Retro road trip through Utah, Colorado and New Mexico

A shoe tree “grows” beside the road leading to Zion National Park.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Photos of movie stars in the lobby of the historic Parry Lodge. The lodge was built in 1931 and said to be “where the stars stay” in Kanab.   (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The Joel McCrea room at the Parry Lodge, which names its rooms for the many stars of Western films that were shot in the town over the years.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The San Juan Inn and Trading Post has a motel, cafe and trading post in the town of 34 people.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Two eggs over easy, toast, hash browns and coffee are served at the classic Olde Bridge Grille at the San Juan Inn.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The classic neon sign of the Canyonlands Motel.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The vista from the entrance to Monument Valley has been immortalized in countless classic Western films.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The Apache motel has retro aesthetics, character, rundown charm plus a dash of celebrity. John Wayne and John Ford often stayed at the Apache while filming in the area.   (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

A young woman walks in the sunset on the road leading to Taos, N.M.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The Catholic pilgrimage El Santuario de Chimayo features an 1816 adobe church and a pit of sacred earth said to have miraculous healing power.   (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The Blue Spruce Lodge advertises steam heat along Route 66 with the classic neon sign of the Lariat Lodge in the background.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The El Rancho Hotel & Motel built in 1937 and claims the charm of yesterday and the convenience of tomorrow.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Steak, rice, catfish, steamed vegetables and a martini are served at the restaurant inside the historic El Rancho Hotel & Motel.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)