Tucked away in the arid expanse of the American Southwest lies a unique geographic curiosity: the Four Corners Monument. This singular spot marks the only point in the United States where four states—Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado—meet at a single junction. Visitors flock here to experience the quirky thrill of standing in four states at once, often striking a pose with one limb in each. Managed by the Navajo Nation, the monument is more than just a photo opportunity—it’s a gateway into the rich culture, history, and landscapes of the region.
Surrounded by sweeping desert vistas and red rock formations, the monument is located on tribal land and offers an introduction to Navajo and Ute heritage through local artisan booths, food vendors, and seasonal events. The area also serves as a great starting point for exploring the broader Four Corners region, which includes nearby national parks, ancient ruins, and scenic byways.
Though remote and rugged, the journey to the Four Corners Monument is part of its charm. Whether you’re a road-tripper chasing roadside oddities, a geography buff crossing off bucket-list points, or simply curious about the intersection of land and culture, this destination offers a one-of-a-kind experience. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Four Corners more than just a dot on the map—from travel tips and historical context to nearby adventures worth adding to your itinerary.
Four Corners Location
The Four Corners Monument is located in the southwestern United States, at the exact point where the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado meet. The monument itself is situated on Navajo Nation tribal land, in a remote area of the Colorado Plateau.
GPS Coordinates:
36.9991° N, 109.0452° W
Address for Navigation:
Four Corners Monument
597 NM-597
Teec Nos Pos, AZ 86514
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 Navajo Nation Four Corners Monument marks a rare and fascinating point in U.S. geography: the only place in the country where four states—Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado—meet at a single point. This iconic destination draws travelers from across the country who are eager to snap a photo with a hand or foot in each of the four states at once. But beyond the novelty of its geography, the monument is a deeply cultural and meaningful place, operated and maintained by the Navajo Nation, with the surrounding land also encompassing parts of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
Unlike a typical national or state park, the Four Corners Monument is located on tribal land and is managed by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department. As such, the monument offers more than just a geographic marker—it serves as a celebration of Indigenous heritage. Visitors can explore booths featuring handcrafted jewelry, pottery, textiles, and artwork created by Navajo and Ute artisans. These stands provide an opportunity to connect with local culture, support Native makers, and learn more about the traditions and stories of the people who have called this region home for centuries.
The site itself features a large concrete marker embedded with a bronze disk designating the exact point where the states meet. Surrounding the marker are state seals and flags, as well as the flags of the Navajo Nation and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
A visit to the Navajo Nation Four Corners Monument is more than a stop for a photograph—it’s a chance to step into a landscape shaped by history, culture, and the resilience of the Native communities who continue to thrive there.
Be Prepared Because The Monument Is In The Middle of Nowhere
Visiting the Four Corners Monument is a memorable experience, but one that requires a bit of planning, because it truly is in the middle of nowhere. Located on remote tribal land far from major cities, the monument sits at the junction of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado in the high desert. With the nearest towns being over an hour away and limited cell service along the route, you’ll want to come prepared.
First and foremost, bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. There’s little to no shade, and summer temperatures often soar into the 90s or higher. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also essential. While there are restrooms at the monument, amenities are otherwise sparse—there are no gas stations or restaurants nearby, so fuel up and pack snacks before you go.
Another thing to keep in mind: the monument is cash-only, with a small entrance fee per person. There’s no ATM, and credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to have cash on hand.
The drive to Four Corners is beautiful but desolate, with long stretches of open road surrounded by stunning desert scenery. GPS can be spotty, so it’s wise to download directions or carry a paper map. Despite the remoteness, the trip is worth it—few places offer the novelty of standing in four states at once. Just plan, and you’ll enjoy this off-the-grid adventure to the fullest.
Is Visiting the Four Corners Monument Worth It?
Whether or not visiting the Four Corners Monument is “worth it” depends on what you’re looking for in a travel experience. If you’re drawn to quirky landmarks, love checking off bucket-list locations, or enjoy road-tripping through the American Southwest, then yes—it’s worth a stop. There’s something undeniably fun about placing a hand or foot in four states at once, and the monument makes for a great photo and conversation piece.
That said, it’s important to set expectations. The monument itself is relatively simple—a metal disk embedded in a concrete plaza, surrounded by state and tribal flags. Artisan booths are offering Native American jewelry, crafts, and fry bread, but don’t expect a full-scale visitor center or major attractions. It’s a short visit, but a unique one.
Because it’s located in a remote desert region, getting there can be a bit of a trek. But if you’re already planning to explore places like Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, or Canyon de Chelly, the Four Corners makes for a convenient and worthwhile detour.
In the end, visiting the Four Corners is more about the experience than the destination itself—and for many travelers, that’s what makes it memorable.
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?
