Four Corners Area
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
Four Corners Monument
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 installed in 1992. Further improvements came in 2010, when the site was developed to include two intersecting lines through the center disc, marking the boundaries, alongside the seal of each of the four states.
Four Corners 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.
The Full Four Corners Experience
Take a drive along Trail 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 Edge 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 all popular stops along the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway.
Spend some time in the Four Corners gateway communities to get a true touch of the region. Basecamps could include Mexican Hat, Bluff, Blanding, Monticello or even Moab. These areas offer various types of accommodations and dining options, but during the off-season between October-May call-ahead to find out what’s open.
"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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Blanding
Blanding mixes cowboy culture with Native American and prehistoric.
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Bluff
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.
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Mexican Hat
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.
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Moab
Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain
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Monticello
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 Trip
Stunning scenery and unique cultural opportunities await in the Four Corners region, 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 ahead of time and bring an up-to-date printed map to prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
Respecting Tribal Land
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. Learn about the area’s inhabitants and always be respectful of Navajo land and follow proper protocols including:
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Stay in areas where you are allowed. Do not enter anywhere that is marked as closed or off-limits. Stay on trails and designated routes. Do not hike, rock climb or drive any type of vehicle off designated routes.
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Do not take or disturb anything, including artifacts, animals, plants and rocks.
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Alcohol and firearms are not allowed on the Navajo Nation.
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Never enter anyone’s home unless you are invited, and always ask permission to take photos.
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Be respectful and unobtrusive when observing festivals and events, which should be treated with the reverence of any religious service. Make sure visitors are welcome before attending, and realize not every ceremony is open to the public.
