1. Green River, Wyo.
Stay: Bunk down in a private cabin at Spring Creek Guest Ranch. The ranch can also arrange horseback and hunting trips. 307-350-3005, springcreekguestranch.com Eat: Taste the best tacos in the region at Mi Casita. 307-875-6425 Play: Bring your waders and reel for fly-fishing on the Green River. tourwyoming.com
2. Mormon Lake, Ariz.
Stay: Retire to a rustic log cabin on the hill or hook up your R.V. at Mormon Lake Lodge. 928-354-2227, mormonlakelodge.com Eat: The Steakhouse at Mormon Lake Lodge serves up juicy slabs of tender beef. Play: Hike, trail ride, or four-wheel the trails of the Coconino National Forest. www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
3. Wickenburg, Ariz.
Stay: Lodge rooms at Rancho de los Caballeros come with kiva fireplaces and views of the Sonoran Desert. 800-684-5030, ranchodeloscaballeros.com Eat: Try some German brats and beer at House Berlin. 928-684-5044 Play: Travel back in time with Hays’ Spirit of the Cowboys collection at Desert Caballeros Western Museum. 928-684-2272, westernmuseum.org
4. Cedar City, Utah
Stay: Rest and relax by the outdoor fire pits at the Grand Lodge at Brian Head. 435-677-9000, grandlodgebrianhead.com Eat: Rusty’s Ranch House serves up its famous jumbo coconut shrimp and filet mignon. 435-586-3839, rustysranchhouse.com Play: Take in the stunning nighttime sky at a ranger-hosted Star Party at Cedar Breaks National Monument. 435-586-0787, nps.gov/cebr
5. Taos, N.M.
Stay: Experience true Southwestern style at the historic Taos Inn, which opened in 1936. 575-758-2233, taosinn.com Eat: Grab a slice and enjoy the local brews at Taos Pizza Out Back just north of town. 575-758-3112, taospizzaoutback.com Play: Horseback through the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with a local guide from the Taos Pueblo. 800-659-3210, taosindianhorseranch.com
