I had wondered what I had gotten into when we started out on the unpaved logging road. However, we stopped to snap a picture of Roosevelt elk antlers poking out of the grass. Then, as we walked to the canyon, other hikers kept telling us, "It's worth the journey," and, "You'll love it!" They were so right. The only thing I would add to the other reviews is that, unfortunately, our shoes didn't get wet. Many places were dry creek bed, and the park service did have some little foot bridges to help in places. Lastly, this might have been the only spot on our vacation where we needed bug spray. Mosquitoes were vicious in mid-June.
We took a few minutes to walk out to the shore and got a beautiful shot of a great blue heron. So very worth that twisty road that made me bite my nails!
"The Powell-Hyde cable car line stops at the top of this block." This is a very important piece of information. We knew which car to get on, but it was too full, so we asked the next one if they went there. They did. The stopped at the bottom. So if you have been on the treadmill before your vacation, then enjoy the hike up this street. We took some great close ups of some beautiful shrubs. However, calling an Uber at the bottom of the hill might have been a better choice.
This felt like I was staying at a friends house. Maybe it's b/c the owner is also a U2 fan and said "it's a lovely experience" when I told her I was going to listen to the Joshua Tree album as we drove through the park.
Showers were hot, coffee was good, and I enjoyed exploring the desert on the other side of the parking lot while my family slowly awoke.
If it's the little details that you look for in cleanliness and comfort, then I recommend this typical Rt 66 motel.
The owner is a marathon runner, and clearly takes pride in her business. Parking lot was spotless, that helped ease our minds that the rooms would be as well. When we needed an extended check out due to a car repair (Pep Boys across the street), she was more than kind about accommodating our request. Our room had the best soap of the entire 17 day vacation. Lastly, it's w/in walking distance of the Rio Grande River.