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

The Town Too High To Die offers a self-guided audio tour exploring the unique town of Madrid, New Mexico. At a price of $6.99 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour combines engaging storytelling with a scenic walk through a town that once fueled the building of the Atomic Bomb and inspired Walt Disney. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy audio-guided experiences and are interested in local history, especially since it uses smartphone technology for seamless playback. While the tour offers a compelling collection of stories, visitors should be prepared for the busy traffic along Madrid’s main street, which has no sidewalks in parts.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone curious about small-town America. The $6.99 fee makes it an affordable option for a self-paced adventure. However, because it’s self-guided, it requires your own smartphone and some coordination to ensure smooth navigation. It’s especially suited for independent travelers who appreciate flexibility and enjoy listening to stories while exploring at their own speed.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: Priced at $6.99, with lifetime access to the audio tour.
• Two-hour self-guided experience: Combines local stories with scenic exploration of Madrid.
• Engaging storytelling: Features interviews with residents, adding authenticity.
• Historic highlights: Includes stops at The Mine Shaft Tavern and Old Coal Town Museum.
• Smartphone-based: Uses VoiceMap app with offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
• Limited accessibility: Does not include transportation, food, or museum entry fees.

Starting at The Mine Shaft Tavern in Madrid

The tour begins at The Mine Shaft Tavern & Cantina, located at 2846 NM-14, Madrid, NM 87010. This roadside saloon offers New Mexican food, draft beer, and live music, making it a lively spot to meet before heading off on the audio adventure. The tavern’s historic vibe sets the tone for exploring Madrid’s colorful past and present.

As the tour ends back at the same meeting point, there’s no need to worry about transport arrangements once you complete the experience. The tavern also serves as a natural gathering spot to discuss stories or enjoy some local fare afterward.

Madrid’s Ghost Town Revival and Art Scene

Madrid’s story is one of transformation. Originally established in 1899 as a coal mining town, it contributed to the production of the coal that built the Atomic Bomb and inspired Walt Disney. After many years of decline, Madrid has been reborn as a thriving artistic community.

During the tour, local residents share their personal tales, including vivid accounts of union-busting violence and the humorous mishap of a fire engine accidentally burning down the firehouse. These stories are captured from over seventy hours of interviews and preserved as part of Madrid’s collective memory. Visitors get an authentic glimpse into the town’s multifaceted history.

Exploring Madrid’s Historic Landmarks

Key stops include The Old Coal Town Museum, which offers a detailed tribute to mining life. The museum hosts a variety of memorabilia, such as old mining equipment, shop fittings, and hospital paraphernalia. Visitors gain insight into the daily lives and hardships faced by historic residents.

Another highlight is The Mine Shaft Tavern, a pivotal social hub since 1899. The tour also weaves in stories of the firehouse incident, giving a humorous touch to Madrid’s coal-mining roots. These stops provide a tangible connection to the town’s industrial past and cultural vibrancy.

How the Tour Uses Smartphone Technology

The VoiceMap app is central to this tour’s success. It ensures automatic playback of stories at the right locations, enhancing the narrative experience. Offline access means visitors can explore without needing an internet connection, which is particularly useful in a remote town like Madrid.

To get the most out of the experience, it’s recommended to download the tour onto both devices and use earphones. Some reviewers note that coordination can be tricky if the narrative and location aren’t synchronized properly, especially in busy areas.

Pacing and Physical Considerations

The tour lasts roughly two hours, making it suitable for a morning or early afternoon activity. It’s designed for independent exploration, so visitors should be comfortable walking through a town with traffic. The lack of sidewalks in parts of Madrid suggests that those with mobility concerns or safety worries should stay particularly alert.

There are no physical restrictions indicated, but travelers should be prepared for urban walking and urban traffic conditions. The experience is accessible to most travelers, but children should be supervised due to traffic hazards.

The Experience’s Strengths and Limitations

The tour’s main strength lies in its authentic storytelling, drawing directly from locals’ interviews. The voice narration is described as soothing, making the experience engaging rather than hurried. The artistic energy of Madrid today contrasts beautifully with its historic coal-mining origins.

A notable limitation is the traffic and lack of sidewalks, which can make parts of the tour potentially hazardous or less enjoyable for some. The self-guided nature means that coordination is key, and some may find it less immersive if technical issues occur.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits independent travelers who want a low-cost activity that combines history and art at their own pace. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, local culture fans, and art lovers wanting an authentic small-town experience. Those comfortable with urban walking and smartphone navigation will find it particularly rewarding.

The Sum Up: Authentic Stories in a Historic Mining Town

The Town Too High To Die offers a unique glimpse into Madrid’s history through local voices and historic sites. Its affordable price and flexible, self-guided format make it a practical choice for curious explorers. While traffic conditions require caution, the storytelling depth and artistic atmosphere compensate fully.

Visitors who appreciate story-driven tours and independent exploration will find this experience enlightening and memorable. Just remember to download the tour in advance and stay vigilant along Madrid’s busy streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children should be supervised due to busy traffic conditions along Madrid’s streets.

Do I need to bring my own device?
Yes, the tour relies on your smartphone to access the VoiceMap app and audio content.

Are there any entrance fees to the museum or other stops?
No, the tour does not include tickets or entrance fees to any attractions en route.

How long does the tour take?
The self-guided experience lasts about two hours, but you can take longer at each stop if desired.

Can I do this tour without internet?
Yes, the VoiceMap app provides offline access to all audio, maps, and geodata once downloaded.

What if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves urban walking on streets without sidewalks in parts of Madrid, so accessibility may be limited.

Is there a guide to meet at the start?
No, this is a self-guided tour starting at The Mine Shaft Tavern with no guide present.

Is the narration engaging?
Reviews mention a soothing voice and entertaining interviews, making the storytelling appealing.

Can I pause and restart the tour?
Yes, the lifetime access allows you to pause and resume at any time.

What makes this tour different from other Santa Fe experiences?
It focuses specifically on Madrid’s history through resident interviews and local landmarks, offering an intimate, story-driven exploration.