 PM Tuesday and Wednesday. We’re closed Mondays.
Tuesday & Wednesday: 4–9 PM
Thursday–Sunday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Monday: Closed
So if you’re leaving a morning Balloon Fiesta session early in the week, keep our hours in mind.
While You’re Here
See What’s Happening at Beer Creek
October is a good time to be out on Highway 14.
There may be live music or another event happening while you’re here, so check the calendar before you head our way.
See the balloons. Take the scenic route. Stop when you’re hungry.
We’ll see you on Highway 14.