After a visit to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Cliff Dweller''s Lodge is one of the very few places to stay. It is a deceptively long ride from the Canyon, probably and hour or two but it seemed like a long way since we kept thinking it was "just around the corner". If you only do a half-day at the North Rim you will be OK, but if you start heading here later in the day you will find yourself driving through a VERY remote area in total darkness - maybe not exactly what you want to be doing in a rental car on vacation.
Accomodations are basic but reasonably comfortable. NO phones or televisions, no pool, just you and your room. There is an on-site restaurant, but it closes early so if you want dinner, don''t wait too long. There is also a convenience store and a gas station. When you head out in the morning, wait until you get up the road to have breakfast.
The view of, well, nothing out the front door of your room is pretty spectacular. And on the ride there, don''t miss the monument on the left side of the road shortly before you get to Cliff Dweller''s. We stopped to see what it was a monument to - apparently some explorers got lost there. I''m not surprised. But if you are feeling like a rugged explorer after your mule ride at the North Rim, then the theme will be just right at Cliff Dweller''s Lodge.