Where Four States Meet: Four Corners Monument
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An interesting & offbeat roadside attraction to visit if you find yourself driving through Southwestern Colorado, Northwestern New Mexico, Southeastern Utah, or Northeastern Arizona is Four Corners Monument. Truly a sight to behold, as it is the only place in the country where 4 states intersect.
When visiting this iconic monument, you will have the opportunity to stand in all 4 states at the same time. Although there is not much to actually do in the area besides photographing the monument and shopping for Native American crafts, it’s one of those unique things to do, if only just to say that you did it.
Since we recently moved to Arizona and we love checking oddball roadside attractions off our list, we knew we had to plan a stop. Fortunately, this was a quick detour on the way to our vacation in Pagosa Springs. If anything it helped break up the drive and we added a new Western memory to our weird things to do list.
You can stand in each state separately or in the middle of the marker. Officially, the marker is the technical spot where all 4 states meet. As expected, we saw people doing all sorts of crazy poses to get their hands and feet within all 4 states at the same time (back handstands, down on their hands and knees, etc.).
One of the best photo ideas is a group of 4 each standing in a different state or a couple each placing their feet in 2 different states. Unfortunately, with a 2 person party this was an impossible photo for us so we each stood with a leg in 2 states. Regardless, while standing in line waiting your turn, it is quite entertaining to watch the creative lengths people will go to.
Handmade Native American crafts
The Navajo Nations Parks and Recreation Department maintains the monument. Both the Navajo and Ute tribes populate the Four Corners region. You will find them selling various handmade crafts like jewelry, pottery, dreamcatchers, and magnets. If you want a nice souvenir to commemorate your time out West, this is a great place to find an affordably priced Native American creation.
I absolutely love this dreamcatcher pottery piece we picked up. I have been purchasing a lot of little odds and ends to add to my collection since moving to Arizona, and this is just another great addition for the bookshelf!
History of the region
The US acquired the Four Corners region after the Mexican American War of 1848. The original marker was established in 1912. Since then it has been redone in bronze and granite. The marker does not simply mark the intersection of the 4 Southwestern states. It also marks the boundary of the 2 regional Indian tribes: the Navajo and the Ute.
The Navajo are the largest Native American tribe in the country. Over 200,000 Navajo people are spread out across 27,000 acres in this region. The area is very remote with no electricity or running water. The closest gas station and restaurant is over 30 miles away. Despite the desolate location, it is a popular roadside stop. Expect crowds and a bit of a wait (at least 10-15 minutes or so) for your turn to get a picture by the monument. Surprisingly, it was not too busy during our visit, but then again we visited during the week.
You can learn more history while visiting or read more via this website.
A unique roadside attraction
While I wouldn’t recommend going too far out of your way, it’s a cool thing to say you’ve done if you have extra time, happen to be traveling through the area, and don’t mind spending a few bucks for a cool souvenir photo. The views aren’t tremendous in the area as the scenery consists of dry desert lands and mostly flat landscapes. Nevertheless, it’s a cool roadside stop. We have been exploring tons of oddball Western towns and roadside attractions since moving out West: it’s been a fun time. This is a great area of the county to do so.
Not the best scenery around (what can I say, I live in northern Arizona!), but a great mountain view nonetheless.
Nearby attractions
A few other notable sights to see in the region include Mesa Verde National Park and the Canyon de Chelly National Monument. If you are visiting this area during the fall season, I highly recommend a ride on the Durango & Silverton railroad for the special fall photo train (Durango is located about an hour and a half from the monument).
Tips for a great visit
- Fill up your tank well ahead of reaching the monument as there are no gas stations around and the next is at least a 30 minute drive. Use the restroom at this time if needed. I’ve learned to lay off the coffee while driving anywhere out West.
- Bring with a water bottle and snacks. Driving in this desolate area of the country, restaurants are few and far between.
- Prepare for heat in the summer and fall, no matter your ending destination. We were dressed for fall weather in Colorado and arrived in September to 90+ degree temps.
- Be aware that the National Parks Pass is not valid at this attraction.
- Bring with plenty of cash if you plan on buying Native American crafts. Prices can add up quickly and some vendors do not accept credit/debit cards.
Address, Pricing, and Hours
Location: 597 NM-597, Teec Nos Pos, NM 86514
Pricing: $8 per person – credit card only (National Park Passes not accepted)
Hours:
- Oct. 1-March 31: 8:00 am – 4:45 pm
- Apr 1st-30th: 8:00 am – 5:45 pm
- Peak Season: May 1st-26th: 8:00 am – 6:45 pm
- May 27-Aug. 19th: 8:00 am – 6:45 pm
- Aug. 20-Sept. 30: 8:00 am – 5:45 pm
*The park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year’s, as well as all Navajo holidays
