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Four Corners Monument | Matt Morgan
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As the only place in the United States where four states meet at one geographic location, the Four Corners is unique. However, this geographic anomaly is only one reason this region is so special. It is also home to a rich indigenous heritage and the location of the Navajo Nation.
Ancestral Puebloan people lived in the area earlier than 1200 CE, and evidence of their fascinating culture and rich heritage abounds. They are known for building ruins perched on cliff edges atop boulders. Marvel at the builders’ innovative ideas, construction skillsand remnants set against stunning sandstone panoramas.
Dark skies in the evenings lend to dazzling celestial shows. Sit back and soak in the stars while contemplating the ancient ways. Visit the Four Corners in Utah alone or add a stop on a trip to Arches or Canyonlands national parks.
Monument Valley Visiting Southern Utah
Discover the Four Corners Region
Four Corners Monument
When government surveyors found out where the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico had come 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.
Four Corners National Monumentis 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.
The Four Corners Experience in Utah
Drive along theTrail of the Ancients Scenic Byway to immerse yourself in the Four Corners region, soaking up the history, culture and endless scenery. The route begins in Blanding, where you can see Ancestral Puebloan artifacts and a 1,000-year-old kiva at theEdge of the Cedars State Park Museum.
Meander along State Route 95, leaving plenty of time to stop and explore between Blanding and Natural Bridges National Monument. Comb Ridge, Butler Wash, Cedar Mesa and Valley of the Gods are popular stops along the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway.
Spend time in the Four Corners gateway communities to get a true touch of the region. Basecamps could include Mexican Hat,Bluff,Blanding,Monticello orMoab. These areas offer various accommodations and dining options, but during the off-season between October and May, call ahead to find out what’s open.
When visiting tribal lands, consider taking time to ponder the past and the present and learn about the unique cultural elements of this sacred region. Learn about the area’s inhabitants, always be respectful of Navajo land and follow proper protocols:
Stay in areas where you are allowed and only enter places marked ‘open,’ never go anywhere closed or off-limits. Stay on trails and designated routes. Do not hike, rock climb or drive any vehicle off designated routes.
Do not take or disturb anything, including artifacts, animals, plants and rocks.
Alcohol and firearms are not allowed in the Navajo Nation.
Never enter anyone’s home unless invited; always ask permission to take photos.
Be respectful and discreet when observing festivals and events, which you should treat with the reverence of any religious service. Make sure visitors are welcome before attending, and realize that only some ceremonies are open to the public.
Native Nations In Utah
"When visiting tribal lands, consider taking some time to ponder the past and the present and learn about the unique cultural elements of this sacred region."
What's Nearby
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Bears Ears National Monument
Explore Bears Ears National Monument, which was just established in 2017, but be aware it does not have much infrastructure in place. Please be respectful of the land, its natural, archaeological and paleontological resources, and the people who are closely tied to this sacred land.
- Canyonlands National Park Canyonlands National Park allows for a wide array of recreation experiences, from short and scenic family hikes to rugged backcountry adventures. Find solitude in the backcountry, camp under the stars or explore the Green and Colorado Rivers.
- Glen Canyon Recreation Area and Lake Powell Glen Canyon Recreation Area and Lake Powell are favorite regional spots to soak up the sun while water skiing, jet skiing or renting a houseboat. Relax and soak up the stunning scenery.
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Hovenweep National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument provides a window into an ancient world. Ancestral Puebloans lived here around 500 CE to 1300 CE. Examine the intriguing architecture and towers, and lace up your hiking boots for a jaunt on trails to Hovenweep Castle and Tower Point.
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and take a Jeep tour to explore Navajo hogans, picturesque sandstone formations and iconic scenery, while learning about archaeological sites, human history and culture.
- Natural Bridges National Monument Three expansive rock arches are a highlight of Natural Bridges National Monument. It is the world’s first International Dark Sky Park, and its 6,500-foot-elevation makes it a bit cooler than surrounding areas in the summertime. Enjoy hiking, exploring canyons and stargazing a bit off the beaten path.
Basecamp Destinations
- Bluff Bluff, UT Rich in human and natural history, Bluff is a central point along the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway. It is a gateway to Monument Valley, Bears Ears National Monument, Valley of the Gods and Hovenweep National Monument.
- Mexican Hat Mexican Hat, UT Mexican Hat sits along the San Juan River among impressive rock formations. The town gets its name from a rock formation that resembles an overturned sombrero. Get free travel guides and maps for planning your next Utah vacation.
- Moab Moab, UT Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain
- Monticello Monticello, UT The southeastern Utah town of Monticello lies on the sheltered eastern slope of the Abajo Mountains, overlooking a maze of sandstone canyons and plateaus.
Plan Your Four Corners Trip
Stunning scenery and unique cultural opportunities await in the Four Corners region of Utah, but a trip here requires a little extra preparation. Be sure to learn about proper protocols when visiting tribal lands, select the best season for your needs, plan for variable weather, print good directions and bring an up-to-date printed map to prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
Hotels, Resorts and Motels
If you’re planning a trip to the Four Corners area and want a comfortable, clean place to stay, there are many great accommodations in Blanding and Bluff, Utah.
- Bluff Dwellings Resort
- Desert Rose Resort & Cabins
- Kokopelli Inn
- Stone Lizard Lodge
- Blue Sage Inn & Suites
- Rodeway Inn & Suites
- Four Corners Inn
- Prospector Motor Lodge
- La Posada Pintada
- White Eagle Inn
- Kokopelli Inn
- Retro Inn
Camping and RV Parks
Want to stay in the great outdoors instead? Here are some campgrounds and RV parks to consider in the Four Corners area:
- Square Tower Ruins Campground
- Sleeping Bear Campgrounds
- Goosenecks Campground
- Goulding’s Resort RV & Camping
- Blue Mountain RV & Trading
- Hummingbird Campsite
- Sand Island Campground
- Coral Sands RV Park
- BLM Dispersed Campsites
When you’re camping in Utah, remember to follow responsible camping guidelines and leave the space in better condition than you found it.
Weather
At approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, the Four Corners area has hot summer months, mild shoulder seasons, and even a dusting of snow during the winter.
During summer (June-August), temperatures approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so cooler mornings and evenings are the best time for exploration. Be aware of flash floods.
In winter (December-February), temperatures can be cold, with occasional snow — usually just a dusting.
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) typically have the mildest weather.
No matter when you visit, carry plenty of water and sun protection and be prepared for changing conditions, including cooler conditions and thunderstorms. To learn more, visit ourUtah weather page.
Getting Here
Four Corners Monument is only accessible via car or tour bus. It can be reached from U.S. 191 from just west of Bluff, Utah, through the Navajo Nation, to U.S. 160, or from Bluff on S.R. 162 into Colorado to 160.
- Do not rely on vehicle GPS — it is unreliable in the area. Be sure to obtain directions ahead of time and stick to paved roads, which lead to all points of interest.
