A wide expanse of undeveloped preserved land with neat archeological sites. Be sure to pick up a map to know where you are going and gas and water up. Sand canyon trail is great - start at the south.
Solid Mexican grub. Enchiladas are great and portions are huge. Habanero salsa is epic and killer.
Nice little place with free Native American dances and songs most nights in the summer. A great stop for kids.
Incredible farm stay in historic buildings. Elden Stone House is everything you could want with sheep and cattle right out your door. Get the lamb rack to cook for dinner and snuggle up with the dogs.
Gem of a NPS unit in the middle of nowhere. Nice easy walk to see the sites but it can get HOT. Bring water and be smart. Do before Mesa Verde or you may feel disappointed, but it’s worth it.
Amazingly beautiful and sacred space. Don’t be expecting the comforts of a NPS park unit however.
Good for a quick stop if you have kids. Not the most scenic place between a Burger King and Hampton Inn, but a fine exhibit and neat recreated houses to go in.
Silly name but great place for coffee and picking up salads/sandwiches for the outdoor day ahead. Order online to skip the am rush.
Totally surprising restaurant. Great venison and duck that is really tasty and worth a stop. They do delivery which is even more amazing.
Better than expected museum that has a decent sized exhibit on the many native cultures in the area. Good for an hour stop. Nice trails to walk outside in the forrest.
Order online as it can get crowded and then go eat in a park. Sandwiches are great to go.
Good cocktails and the sea bass is fantastic. Service can be off and outdoor seating options can be strange and sunny.
Best food in the area. A wonderful place. The trout (dip or fillet) and biscuits are stupendous as are the salads. Really friendly people as well.
Nice backyard patio and friendly service. Chicken liver eclair and pastas are good. The meat and cheese choices they force on you are a little underwhelming.
Probably one of the best Airbnb’s you could ever stay at. The view and design are incredible. Very comfy and integrated with nature in the best possible way. Lookout for rattlers if you go off trail.
Seriously one of the most amazing playgrounds you can take your kid to.
Easy to follow find little trail with big Dino prints right near the start of the trail. Keep walking for more neat views in the red rocks.
Surprisingly decent Indian restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Takeout is fast and efficient.
Interesting little state park. Go early to beat the heat and do the nature trail up the cliff- great views and cool old wood/rocks.
Fantastic small grocery story with great produce, localish cheese and sandwiches with an ok coffee bar.
Surprisingly good pizza (but a long wait even for takeout - go early). Most amazingly you can buy booze! Worth it to get High Desert Distillery.
Great funky lunch place run out of a bus. The carnitas fries are great and they are huge. Allow time as they can get busy and are a small family operation.
If it’s not hazy it’s worth the drive for the view down into the canyons from the top. Beautiful spot.
