Grand Canyon News

“They call it Cliff Dwellers because the people here settled at the base of Vermillion Cliffs” said Terry in reply to a burly looking tourist. After answering the puzzled man’s question Terry turned to me and said “its a common mistake that people make, they come here (Cliff Dwellers) expecting to see indian ruins; I once had a lady get very angry because she travelled a very long distace to get here and there were no Indian Ruins”.

Although there are no Indian Ruins in Cliff Dwellers there are definitely some reasons to visit. First, its just a short jaunt to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon when compared to Page and Kanab (traditional North Rim gateways), and second, the best place to stay and eat in Northern Arizona is located there, Cliff Dwellers Lodge and the Cliff Restaurant. The whole property including the lodge and restaurant are owned and operated by Terry and Wendy Gunn. Terry is a very outgoing, fun guy who really loves people and does everything he can to make sure you’re taken care of. Wendy is the strong type who doesn’t mess around and gets the job done, she also is especially concerned about how you’re treated as a guest at their establishment. “If you’re coming here expecting the Ritz Carlton, you’ll probably be disappointed,” said Wendy, “but if you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay with clean rooms, outstanding service and freindly people, then this is the place for you.”

Besides owning and operating one of the most unique lodging establishments in Northern Arizona, Terry and Wendy are also world class flyfishing instructors and offer a flyfishing guide service at perhaps the most unique trout fishery in the world, the Colorado River at the bottom of Glen Canyon. Both Terry and Wendy are true professionals in the art of flycasting. Having written numerous articles and other publications in flyfishing magazines and hosting their own instructional Flycasting videos you’re guaranteed to learn something from them or their guides by taking a trip, even if you are a seasoned flyfisherman.

My experience with Terry and Wendy and their establishment was one I won’t soon forget. As a flyfisherman myself I took advantage of the opportunity to learn from them and one of their employees that helps oversee their fly shop, Natalie. Natalie’s knowledge didn’t stop at flyfishing itself but extended into the subtle nuances of the Colorado River and my quarry, the elusive Rainbow Trout. She spent probably an hour at the shop that day talking to me and my friend and setting up a reel for him, (did I mention it was acutally her day off?). That’s the kind of service I’m talking about, people just taking care of people.

Breakfast at the “Cliff Restaurant” was truly an experience. When entering don’t be taken aback by the small size and the typical cafe appearance, the magic is in the kitchen. I enjoyed the best biscuits and gravy that I’ve ever before tasted, no joke. I can’t imagine that any of the other dishes are any less tasty and filling. They offer breakfast, lunch (seasonally), and dinner.

Wendy also gave me a personal tour of the property. Whether you’re a two person group or a two family group they have what you need. The rooms are very nice and well kept, rates are reasonable and the local scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Whether you’re looking to fish, eat, stay, or just make a pit stop for gas and snacks you can’t go wrong with a stop at Cliff Dwellers Lodge in Cliff Dwellers, Arizona.

-Ron