Near the Four Corners Monument, you’ll find incredible places like Monument Valley with its iconic red rocks, the vast canyons of Canyonlands National Park, and the thousands of arches in Arches National Park.
You can also explore ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park and learn about Native American cultures at various sites.
Have you ever wanted to be in four places at once? Well, at the Four Corners Monument, you actually can! This super cool spot is where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah all come together. It’s like the ultimate high-five of states!
But guess what? The fun doesn’t stop at just standing in four states. The area around the Four Corners is packed with amazing things to see and do. Imagine giant rock towers reaching for the sky, ancient homes built right into the cliffs, and beautiful parks where you can hike and explore.
That’s why we’re here! This blog post is your guide to the best adventures near the Four Corners Monument.
We’ll tell you about the coolest places to visit, from national parks to Native American sites, all within a short drive. So, get ready to explore the amazing Four Corners region!
What are Natural Wonders?
Imagine landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a movie – giant red rocks, deep canyons, and arches that seem to defy gravity. This area is a playground for nature lovers, with something incredible around every corner. Let’s dive into some of the must-see spots:
Utah
Monument Valley: Iconic red sandstone buttes and mesas, a classic symbol of the American West.
Arches National Park: Known for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch.
Canyonlands National Park: Dramatic canyons, mesas, and rivers carved by the Green and Colorado rivers.
Natural Bridges National Monument: Features three impressive natural bridges: Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo.
Valley of the Gods: A scenic landscape of isolated buttes and rock formations, often compared to Monument Valley but on a smaller scale.
Goosenecks State Park: Offers a stunning overlook of the San Juan River as it carves deep meanders into the landscape.
Arizona
Monument Valley: Extends into Arizona.
Grand Canyon National Park: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, with its immense size and colorful rock layers. (South Rim is further, North Rim is closer)
Antelope Canyon: Beautiful slot canyons with unique light beams, popular for photography.
Horseshoe Bend: A dramatic horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River near Page.
Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park: Famous for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.
San Juan Mountains: Rugged and scenic mountain range with opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying hot springs.
New Mexico
Shiprock: A striking volcanic rock formation rising dramatically from the desert floor.
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness: Badlands with unique and colorful rock formations, hoodoos, and fossils.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park: Ancient Puebloan ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is just a starting point, and the Four Corners region has many more natural wonders to explore.
Cultural and Historical Sites
The Four Corners region is incredibly rich in cultural and historical sites, primarily due to the long and significant presence of Ancestral Puebloan and Native American cultures. Here are some key sites to explore:
Ancestral Puebloan Sites
Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado): A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved cliff dwellings, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the area for over 700 years. Key sites include Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park (New Mexico): Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Chaco Canyon was the center of Ancestral Puebloan culture between 850 and 1250 AD. It features impressive great houses like Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl, showcasing sophisticated architecture and astronomical alignments.
Aztec Ruins National Monument (New Mexico): Despite its name, these ruins were also built by Ancestral Puebloans. It served as a significant cultural and ceremonial center and features a large, well-preserved great house.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument (Arizona): This canyon has been home to people for nearly 5,000 years, including the Ancestral Puebloans and the present-day Navajo. The monument features impressive cliff dwellings and offers guided tours by Navajo tribal members.
Hovenweep National Monument (Utah and Colorado): This monument protects six prehistoric Ancestral Puebloan villages, featuring unique square and D-shaped towers.
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum (Utah): Located near Blanding, this museum has an extensive collection of Ancestral Puebloan pottery and artifacts and is built on the site of an ancient village.
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness (New Mexico): While known for its otherworldly rock formations, this wilderness area also contains significant Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites.
Native American Cultural Sites
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Arizona and Utah): While famous for its dramatic landscapes, Monument Valley is also a significant cultural site for the Navajo Nation, who offer tours and share their history and traditions.
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (Arizona): This historic trading post has been in continuous operation since 1878 and played a crucial role in the trade between the Navajo people and European settlers. It offers insights into the history and culture of the Navajo Nation.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park (Colorado): Adjacent to Mesa Verde, this park is owned and managed by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and offers tours of Ancestral Puebloan sites from the perspective of their descendants.
Other Historical Sites
Four Corners Monument (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah): The only place in the United States where four state corners meet, it’s a popular tourist spot offering a unique photo opportunity.
When visiting these sites, it’s essential to be respectful of their cultural significance and follow any guidelines or restrictions in place. Many of these locations are considered sacred by Native American tribes, and visitors should be mindful of their presence.
Other Adventures Around the Corner
The fun around the Four Corners doesn’t stop with just the big national parks and ancient sites! There are even more cool things to see and do if you’re up for a little more exploring. Get ready for some unique experiences!
Bears Ears National Monument
This is a newer protected area, and it’s super important to a lot of Native American tribes. It’s full of ancient sites and beautiful nature. If you go, remember to be respectful of the land and the people who have been here for ages. You can hike and camp here and see some amazing things.
Goosenecks State Park
Imagine a river twisting and turning so much that it looks like the neck of a goose! That’s what you’ll see at Goosenecks State Park. There’s an awesome overlook where you can take pictures of the San Juan River snaking through the landscape. It’s a great spot for some really cool views.
Valley of the Gods
If you loved the look of Monument Valley but want to avoid the crowds, check out Valley of the Gods. It’s another valley filled with tall sandstone formations that look like they belong in a movie. The road through it is unpaved, so it’s a bit of an adventure to drive, but the views are totally worth it!
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
All aboard for a trip back in time! This historic train takes you on a beautiful ride through canyons and mountains. You’ll feel like you’re in the Old West and can learn about the mining history of the area. It’s a really fun and different way to see the scenery.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park
Want to learn even more about the Native American culture of this region? The Ute Mountain Tribal Park offers guided tours led by members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
They can teach you all about their history, traditions, and the ancient sites within the park. It’s a great way to connect with the people who have called this land home for centuries.
Planning Your Visit
You’re probably getting excited about visiting all these amazing places! Here are a few things to keep in mind to make your trip super smooth and fun:
When to Go
The best times to visit this area are in the spring and fall. The weather is usually nice and sunny, but not too hot. Summer can get really hot, and winter can be chilly, so spring and fall are your best bets for comfy exploring.
Where to Stay
There are different places you can stay nearby, depending on what you’re looking for. Towns like Bluff, Blanding, and Monticello are good options, and Moab is a bit further but has lots of choices too. You can find hotels, resorts, and motels, or if you like being outdoors, there are campgrounds and RV parks.
Being a Good Visitor on Tribal Lands
Remember that a lot of this land belongs to the Navajo and Ute tribes. It’s really important to be respectful when you’re visiting. Pay attention to signs, stay on marked roads and trails, and ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Learning a little bit about their culture before you go can make your visit even more meaningful.
Good Things to Bring
No matter when you go, it’s always a good idea to bring plenty of water, especially if you’re planning on hiking. The sun can be strong, so sunscreen and a hat are a must. And even if it’s sunny, the weather can change quickly in the desert, so it’s a good idea to bring layers of clothing just in case.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The Four Corners Monument isn’t just about standing in four states at once – it’s the starting point for an incredible adventure.
From towering red rocks and deep canyons to ancient villages and fascinating cultures, this region is bursting with amazing things to see and do. Get ready to explore the natural beauty and discover the rich history all around.
Time to start planning your own trip to the Four Corners and experience these awesome places for yourself! What are you waiting for? Let the adventure begin!
