Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Aaron Anderson [57]
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DETOUR: MILE MARKER 13
Head into Utah on Hwy 163 to find mile marker 13. A photo of Monument Valley from here shows the highway heading right into the towering red monoliths. A quick search on any photo-sharing service will turn up a number of the iconic shots – Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run here.
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Head back to Kayenta and toast yourself – with the nonalcoholic wine in the Hampton Inn’s restaurant – for a full day of shutterbugging. Snuggling into one of the hotel’s ultra-comfy beds, don’t be surprised if the pictures on the back of your eyelids match the ones you took that day – rest easy knowing that as the memories fade in the months ahead the magic of photography keeps the images bright and clear, forever.
After shaking off the dreams of sleep and powering up on the free breakfast, peek into the Kayenta Visitor Center before heading back to Flagstaff. In the summer, the center hosts traditional dances and other cultural events – just ask if it’s OK to take a picture.
Josh Krist
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TRIP INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
From Flagstaff, head north on US-89 for 140 miles to Page. From Page to Kayenta, take AZ-98 to US-160.
DO
Antelope Canyon
For those who don’t want to book a tour in town for the upper canyon, guides can be arranged on-site. 928-698-2808; Hwy 98; www.navajonationparks.org; adult/child $6/free; 8am-5pm
Antelope Slot Canyon Tours
Be sure to call ahead at least a few days in advance for the photography tours during summer months. 928-645-5594; www.antelopeslotcanyon.com; 55 S Lake Powell Blvd, Page; photo tour adult/child $60/35
Kayenta Visitor Center
Between Burger King and the Hampton Inn. The exhibit on the military medals earned by Navajos in WWII is especially interesting. 928-697-3572; junction Hwys 160 & 163, Kayenta; 10am-5pm
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Most of the formations have whimsical names like the Mittens, Eagle Rock, Bear & Rabbit and Elephant Butte. 435-727-3287; passes not honored, per person $5; sunrise-sunset Apr-Sep, 8am-4:30pm Oct-Apr
Sacred Monument Tours
The half-day and full-day photography tours are $250 and $500, respectively, for one to two people; they also do overnight trips on request. 435-727-3218; www.monumentvalley.net
EAT & DRINK
Cameron Trading Post
Just north of the Hwy 64 turnoff to the east entrance of the Grand Canyon South Rim. Food, lodging, shopping for Native American goods, and even a post office. 928-679-2231; www.camerontradingpost.com; 466 Hwy 89, Cameron; mains $10-20; 7am-10pm
Fiesta Mexicana
The portions are gargantuan and the margaritas are cold and strong. It’s also within walking distance from most of the small, independent hotels. 928-645-4082; 125 S Powell Blvd, Page; mains $8-17; 11am-9pm
Gunsmoke Saloon
It’s the most active nightspot in this part of the state, but everything is relative. 928-645-1888; www.damplaza.com/gunsmoke.html; 644 N Navajo Dr, Page; 7pm-2am Tue-Sat
SLEEP
Debbie’s Hideaway
The rooms are like small apartments; free laundry facilities and a barbeque stand on the big back porch. 928-645-1224; www.debbieshideaway.com; 117 8th Ave, Page; ste $40-160;
Hampton Inn
Kids under 18 stay free and the pool is a perfect place to cool off. 928-697-3170; www.monumentvalleyonline.com; junction Hwys 160 & 163; r incl breakfast $110-160;
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.explorenavajo.com
www.pagelakepowelltourism.com
LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner
TRIP
1 Four Corners Cruise
26 Flagstaff’s Northern Playground
33 Lazing on Lake Powell
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Arizona Architecture
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WHY GO Back when green was just a color, Arizona architects were figuring out how to work with the land. From glass domes housing an entire forest to a junk castle to Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert complex that’s nearly invisible it fits so well into the landscape, this trip takes you to the coolest of Arizona’s architecture.
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