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Beginning around 1100 A.D., the Sinagua Indians began building pueblos both in the open, as well as set into cliff walls with overhanging ledges to provide shelter from the elements and enemy attacks. They used irrigation to grow corn, beans, and squash, and actively traded with other area populations. Within an easy drive is the dramatic cliff dwelling, Montezuma's Castle, the pueblos of Tuzigoot the ruins at Wupatki and Walnut Canyon. AAA's Guide to Indian Country is a great area map to use for exploring.
Nearby sights of equal interest are the dormant volcanoes of Sunset Crater and the Meteor Crater, where the Apollo astronauts trained for the moon landing.
A word about temperatures: Most northern Arizona towns are at elevations of 5,000 feet or higher, making for comfortable days and cool nights. Distances can be substantial, so keep your gas tank full, and be sure to drink lots of water--it's easy to become dehydrated.
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The Grand Canyon:
Make reservations months ahead for a room at the Canyon; all Park lodgings are operated by concessionaire Xanterra Parks & Resorts. El Tovar is the classic hotel choice at the South Rim; rustic Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins offer minimal comfort, bargain prices, and an unbeatable location, just steps from the canyon rim. The North Rim is cool and uncrowded; cabins and motel rooms are available May 15-October 15.
The South Rim is 250 miles north of Phoenix, 60 miles north of Williams. Railfans can take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, pulled by early 1900s steam engines or 1950s diesels. More area info…
Prescott:
Arizona's first territorial capital, Prescott's Whiskey Row bears witness to its gold rush origins, balanced by a beautiful town plaza and the fascinating Sharlot Hall Museum. Explore nearby Jerome, a mountainside mining town turned artists' enclave.
Rocamadour B&B has a dramatic setting in the granite dells. Fascinating owners Mike and Twila Coffey have combined their love of both France and the Southwest to create an exceptional B&B. Our favorite room is La Chaumiere, suspended over giant boulders, with a private deck and hot tub, perfect for enjoying sunsets and stargazing. More inns…
Sedona:
Famous for its red rock formations, Sedona has good restaurants and elegant galleries, many at the Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village. For dramatic views, sign up for a Pink Jeep tour. Enjoy Boynton Canyon's hiking trails, the energy vortices at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, or the Sinagua Indian ruins at Palatki. More area info…
For a luxury splurge, book a casita at Adobe Village & Grahams Inn, combining absolute indulgence with impeccable attention to detail. You can't beat the red rock vistas from the swimming pool at Saddle Rock Ranch, although the view from the antique pool table in the living room comes close. Deep in Oak Creek Canyon, overlooking the creek's rushing waters, are the rustic cabins of the Briar Patch Inn; further upstream is Garland's Oak Creek Lodge, with excellent dinners in addition to its other low-key charms. More inns…
Flagstaff:
Set at 7,000 feet, at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff is an appealing small city, home to the Lowell Observatory and the Museum of Northern Arizona, with excellent exhibits illustrating the region's rich Native American history. Flagstaff also has a number of appealing restaurants, including the Cottage Place Restaurant. More area info…
Clean, comfy, uncluttered, and unpretentious, the Birch Tree Inn offers affordable lodging in a quiet neighborhood. Elegant and upscale, the Inn at 410 is just a short walk from the historic downtown, yet sits on a quiet, flower-filled residential block. A Victorian-style home, Jeanette's B&B is carefully decorated with period antiques. The Sled Dog Inn is a handsome mountain lodge, with an ideal setting for hiking and bicycling; it's also home to a kennel of beautiful Siberian huskies, available for mushing and ski joring in winter. More inns…
Williams:
The closest town to the Grand Canyon, Williams is the starting point for the Grand Canyon Railroad. Highway 66 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Williams; its memories are kept alive at Cruiser's Cafe 66 and Twister's Soda Fountain. More area info…
Built in 1897, The Red Garter Bed & Bakery served for years as a saloon and bordello. These days, the comfortable guest rooms offer all modern conveniences; the Best Gal's suite is especially sunny and spacious. An easy walk from town, the Sheridan House Inn is surrounded by Ponderosa pines, with spacious rooms, generous breakfasts, and an evening social hour. The Terry Ranch Bed & Breakfast is a handsome log home, decorated with Western-style Victorian charm. Each guest room opens to the wraparound veranda, where we enjoyed a perfect view of the Grand Canyon steam train. More inns…
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