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

Introducing the Experience

Looking for a way to explore Santa Fe’s fascinating surroundings without the crowds or strict schedules? The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico offers an intriguing peek into Madrid, a town that’s seen it all—from booming coal days to ghost town ghost stories, and now, a lively arts scene. This tour is ideal if you enjoy stories told directly from locals and prefer wandering at your own pace.

What draws us to this particular experience is how it combines history, local voices, and a sense of discovery—all on your own smartphone. Plus, it’s wallet-friendly at just $6.99 per person, giving you a lot of value for a two-hour exploration. However, it’s worth noting that the tour relies heavily on your own device and some coordination, which might be a bit tricky if you’re not used to self-guided audio walks.

One thing to consider is the busy, sometimes dangerous street environment of Madrid itself, which some reviewers mentioned as a challenge. Still, if you’re comfortable walking in lively areas and love uncovering lesser-known stories, this could be a real highlight. Overall, it’s best suited for curious travelers who want a flexible, authentic look into a quirky New Mexican town.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided format allows you to explore at your own pace without a group.
• Rich local stories delivered by residents make the history engaging and personal.
• Affordable price point offers excellent value for a two-hour experience.
• Requires your smartphone and some coordination for best results, including loading the app and using earphones.
• Challenge of busy streets may require caution, especially around traffic.
• Includes offline access to audio, maps, and geodata—so no worries about spotty internet.

What You Can Expect From the Tour

This tour is centered around Madrid, a town that’s perhaps better known for its artistic revival and colorful past than for being a typical tourist stop. The experience kicks off at The Mine Shaft Tavern, a roadside relic that’s been around since 1899 and serves up New Mexican fare with live music options. Here, you’ll start your journey, getting your first taste of the town’s friendly, no-frills vibe.

From there, the tour guides you through the streets, sharing stories straight from those who lived them. You’ll learn about union-busting violence—a dark yet important part of Madrid’s history—as well as amusing anecdotes like how a brand-new fire engine accidentally set fire to the firehouse. These tales come from interviews distilled from more than seventy hours of recordings, giving the tour an authentic, conversational tone.

The Old Coal Town Museum is a key highlight, showcasing all sorts of mining memorabilia, old equipment, and historical shop fittings. It offers a tangible connection to Madrid’s roots as a coal-mining hub, which also played a role in the development of the atomic bomb and even inspired Walt Disney. Visiting the museum gives you context and depth that enrich the stories you hear along the way.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: The Mine Shaft Tavern & Cantina

The tour kicks off here, a spot that’s both a historic relic and a lively gathering place. As you load your audio tour—via the VoiceMap app on your smartphone—you’ll be introduced to Madrid’s origins and the town’s transformation from a coal-mining town to a thriving artisan community. Expect to hear interviews with residents who have lived in Madrid their entire lives, sharing stories that bring the past vividly into the present.

Exploring the Streets

As you wander through Madrid, your phone will automatically play stories at key locations. These include tales of the town’s violent labor struggles, local legends, and humorous mishaps—like the fire engine incident. The narration is designed to match your position, making it feel like the stories are being told right to you, which we found quite engaging. Still, some reviewers, like Catharine, mentioned that coordination with the audio and locations could be tricky, especially if you’re trying to do the tour with multiple devices or without proper earphones.

The Old Coal Town Museum

A must-visit stop in your exploration, this museum showcases the town’s coal-mining heyday with a large collection of artifacts. You’ll see old mining machines, equipment, and even hospital relics, giving a tangible sense of life during Madrid’s industrial peak. One reviewer appreciated how the tour offers a “deep dive into the fascinating history,” supported by interviews and memorabilia.

The Roadside Saloon: The Mine Shaft Tavern

Aside from its historical significance, this spot offers a chance to grab a bite or a drink while soaking in the local atmosphere. It’s a lively spot with a long history, and it’s central to the tour’s start and end point. You might find it a fun place to sit down after your walk and reflect on what you’ve learned.

Price and Value

At just $6.99 per person, the tour is a cost-effective way to add some depth to your visit to Madrid. You’re paying mainly for the audio storytelling and the maps—no guided group, no extra tickets—so if you’re someone who enjoys self-led adventures, it’s a good deal. It’s also flexible; you can start and stop whenever you want, and even revisit parts later without extra cost.

That said, you’ll want to consider whether you’re comfortable using your own device for navigation and storytelling, as well as dealing with busy streets that might require vigilance. Since it doesn’t include transportation or entrance fees (like to the museum), it’s best to plan those separately.

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Load everything beforehand: Download the VoiceMap app and the tour audio before you arrive, preferably on a Wi-Fi connection.
• Bring earphones: To truly enjoy the stories without external noise, good earphones are a must, especially given the busy street environment.
• Use a map or follow directions carefully: As some reviews noted, coordinating the narration with your location can be tricky, so paying close attention to your route helps.
• Be cautious of traffic: Madrid’s main street is busy and doesn’t have sidewalks, so stay alert, especially when crossing or stopping.
• Bring water and snacks: The tour is about two hours, so staying hydrated and energized helps you enjoy it fully.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love history told from local voices and enjoy wandering at your own pace, this tour hits the right notes. It’s perfect for those curious about hidden stories and quirky town legends. Plus, if you’re traveling on a budget or want to avoid guided group tours, this offers a personal experience with great value.

However, if you prefer a more structured, guided experience or are uncomfortable navigating busy streets, you might find this less ideal. Also, it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing tour—more of a story-rich walk—so plan additional activities if you want to see specific attractions.

The Sum Up

All in all, The Town Too High To Die is a neat way to explore Madrid’s past and present on your own terms. It’s especially good if you enjoy stories told directly by locals, and if you’re comfortable with some logistical coordination. The price makes it accessible, and the inclusion of offline maps and audio means you won’t lose your way or lose track of the stories.

While it’s not without its challenges—busy streets and some app coordination issues—these are manageable with a little preparation. It’s a great choice for independent travelers, history buffs, or anyone curious about the quirkiest corners of New Mexico. If you’re after a laid-back, story-driven walk that lets you soak in the town’s unique vibe, this tour will serve you well.

FAQs

Do I need my own smartphone for this tour?
Yes, you’ll need your smartphone to access the VoiceMap app and the tour audio. The app provides offline access, so no internet connection is required once downloaded.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, since it’s a self-guided walking tour through a busy street environment, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers comfortable walking and listening to stories.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately two hours long, but you can take your time since it’s self-guided. You can pause and resume as needed.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available any day from 12:00 PM to midnight. You can start whenever it’s convenient for you.

Are there any entrance fees for the museum or other stops?
The tour itself does not include entrance fees. Any museum or attraction fees are separate and not covered.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers, but given the environment on busy streets and the nature of the stories, it’s best for older kids or adults.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a charged smartphone, earphones, water, and possibly a small map for backup. Be prepared for street traffic and uneven terrain.

Is it safe to walk around Madrid with this tour?
Most reviews mention busy streets without sidewalks, so caution is advised. Stay alert, especially when crossing streets.

What if I want to revisit certain stories?
Since you get lifetime access to the tour, you can revisit the audio and maps anytime, making this a flexible way to learn more about Madrid’s history.