Thank you all so much!! You have given me great ideas on what to research. I really appreciate it.
I was able to book a room at the Grand Canyon's Kachina Lodge for one night, will keep an eye out for cancelations. Now to figure out our timeline and search on AirBnB.
My older son and I have been to the Petrified Forest. Thank you for the reminder to include that in this trip too as we travel from AZ to NM.
And I loved Tony Hillerman books too in high school!