Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Aaron Anderson [8]
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The entrance to this giant cave system is 23 miles southwest of Carlsbad town. 800-967-2283; www.nps.gov/cave; 3225 National Parks Hwy, NM; admission from $6; 8am-5pm, to 7pm late May–mid-Aug;
Mesa Verde National Park
It’s about 21 miles to the visitors center from the park entrance. 800-449-2288; www.nps.gov/meve; US 160, CO; 7-day park entry per vehicle $15, cyclists, hikers & motorcyclists $8; 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
The visitors center has a blissfully cold water fountain and a restaurant. The road into the park is accessed from Hwy 163. 435-727-5870; Monument Valley Rd, AZ; admission per person $5; 6am-9pm May-Sep, 8am-5pm Oct-Apr
EAT & DRINK
Asylum Restaurant
Amazing views and equally good food inside the Jerome Grand Hotel. The wine list is long. 928-639-3197; 200 Hill St, Jerome, AZ; dinner mains $18-29; 11am-10pm
ghost bar
A clubby crowd, often thick with celebs, packs this sky-high ultra lounge. DJs spin pop and hip-hop mash-ups. 702-942-7777; 55th fl, Palms, 4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV; cover $10-20; 8pm-4am
Pussycat Dolls Lounge
Lingerie-clad ladies do a little aerial swinging and flaunt sexy song-and-dance numbers at this SoCal import. 702-731-7873; 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV; cover $10-30; 8pm-4am Tue-Sat
Shed
This family-run, James Beard Award–winning, restaurant has been serving New Mexican fare in an atmospheric 1692 adobe since 1953. 505-982-9030; 113½ E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM; lunch $8-10, dinner $9-20; 11am-2:30pm & 5:30-9pm Mon-Sat;
SLEEP
Boulders Resort
Relaxation is paramount at this world-class resort with a posh spa and equally fabulous golf course. 480-488-9009, 866-397-6520; www.theboulders.com; 34531 N Tom Darlington Dr, Phoenix, AZ; casitas $400-800, villas from $600
El Tovar
Standard rooms are on the small side, so those in need of elbow room should go for the deluxe rooms. Both offer casual luxury and high standards of comfort. 888-297-2757; www.grandcanyonlodges.com; Grand Canyon Village, AZ; r $166-256, ste $306-406
Gonzo Inn
The ample suites can comfortably sleep four. Amenities include wi-fi and a swimming pool; rates include breakfast. 435-259-2515, 800-791-4044; www.gonzoinn.com; 100 W 200 South, Moab, UT; r $145-315
Hotel Congress
Many rooms at this beautifully restored 1919 hotel have period furnishings; ask for one at the end of the hall away from the thumping Club Congress. 520-622-8848, 800-722-8848; 311 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ; r $70-120;
Hotel Monte Vista
The 50 rooms and suites have been restored to their 1920s glory, and are old-fashioned but comfortable. Wi-fi is available. 928-779-6971; www.hotelmontevista.com; 100 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ; r $70-170
Mile High Inn
Seven newly remodeled rooms have such unusual furnishings as a tandem chair and a lodge pole bed. Breakfast is served until a hangover-friendly noon. 928-634-5094; www.jeromemilehighinn.com; 309 Main St, Jerome, AZ; r $85-125
Palms
Standard rooms are generous, as are tech-savvy amenities. Request an upper floor to score a Strip view. 702-942-7777, 866-942-7770; www.palms.com; 4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV; r $109-459, ste from $209
Phantom Ranch
There are six cozy cabins sleeping four to 10 and single-sex dorms outfitted for 10 people. It ain’t luxury, but after a day on the trail, even a bunk is likely to feel heavenly. 888-297-2757; www.grandcanyonlodges.com; Bottom of the Grand Canyon, AZ; per bunk $37
Strater Hotel
Romantic rooms feature antiques, crystal and lace. Beds are super comfortable with impeccable linens. Prices are slashed by more than 50% in winter. 970-247-4431; www.strater.com; 699 Main St, Durango, CO; r $200
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.americansouthwest.net
www.notesfromtheroad.com
LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner
TRIP
2 Motoring the Mother