The four corners monument is a fascinating and unique tourist destination. We stopped to visit the four corners on our first cross-country RV trip. This is the only place in the United States where four states intersect simultaneously.
The Four Corners Monument is a unique geographical landmark in the United States, marking where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah converge. Established in 1912, it is the only point in the U.S. where the boundaries of four states meet, making it a significant site for geographic and cultural reasons. The monument is located on Navajo Nation land and is managed by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department. It features a distinctive granite marker with a brass medallion that denotes the intersection of the four states. Visitors can stand at this point and simultaneously be in four different states, offering a rare and intriguing experience. The area surrounding the monument is rich in natural beauty, with stunning landscapes and vistas characteristic of the southwestern United States. It also serves as a cultural hub, reflecting the history and heritage of the Navajo people. The Four Corners Monument symbolizes the convergence of political boundaries and represents a unique intersection of cultural and historical narratives in the American Southwest.
If planning to visit the Four Corners monument, you must know a few essential things.
Four Corners Location
The Four Corners Monument is located where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. Here’s how you can get there:
- Traveling by Car:
- From Durango, Colorado: Take U.S. Highway 160 west to U.S. Highway 491. Follow U.S. 491 south to the monument.
- From Farmington, New Mexico: Take U.S. Highway 64 west to U.S. Highway 491. Follow U.S. 491 north to the monument.
- From Page, Arizona: Take U.S. Highway 89 to U.S. Highway 160 east, then follow U.S. 160 to U.S. Highway 491. Turn north on U.S. 491 to the monument.
- From Moab, Utah: Take U.S. Highway 191 south to U.S. Highway 163 west, then follow U.S. Highway 163 to U.S. Highway 491. Turn south on U.S. 491 to the monument.
About the Navajo Nation Four Corners Monument
The Four Corners Tribal Park is operated by the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Department. Not only does the monument mark the intersection of four states, but it also marks the boundary between the Navajo Nation and Ute Mountain Tribe reservations.
When visiting the monument, there is a small fee of $5.00 per person between October 1 and February 28. Between March 1 to September 30, the fee is $10.00. All children under the age of 6 are admitted for free.
The area where the four states meet is marked with a granite disk embedded with a smaller bronze disk. The disk is surrounded by state seals and flags representing both the states and tribal nations of the area.
There is a dirt parking lot adjacent to the monument. The parking lot is large, and a section is reserved for RVs. There are no painted parking spaces, so parking can seem crazy. However, Four Corners wasn’t that crowded, so we had no problem parking our RV. The unpaved lot was rough and bumpy, but most cars should be fine at low speeds.
Surrounding the monument are local Navajo and Ute artisans selling souvenirs and food.
Be Prepared Because The Monument Is In The Middle of Nowhere
Before planning your trip to the Four Corners, it is important to understand that it is literally in the middle of the southwest desert. The surrounding area is exactly what you think of when you think of the desert. Although it is beautiful and full of awesome scenery, nothing is around for miles.
The closest gas station and convenience store are at least 30 miles from the monument. Once you arrive at the monument, no electricity, water, or other amenities are on site.
We were unaware of all of this when we arrived on August 9th. It was hot with no shade or amenities. Thankfully for us, we had our RV where we could cool down.
Although plenty of people sell souvenirs and gifts, there are no concessions.
Again, ensure you have a full fuel tank if you are driving out the four corners. It is a 60-mile round trip drive from the nearest gas station and back.
Is Visiting the Four Corners Monument Worth It?
Visiting Four Corners Monument can be a fun and memorable experience, especially if you’re already traveling in the region. It’s the only place in the United States where you can stand in four states—Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah—simultaneously. The monument is modest, featuring a bronze marker embedded in concrete with flags from each state. It’s a unique photo opportunity that draws many travelers who want to tick this off their bucket list.
Beyond the novelty of standing in four states, the site is on Navajo Nation land, and local vendors sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. This offers a chance to support Indigenous artisans and learn more about the area’s culture. While the surrounding landscape is remote, it’s a part of the American Southwest’s stark, natural beauty.
However, it’s important to note that Four Corners is relatively isolated, and the monument is the primary attraction. If you’re seeking more activities or adventure, it’s worth pairing your visit with nearby attractions such as Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, or Canyon de Chelly. Ultimately, Four Corners is worth visiting for the novelty but plan for it as part of a more extensive journey in the region.
Our Experience at the Four Corners Monument
The Four Corners Monument is an excellent and unique stop. As we travel across the country, we always look for different roadside attractions to stop and visit. Four Corners did not disappoint.
Our drive to the Four Corners was over 2,600 miles one way. Again. We wouldn’t recommend driving that far to visit this remarkable monument. However, if you are in the Monument Valley area, stop and stand in four different states simultaneously, and get some cool pictures.
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Have you visited the Four Corners Monument? Do you enjoy your visit? Do you have anything to add about this unique roadside attraction?
