Los Cerrillos, New Mexico

The Town of Los Cerrillos

The village was originally laid out by the Santa Fe Railroad in 1880. At that time they constructed the dam that we still use to bring water to our homes. In it’s heyday, it was the largest comprehensive turquoise mining district in the country. Cerrillos boasted over 3,000 miners who frequented 21 saloons, 5 brothels and 4 hotels and possibly read some of the 5 newspapers! Today home to ninety-eight families, the town offers you the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of one of the last remaining traditional villages in New Mexico.

A walk through the streets will take you back in time. You may see one of the residents riding on horseback. If you wander down Main Street you’ll find The Clear Light Opera House. Now a recording studio, it was once the stage to Sarah Bernhardt and Lillian Langtree. And don’t forget to look up and see our clear blue sky framed by century old cottonwoods. Because of its unspoiled nature, the village has been the perfect setting for over thirteen movies. Among them the original Young Guns, Vampires and most recently, as seen on HBO, Tree Wise Guys. Walt Disney made two movies in Cerrillos and it was rumored that he was interested in buying the entire town! A great travel destination for a relaxing getaway in the historic town of Los Cerrillos (The Little Hills).