Trailborn Grand Canyon

“We were attracted to the specific building [because] it had great bones for the making of a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel,” says Mike Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn and Castle Peak Holdings. “We worked with Lake Flato to fully reimagine the property and bring our vision to life by restoring elements such as the monument sign, Camp Hall — our event space — and Miss Kitty’s restaurant, while also decorating the spaces with curated art, vintage finds and playful décor.”

The homey but contemporary guest rooms feature custom fixtures, furnishings and artwork that combine to create a comfortable vibe. The accommodations are kid-friendly, too, with in-room camping, scavenger hunts, soft-serve ice cream, a Trailborn stuffed animal and a s’mores kit all available as part of the “Family Adventure” package. Then, there’s the hotel’s actual outdoor space, where fire pits, a hot tub and a heated swimming pool make for a nice place to wind down after a day of exploring Northern Arizona.

Miss Kitty’s, the on-site restaurant and bar, serves up flavorful Southwestern fare for breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch. Meal options include a fried chicken sandwich and steaks with an assortment of rubs and sauces. And the desert-inspired drink menu offers agave-based spirits and cocktails, regional brews and a selection of frozen concoctions.

Off the property, choose your own adventure with one of the hotel’s guided outdoor excursions, ranging from private stargazing and astrophotography to hiking and helicopter tours. Just a short drive away are several family-friendly activities, including the Grand Canyon Railway, Bearizona Wildlife Park and Canyon Coaster Adventure Park. If you’re looking for something lower-key, the hotel hosts regular movie nights, weekly bingo nights, lawn games, live music, mixology classes and more.

And the natural wonder to the north is more than just a part of Trailborn Grand Canyon’s name: As part of its Keep Extraordinary Initiative, Trailborn donates a portion of the proceeds from every room booked on its website to Grand Canyon Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park.