To find yourself standing in 4 different states at the same time is certainly not an everyday experience, yet it is possible at the Four Corners Monument, the intersection of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.
It is located in a desert area that in and of itself is nothing special (except its strength lies in the proximity to scenic places such as Canyon De Chelly, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde National Park, or Antelope Canyon). However, the uniqueness of the geographical conjunction draws crowds of tourists to Four Corners where they can step in 4 states at once.
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What is the Four Corners Monument?
Given the symbolic value of the place, let’s try to understand what visitors to Four Corners should expect. You will find yourself in an immense desert plain surrounding a large concrete courtyard, and in the middle of it, there are the 4 segments of each state and the flags of the states themselves raised high.
At the center of the courtyard, you can then position yourself exactly where the 4 States meet, marked by a recognizable brass plaque. Right next to the Four Corners’ platform, you’ll find some stalls where you can buy themed T-shirts and other Navajo handmade objects. The whole territory is in fact Native American property. The areas around Four Corners in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah belong to the Navajo, while the part that is in Colorado belongs to the Ute Tribe.
Is the Four Corners Monument in the Right Place?
Actually, according to a recent government investigation, the plaque does not exactly coincide with the point of intersection (it seems to be about 1,970 ft east). Nevertheless, it continues to act as the official border, and it is not the case to be nitpicking! As you will notice, the slices of the States are exactly geometric, and this is due to the way that the states were divided up.
Plan a Visit to Four Corners
Admission Fee
There is a cost for admission to Four Corners and only cash is allowed. Here are the prices:
Adults: $5.00 per person (admission for children up to 6 years old is free)
Hours of Operation
- October 1 – March 31: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 5:45 pm
- April 1 – April 30: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 5:45 pm
- May 1 – Thursday before Memorial Day: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 6:45 pm
- Thursday before Memorial Day – August 19: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 6:45 pm
- August 20 – September 30: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 5:45 pm
Four Corner Monument is closed:
- All Major Holidays accordance with the Navajo Nation
- Thanksgiving Day (November 22)
- NN Family Day (November 26)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- New Years Day (January 1)
There are picnic tables and restrooms close to the monument. Nearby (within a 30-mile radius), you’ll also find a few cafes, grocery stores, and self-service gas stations. I advise you to bring plenty of water and food. The area is quite remote and does not have running water, electricity, or phone service.
Four Corners Monument Directions
Coming from Arizona, take Route 160 towards New Mexico. The monument is located about 50 miles east of Kayenta. The visitor center is at the intersection of Route 160 and NM State Road 597, about 6 miles north of Teec Nos Pos.
Things to do at Four Corners Monument
The main reason to visit it is its symbolic value, at the same time, it can be an excellent intermediate stop if you are traveling from Monument Valley to Mesa Verde National Park. In addition, visiting Four Corners can also be fun. Join the more enthusiastic visitors who try stunts and absurd poses to simultaneously touch the 4 states in the most unlikely ways. Taking a picture here is a must!
If you’re a fan of the famous Breaking Bad series, then you’ll certainly have one more reason to go to Four Corners! Check out our itinerary of the Breaking Bad Tour of Albuquerque.
great info and lots to see and learn about but we’re in the Phoenix area and would like to travel to the Four
Corners but need help in planning the trip. We would drive there but
need help in finding out where the best place/town to spend the nite.
Would driving to Four Corners and then spending the nite be better
than driving to a hotel and seeing Four Corners the next day?
Definitely need assistance and anything you can give me would be most
appreciated.
Thank you
Hi! Since there isn’t much availability of accommodations around Four Corners (especially in Arizona), I think it’s a good idea to make a nice itinerary like this one (with or without Grand Canyon depending on your desires and available time) and spend the night in Kayenta, visiting Four Corners the next day.