Dining in the Desert

After exploring the natural beauty and history of the Southwestern deserts, retreat to a historic oasis in Death Valley for fine dining and renewal.

- SHERRY MONAHAN

Emigrants, explorers and miners all traversed the desert frontier and crossed some of the roughest terrain they’d ever seen. Some experienced it in wagons, others in stage coaches, on horseback and later by trains. Many traveled the Santa Fe Trail and were able to stop at Fort Union, where they obtained groceries, dishes, clothes, hardware and more at the Post Traders’ Store. Just past Raton, New Mexico, the three-story Clifton House offered amenities like food, water and supplies. Further along the trail they found the towns of Las Vegas and Santa Fe, New Mexico, which offered places to rest and eat.