Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8
but they'll be too fascinated to com-
plain much. See p. 319.
•
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
(AZ): This Tucson attraction is actually
a zoo featuring the animals of the Sono-
ran Desert. It has rooms full of snakes,
a prairie-dog town, bighorn sheep,
mountain lions, and an aviary full of
hummingbirds. Kids and adults love
this place. See p. 374.
•
Shootouts at the O.K. Corral
(AZ):
Tombstone may be “the town too tough
to die,” but poor Ike Clanton and his
buddies, the McLaury boys, have to die
over and over at frequent reenactments
of the famous gunfight. See p. 479.
•
The Grand Canyon Railway
(AZ): Not
only is this train excursion a fun way to
get to the Grand Canyon, but it also lets
you avoid wearisome parking problems
and congestion. Shootouts and train
robberies are to be expected in this cor-
ner of the Wild West. See p. 540.
•
Zion National Park
(UT): The Junior
Ranger/Explorers program, available at
most national parks, is particularly
extensive here. Morning and afternoon
activities all summer are geared toward
teaching kids what makes this natural
wonder so special. They'll have so much
fun, they won't even notice they're
learning. See p. 567.
6
THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS
•
Inn of the Five Graces
(Santa Fe, NM;
&
505/992-0957;
www.fivegraces.com):
This inn offers an exotic Southwest-
meets-the-Orient experience right in
Santa Fe. Ornately carved beds, elabo-
rate tile work, and cozy linens add up to
an especially sumptuous stay. See p. 144.
•
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa
(Santa Fe, NM;
&
800/727-5276
or
505/986-0000; www.laposadadesanta
fe.com): With the feel of a meandering
adobe village but the service of a fine
hotel, this has become one of New
Mexico's premier resorts. It has an ele-
gant spa and pool and spacious spa
rooms. Most rooms lack views but have
outdoor patios, and most are tucked
back into the quiet compound. See
p. 145.
•
Bishop's Lodge
(Santa Fe, NM;
&
505/
983-6377;
www.bishopslodge.com):
More than a century ago, Bishop Jean
Baptiste Lamy often escaped clerical
politics by hiking into a valley north of
town called Little Tesuque. He built a
retreat and chapel that years later have
become the Bishop's Lodge. All rooms
are spacious and feature handcrafted
furniture and local artwork. Activities
include horseback riding, hiking, ten-
nis, swimming, and spa treatments. See
p. 149.
•
Rancho de San Juan
(Española, NM;
&
505/753-6818;
www.ranchodesan
juan.com): Located in the enchanting
country near Ojo Caliente, this award-
winning inn offers complete luxury and
the quiet of the country. Private casitas
set among the hills are decorated with
antiques and have spectacular views.
See p. 199.
•
El Monte Sagrado
(Taos, NM;
&
800/
828-TAOS
[8267] or 575/758-3502;
www.elmontesagrado.com): With guest
rooms and casitas set around a grassy
“Sacred Circle,” this ecoresort is the
quintessence of luxury. Every detail,
from the waterfalls and chemical-free
pool and hot tubs to the authentic
theme decor in the rooms, has been cre-
ated with conscious care. See p. 204.
• Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and
Spa
(Bernalillo, NM;
&
800/55-HYATT
[554-9288] or 505/867-1234; www.
tamaya.hyatt.com): Situated on Santa
Ana Pueblo land, this grand resort has
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