“USA 🇺🇸 ~Four Corners Monument: Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah”

• September 28, 2022
• By Pen
• 0 Comment

Today, we took a drive to a place, where we could be in four states, at the same time, by simply touching the circle with our toes!!!
Definitely a unique experience! 

Four Corners Monument ⬇️
While there are a few places in the USA where three states connect, there is ONLY one place in the United States, where four states meet, at one geographic location.
However, this geographic anomaly is only one reason this region is so special. This area is also home to a rich indigenous heritage and several sovereign tribal reserves and nations, including the Navajo Nation, Hopi, Ute and Zuni.
Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) people lived in the area earlier than 1200 AD, and evidence of their fascinating culture and rich heritage abounds.

HISTORY ⬇️
When government surveyors found where the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico came together, they installed a simple cement pad, marking the spot in 1912. Over time, the monument evolved, with a granite marker bearing a copper disc; established in 1992. Further improvements came in 2010, when the site added two intersecting lines through the center disc, marking the boundaries, alongside the seal of each of the four states.
(I was at this Monument, before, prior to 2010, so it had a changed a little).

This Monument is administered by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department.
At the site, Native American artisans sell handmade jewelry, crafts and traditional foods from numerous booths and shops. The monument’s visitor center includes demonstrations and information about native cultures in the region.

NOTE: There were some booths open for purchasing souvenirs, but there was nothing else going on. We were hoping for some Indian Fry-Bread Tacos, but all was closed up. I suspect summer months would be busier.
The cost to enter the grounds where the monument is, was $8pp.

You will spend far more time driving to this remote location, than you will likely spend at the monument, itself, but it was worth it to me.
The surrounding area, as you can see, is dry and brown, so not a lot of color to be had, but I happen to find beauty in all things in nature.

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Scenic Drive from Durango, Colorado to the Four Corners Monument ⬇️

(Not the most colorful place in Colorado)

⬆️ “Ship Rock”
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Directional ⬇️
If you are coming from Durango, like us, it’s the same direction as driving to Mesa Verde National Park; but going beyond that Park entrance, by another thirty minutes or so. There is not much else to stop at.
However, if coming from the Utah side: Blanding, Mexican Hat, Bluff and/or Moab, there is a whole route called “The Trails of Ancient Scenic Byway,” where there is plenty to see!
One can meander along State Route 95, (leave plenty of time) to stop and explore: between Blanding, Natural Bridges National Monument, Comb Ridge, Butler Wash, Cedar Mesa and Valley of the Gods, along the Scenic Byway.
We previously spent time in the Four Corners gateway communities on the Utah side, and it was awesome!
We based-camped in four different places during the summer month of June; (Primarily in Utah)
Any of those afore mentioned areas, offer various accommodations and dining options, but during the off-season; between October and may need to call ahead, to find out what’s open.

When we leave Colorado in a few weeks, we will be driving this very same route, again, and beyond, as we will be heading back to Arizona, where we will get to pick up our VW Bug convertible; fully restored!
We are looking so forward to that
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