Marking the quadripoint in the US Southwest where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet, this marker offers a rare geographical occurrence
Four Corners Monument:
The original marker, erected in 1912, was a simple cement pad placed after government surveys showing the location of the terminus of the four state boundaries.
The monument was refurbished in 1992 with a bronze disk embedded in granite.
Each of the state boundaries (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah) radiate from the disk and each state’s seal rests within that state’s boundary.
Four Corners can easily be visited while exploring the Monument Valley area, or as part of a Grand Circle trip including Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde and other national parks.
There is a small visitor centre open year-round, which features a demonstration centre with Native American artisans.
Vendors sell handmade jewellery, crafts and traditional foods nearby.
The area is very remote and a small community of Teec Nos Pos, AZ, is six miles away offering a station. The nearest communities include Shiprock, NM (33 miles), Kayenta, AZ (77 miles) and
Monument Valley (100 miles).
Getting there:
The Four Corners Monument is located off US Highway 160.
The area surrounding the monument is Native American land, which includes part of New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona and covers some 25,000 square miles.
The closest major airports are located in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Denver.
The drive from Monument Valley takes around 1 hour 10 mins.
Admission:
A ticket costs $6 per adult. Children under six go free.
Opening times:
16 August – 30 September: 8:00am – 6:45pm
1 October – 31 March: 8:00am – 4:45pm
1 – 30 April: 8:00am – 5:45 pm
Selected times on Memorial weekend. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Where to stay:
Ute Mountain Casino & Hotel is where we stayed. With a cracking breakfast and great spacious rooms, this casino/hotel is brilliant.
Four Corners Inn offers a comfy bed and free breakfast. A standard room costs $85 per night.
The hotel is 70 miles from the monument, which is about a 1 hour 20 min drive.
Address: 131 East Center Blanding, UT 84511.
Useful links:
Free travel guide: to navigate Utah’s red rock, scenic byways and learn more about its culture
Utah Highway map: digital guide
Suggested itineraries: the Mighty Five National Parks and Wild West Frontier etc
Checking out C & J.
In 4 The Long Haul 