One of the more unique landmarks you will find in the United States is the Four Corners Monument. This is the only point in the country where the borders of four states—Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado—meet.
What to Expect
Four Corners Monument is relatively remote, located in the desert landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Translation – it’s in the middle of nowhere.
The monument itself is a granite and brass marker surrounded by flags from each of the four states as well as those of the Native American tribes in the area. It’s a popular spot for photos, where you can stand in all four states at once, a rather unique experience – though the hype and novelty will likely wear off rather quickly.
The monument is managed by the Navajo Nation, and you’ll find vendors selling traditional Navajo and Ute crafts, jewelry, and in some cases food.
The vendors are in little booths all around the square pad that holds the brass marker, making the monument feel very much like a tourist trap!
Practical Tips for Visiting
Admission: The entrance fee to the Four Corners Monument is $8 per person! This is Navajo Nation Park, not a US National Park Service Park, so they do not accept any National Park Passes.
Hours: The monument is open year-round, though hours are a bit wonky. Generally, it is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, extending to 7 PM during the summer.
Facilities: Restrooms are available on-site. However, there are no dining facilities, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks and plenty of water. The closest gas station is about 30 miles away. And there are no hotels in the area, either, so plan accordingly.
Photos: There was a line of 8-10 groups ahead of us when we arrived so it may take a bit of waiting before getting your photos. Also, as with most other places, some people aren’t paying any attention to what is going on around them and will be right in the middle of your pictures – be prepared!
Final Note:
This felt like a lot of driving to the middle of nowhere for a short stop to take a photo. With nothing else nearby it felt very much like a tourist trap. With that said, it still felt like a must-do for our family! Our kids enjoyed playing games running around the outside of the structure and going between the different states, so they were ultimately none the wiser.
