Top 14 Scenic Southwest Lodges to Stay at on Your Great American Road Trip in Summer 2025
The call of the open road is strong, especially when it whispers of the sun-drenched mesas, deep canyons, and star-dusted skies of the American Southwest. Planning a great American road trip is a rite of passage, a chance to reconnect with nature and witness landscapes so vast they recalibrate your soul. For summer 2025, you’re not just planning a route; you’re crafting an experience.
And let's be honest, a huge part of that experience is where you rest your head at night. The right lodge doesn’t just offer a bed; it becomes a seamless part of the adventure. It’s a place where the views from your window rival the ones from the scenic overlook, where the architecture tells a story, and where the silence of the desert is your nightly soundtrack. Forget cookie-cutter motels—your journey deserves accommodations as epic as the destinations themselves.
Here, we've curated a list of the top 14 most scenic and unforgettable lodges across the Southwest. From historic national park grand dames to luxurious desert sanctuaries, these are the places that will elevate your Summer 2025 road trip from a great vacation to a core memory. A pro tip before we dive in: book early! These legendary spots fill up a year or more in advance.
1. El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
El Tovar Hotel isn't just a place to stay; it's a piece of American history perched directly on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Opened in 1905, this grand dame was designed to be a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa, creating a rustic yet elegant atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply connected to its monumental surroundings. Walking through its dark wood-paneled lobby, you can almost hear the whispers of past guests, from Theodore Roosevelt to Albert Einstein.
The true magic of El Tovar is its unparalleled location. You are literally steps away from one of the most breathtaking views on the planet. Waking up and walking out onto the rim to watch the sunrise paint the canyon in hues of pink and orange is an experience that simply can't be replicated by staying outside the park. The dining room, with its log walls and epic canyon views, offers a culinary experience to match the scenery.
Don't Miss: Even if you don't splurge on a rim-side suite, grab a drink from the lounge and find a spot on the veranda's rocking chairs. Watching the light change across the canyon as the sun sets is the perfect way to end a day of exploration. Reservations for both rooms and the dining room are essential and should be made the moment you know your dates.
2. The View Hotel, Monument Valley, Arizona
If there's one hotel that lives up to its name, it's The View Hotel. Located entirely within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, this is the only lodging that offers the iconic, cinematic landscape right from your private balcony. Every single room faces east, directly toward the world-famous Mittens and Merrick Butte, ensuring you have a front-row seat for the most spectacular sunrises of your life.
Designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, the hotel is owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, offering an authentic connection to the land and its people. The interior is decorated with beautiful Native American art and textiles, and the on-site restaurant, The View Restaurant, serves a mix of American and traditional Navajo dishes. There's nothing quite like enjoying a plate of Navajo Tacos while gazing out at the panorama that has defined the American West in countless films.
Pro Tip: Set your alarm for well before dawn. The experience of sitting on your balcony, wrapped in a blanket, and watching the silhouetted buttes slowly illuminate as the sun crests the horizon is profoundly moving and absolutely unforgettable.
3. Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
Nestled deep within the sacred and stunning Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort is where luxury and spirituality meet the raw beauty of Sedona's red rocks. This isn't just a hotel; it's a destination. The adobe-style casitas are scattered across the canyon floor, designed to feel private and offer immersive views of the towering crimson cliffs that are said to contain powerful energy vortexes.
The resort is renowned for its world-class Mii Amo spa, a haven of rejuvenation that frequently tops "best of" lists. Beyond the spa, guests can enjoy hiking directly from their doorstep, playing tennis amidst the red rocks, or simply relaxing by the pool and soaking in the serene atmosphere. The dining options are superb, ranging from casual Southwestern fare to sophisticated fine dining, all with incredible views.
Insider Info: Take advantage of the resort's daily activities, which often include guided hikes, stargazing sessions with an expert astronomer, and educational talks about the canyon's geology and Native American history. It's the perfect way to deepen your connection to this special place.
4. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
There’s something truly special about staying inside a national park, and The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is a perfect example. As the only lodging within the park's boundaries, this historic property, built in the 1920s, offers guests the incredible privilege of being just a short stroll away from the rim of the Bryce Amphitheater. You can witness the magical "hoodoos" at sunrise and sunset without ever having to get in your car.
The lodge, a National Historic Landmark, retains its original rustic charm. The main building features a massive stone fireplace and comfortable seating, inviting you to relax after a day of hiking. Accommodations include classic lodge rooms and cozy Western-style cabins scattered among the Ponderosa pines. It’s simple, comfortable, and all about the location.
Booking Strategy: Rooms and cabins here are notoriously hard to get. Bookings open 13 months in advance. Set a calendar reminder for the first day of the month, 13 months before your desired stay, and be ready to book online or by phone the moment reservations go live.
5. Zion Lodge, Zion National Park, Utah
Imagine waking up, stepping outside your door, and being immediately dwarfed by the sheer, 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs of Zion Canyon. That’s the reality at Zion Lodge. As the only in-park lodging, its location is simply unbeatable. Nestled under the shadow of majestic peaks, the lodge provides a tranquil basecamp right in the heart of the action, giving you easy access to trailheads for iconic hikes like Emerald Pools and The Grotto.
The main lodge building, with its grand lobby and sprawling front lawn (often visited by grazing deer), serves as the central hub. Guests can choose between historic cabins with gas fireplaces or more standard hotel rooms, many with private porches or balconies. Being here means you can explore the park in the quiet early morning and late evening hours, long after the day-tripping crowds have departed.
Must-Do: The lodge is a stop on the mandatory park shuttle route. Use this to your advantage. Hop on the first shuttle of the morning to get a head start on the crowds for popular trails like The Narrows or Angels Landing (which now requires a permit).
6. Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
For the ultimate bucket-list splurge, there is Amangiri. This ultra-luxury resort is an architectural masterpiece, designed to disappear into the starkly beautiful desert landscape of southern Utah. Built around a central swimming pool that is carved directly into a natural stone escarpment, the resort offers a level of serenity, privacy, and service that is unparalleled. It’s a favorite escape for celebrities, and for good reason.
Each suite features clean lines, natural materials, and a private outdoor lounge with a fireplace, all framing breathtaking views of the surrounding mesas and plateaus. The experience is all-inclusive, covering incredible meals and a host of guided activities, from hiking and climbing to horseback riding and hot air ballooning. The Aman Spa is a destination in itself, offering treatments inspired by Navajo healing traditions.
Experience of a Lifetime: Book one of their guided Via Ferrata climbs. Led by expert guides, these fixed climbing routes allow you to safely scale the rock faces surrounding the resort, offering adrenaline-pumping thrills and views that are simply out of this world.
7. Sorrel River Ranch, Moab, Utah
Set on 240 acres along the banks of the mighty Colorado River, Sorrel River Ranch offers a luxurious take on the classic Western ranch experience. Located just outside of Moab, it provides a peaceful and scenic retreat from the crowds while still being a short drive from both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The views are spectacular, with the property framed by the iconic red rock formations of Professor Valley.
Accommodations are in beautifully appointed cabins, each with a private porch overlooking either the river or the surrounding mesas. The ranch features a working horse stable, a farm-to-table restaurant using produce grown in its own garden, a full-service spa, and a stunning riverside pool. It’s the perfect place to balance rugged adventure with refined relaxation.
Perfect Day: Spend the morning exploring Arches National Park, then return to the ranch for a late afternoon horseback ride along the river. Finish the day with a gourmet dinner at the River Grill, watching the setting sun light up the cliffs across the water.
8. La Fonda on the Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Steeped in nearly 400 years of history, La Fonda on the Plaza is the vibrant heart and soul of Santa Fe. This iconic hotel occupies the oldest hotel corner in America and is a living museum of Southwestern art and culture. The lobby is a kaleidoscope of color, filled with hand-carved furniture, beautiful tiles, and original artwork. Every corner tells a story.
Its location is perfect—directly on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, putting you within walking distance of the city's best galleries, museums, shops, and restaurants. The rooms and suites are uniquely decorated in a traditional Southwestern style, many featuring hand-painted headboards and kiva fireplaces. Don't miss the Bell Tower Bar on the roof, which offers the best sunset views (and margaritas) in the city.
Cultural Tip: The hotel has an excellent, complimentary art and history tour for its guests. Be sure to sign up to learn about the fascinating stories behind the hotel's architecture and the incredible art collection that adorns its walls.
9. La Posada Hotel, Winslow, Arizona
A true gem of the historic Route 66, La Posada is a destination in itself. This stunning hotel was the last great railroad hotel built by the Fred Harvey Company and is considered architect Mary Colter's masterpiece. Rescued from demolition and lovingly restored, it's now a magical place where history, art, and hospitality converge.
Each room is named after a famous person who has stayed there, from Amelia Earhart to Clark Gable. The public spaces are magnificent, filled with museum-quality art, sprawling gardens, and cozy nooks. The on-site restaurant, The Turquoise Room, is one of the best in the entire Southwest, offering inventive contemporary cuisine in a beautiful setting. Staying here feels like stepping back in time to the golden age of travel.
Goh Ling Yong's Blog Insight: I always tell readers, and Goh Ling Yong agrees, that a Southwest trip isn't complete without experiencing a piece of Route 66 history. La Posada isn't just a stopover; it’s a living, breathing piece of Americana that will charm and delight you.
10. Under Canvas Zion, Virgin, Utah
For those who want to be close to nature without sacrificing comfort, Under Canvas Zion offers the ultimate glamping experience. Set on a sprawling property just outside the park, these safari-style canvas tents provide a luxurious and adventurous alternative to a traditional hotel. The views of the nearby cliffs and mesas are spectacular, especially from the communal fire pits at night.
Tents range from simple to deluxe, with many featuring king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves, and even en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets. There are no TVs or Wi-Fi in the tents, encouraging you to disconnect from technology and connect with the stunning environment around you. The on-site cafe offers breakfast and dinner, and there are nightly s'mores around the campfire.
Stargazing Alert: The lack of light pollution here makes for absolutely incredible stargazing. On a clear, moonless night, the sheer number of stars and the clarity of the Milky Way will leave you speechless.
11. El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, New Mexico
Step into the wild west of old Hollywood at the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup. Another Route 66 icon, this hotel was built in 1937 by the brother of film director D.W. Griffith and served as the home base for movie stars filming Westerns in the area. The two-story lobby is incredible, with rustic log beams, a wagon-wheel chandelier, and walls lined with autographed photos of stars like John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, and Kirk Douglas.
The rooms are named after the stars who stayed in them, adding a fun, historic touch to your stay. While the accommodations are more rustic than luxurious, the hotel's character and history are completely captivating. It’s an authentic, unpretentious, and affordable piece of American film and travel history.
Fun Fact: Ask the front desk for a list of which movie stars stayed in which rooms. Staying in the "John Wayne Suite" or the "Ronald Reagan Room" is a fun novelty for any classic film buff.
12. Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Perched at 8,250 feet, Far View Lodge offers a unique and peaceful stay inside Mesa Verde National Park, home to the incredible Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. True to its name, the lodge provides panoramic views that can stretch for 100 miles into four states on a clear day. The location is central to the park's main sites, like Cliff Palace and Balcony House.
The rooms have a simple, Southwestern decor and, most importantly, a private balcony to soak in those expansive views. In keeping with the park's tranquil nature, the rooms do not have televisions, encouraging you to watch the "nature channel" outside your window instead. The on-site Metate Room Restaurant is a highlight, offering contemporary cuisine with a Native American influence.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets for the ranger-led cliff dwelling tours (like Cliff Palace or Balcony House) the moment they become available online. Staying at the lodge gives you a great advantage for getting to the tour meeting points early.
13. The Inn at Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, California
An oasis of impossible elegance in one of the most extreme environments on Earth, The Inn at Death Valley is a true marvel. This historic, four-diamond resort has been pampering guests since 1927. Surrounded by palm gardens and fed by a natural spring, the Inn's spring-fed pool remains a perfect 85°F (29.5°C) year-round, offering a surreal and refreshing escape from the desert heat.
The property underwent a massive renovation, beautifully restoring its mission-style architecture while adding modern luxuries. The rooms are elegant and comfortable, and the service is impeccable. Dining in the Inn's restaurant, with its massive picture windows looking out over the valley towards the Panamint Mountains, is an unforgettable experience. It's a pocket of old-world glamour in the middle of a rugged, wild landscape.
When to Go: While this list is for a summer road trip, Death Valley is incredibly hot in the summer. A stay here is best enjoyed from late fall to early spring. If you must go in summer, plan all activities for the very early morning or after sunset, and spend the heat of the day relaxing by that glorious pool.
14. Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico
For a refined and luxurious retreat just minutes from downtown Santa Fe, Bishop's Lodge is a perfect choice. Set on 317 secluded acres bordering the Santa Fe National Forest, this legendary property has been thoughtfully reimagined by Auberge Resorts. It feels like a sophisticated, private ranch, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
The accommodations are spread out across the property in rooms, suites, and private "casas," all exquisitely designed with a modern Southwestern aesthetic. The resort offers a vast array of activities, from horseback riding and fly fishing to art classes and guided hikes. The on-site restaurant, SkyFire, is a culinary destination, celebrating the vibrant flavors of New Mexico.
Unique Activity: Sign up for a "Chocolate Master Class" with the resort's chef. You'll learn about the history of chocolate in the region and get to create your own artisanal treats infused with local ingredients like chile and piñon nuts.
Your Adventure Awaits
The American Southwest is a land of endless horizons and unforgettable moments. Choosing a lodge that resonates with the spirit of this incredible region will transform your road trip, creating a deeper connection to the places you visit. These 14 lodges are more than just places to sleep—they are destinations in their own right, each offering a unique window into the history, culture, and stunning natural beauty of the Southwest.
As you begin planning your Summer 2025 journey, remember that the best experiences often require a bit of foresight. Start dreaming, start researching, and most importantly, start booking. The open road is calling.
What are your favorite scenic lodges in the Southwest? Do you have a dream spot you're hoping to visit on your next road trip? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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