The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico

The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico

If you’re looking for an authentic glimpse into Madrid, New Mexico — a once-ghost town turned lively artist enclave — this self-guided audio tour offers an engaging way to explore at your own pace. Priced at just $6.99 per person and lasting roughly two hours, it’s a budget-friendly way to uncover the town’s layered past, told directly by the people who lived it. Starting at the lively Mine Shaft Tavern, you’ll wander through streets filled with art, relics, and stories that paint a picture of a place that refused to die.

What we love most is how the audio automatically plays at just the right moments, making it feel like you’re walking through a conversation with locals. The collection of interviews, distilled from over seventy hours of recordings, breathes life into the history and atmosphere of Madrid — from union-busting violence to amusing mishaps like a fire engine burning down its own firehouse. Plus, the offline access to audio, maps, and geodata means you can explore confidently without worrying about cell service.

Yet, a potential drawback is that the busy, truck-filled streets can be a little chaotic, especially since there are no sidewalks in parts of town. If safety or ease of walking is a concern, you might need to stay alert. This experience suits anyone who enjoys history, local stories, and off-the-beaten-path places, especially those who don’t mind a bit of adventure and a lively streetscape.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling: Local residents share their personal experiences, making history come alive.
• Flexible exploration: Self-guided means you can go at your own pace and revisit favorite spots.
• Budget-friendly: At just $6.99, it offers good value for a rich, audio-guided experience.
• Historic sites: Stops include the Mine Shaft Tavern and the Old Coal Town Museum, both packed with local character.
• Practical details: Offline access ensures you stay connected with the tour without needing data.
• Consider safety: Streets can be busy and lacking sidewalks, so stay attentive during your walk.

A Thorough Look at the Experience

When considering The Town Too High To Die tour, it’s important to understand what each part offers and how it makes your visit memorable. Starting at the Mine Shaft Tavern, the tour kicks off in a lively, roadside saloon that’s been serving locals since 1899. Here, you get a taste of Madrid’s roots as a coal mining town and its evolution into a hub of art and culture. The tavern itself is a lively spot with draft beers, local food, and often live music, offering a welcoming atmosphere that encapsulates the town’s spirited vibe.

The audio tour then guides you through Madrid’s streets, which are quite different from the typical tourist trail. From several reviews, it’s clear that the streets are a bustling, dangerous-looking stretch of busy traffic with no sidewalks in some parts. As Barbara G. notes, “The street of Madrid is a busy, dangerous, well-used street by trucks and cars flying by.” This means you’ll need to stay vigilant, especially if you prefer a more relaxed or safer walking environment.

As you move along, the tour’s narration reveals hidden stories of Madrid, delivered directly from residents who have lived through its ups and downs. For example, one narrator recounts union-busting violence, giving you a firsthand perspective that enriches your understanding of the town’s sometimes turbulent past. “It’s a deep dive into the fascinating history of the little town,” said the Santa Fe Reporter, and from our perspective, it certainly lives up to that description.

The Old Coal Town Museum is another highlight. Here, you’ll find a collection of mining memorabilia, including old equipment, shop fittings, and hospital paraphernalia — a tangible reminder of Madrid’s industrial roots. It’s a well-curated showcase that allows visitors to appreciate the hardships and daily life of the miners who helped shape the town.

One of the more amusing stories comes from a review mentioning a fire engine that accidentally burned down its firehouse — a perfect example of how the tour’s stories blend humor with history. The interviews and narration make the town’s quirks and tragedies feel personal, drawing you in deeply.

The tour’s two-hour duration makes it ideal for a relaxed afternoon, and since you have lifetime access via the VoiceMap app, you can revisit the stories anytime. The app’s offline functionality means you don’t need Wi-Fi once downloaded, which is especially helpful given the rural location.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: The Mine Shaft Tavern

The tour begins at this historic roadside saloon, a cornerstone of Madrid’s community life since 1899. You’ll get an immediate sense of the town’s authentic character, with its blend of artistic energy and old-world charm. From this point, the narration pulls you into Madrid’s coal mining history, as the town was a coal-producing hub that helped fuel major events like the Manhattan Project and even inspired Walt Disney.

Exploring Madrid’s Streets

Walking from the tavern, you’ll traverse streets that are lively with art galleries, murals, and quirky shops. The narration provides context and local anecdotes, making each corner more meaningful. Expect some traffic and no sidewalks in parts, so walking here is less about leisure and more about careful exploration.

The Old Coal Town Museum

A short walk or drive away, this museum showcases mining relics — a treasure trove of old tools, equipment, and memorabilia. The narrative gives insights into coal mining’s impact on the town’s growth and decline, as well as the community spirit that persists.

End of Tour: Returning to the Tavern

The tour concludes back at the starting point, but the stories you’ve heard will linger. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of small towns, or someone interested in authentic cultural stories, this experience provides a well-rounded glimpse into Madrid’s past and present.

Practical Considerations

Price vs. Value: At $6.99, this tour is remarkably affordable considering the depth of stories and local insights you’ll receive. The lifetime access means you can revisit the content whenever you like, making it a good value for curious travelers.

Accessibility: The app’s offline feature is a major plus, especially in rural areas where cell service might be spotty. However, the lack of sidewalks and busy street scenes require you to stay alert, which may not suit everyone.

Timing: The tour is flexible, allowing you to start and stop at your convenience. It’s suitable for a half-day outing but can be extended if you stop for meals or additional exploring.

Group Size: Since this is a self-guided experience, you’re free from the constraints of a large group, giving you freedom to explore at your own pace and focus on stories that interest you most.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re intrigued by small towns with big stories, enjoy hearing firsthand accounts, and appreciate artistic communities, you’ll find Madrid’s “Town Too High To Die” tour a compelling choice. It’s especially suited for history enthusiasts, curious travelers, and those who prefer to explore independently rather than in a guided group.

However, if you’re sensitive to busy streets without sidewalks or prefer a more leisurely stroll, you might find parts of the experience a little challenging. The stories and local flavor make up for some of these inconveniences, but safety should be your priority.

This tour offers a unique, personal look into a town that refused to fade away — with stories that will stay with you long after you leave. It’s affordable, flexible, and filled with genuine local voices, making it a fine way to get to know Madrid, New Mexico, beyond just the typical tourist sights.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, since it’s a self-guided audio experience, most ages can enjoy it. However, younger children might find the street traffic and the need for vigilance less appealing.

Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need your own smartphone to access the VoiceMap app and the tour content. The tour does not include a device.

Are there any entrance fees for museums or attractions?
Yes, any museums or attractions along the route, such as the Old Coal Town Museum, may require separate tickets or entrance fees.

How long does the tour take?
Approximately two hours, but you can take longer if you stop for meals, photos, or additional exploring.

What about accessibility?
Most of the tour is accessible via your smartphone, but the streets can be busy with no sidewalks in some areas, so please stay alert.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Absolutely. Once purchased, you have lifetime access to the audio tour, allowing you to revisit the stories anytime.

Exploring Madrid with this audio tour offers an affordable and personal way to tap into the town’s history and character. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or curious traveler, it’s a chance to experience this unique corner of New Mexico on your own terms.