Should You Stop at Four Corners Monument?
I remember looking at the map of the United States when I was in third or fourth grade and totally amazed that there is only one spot in the entire country where four states touch. I imagined a tiny plaque in the middle of the desert with no one around that you could step on and be in all four states. Cactuses in the background of the photos. The Four Corners National Monument was not quite like I imagined. Although it is in the middle of the desert, it is quite built up with a ticket booth, rough parking lot, and small arena around the spot the four corners touch. It is a silly stop on a road trip, but perhaps worth the time? Keep reading to decide.
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Initial Impression of Four Corners
We were debating going to the Four Corners National Monument until the moment we got to the toll booth. It is $5.00 per person, so $10.00 for the both of us to see a spot where four states touch. We paid the woman and parked in the dirt parking lot next to a round-looking concrete structure. We parked and got out in the 90+ degree heat and boy was it windy!
There is a round, concrete arena-esqe structure surrounding the Four Corners marker. There is a large granite disk with a small bronze disk at the center of the structure to signify the “quadripoint”. Then, in each of the quadrants there is bench seating and viewing platforms. Surrounding all four quadrants are vendor stalls. This is after the remodel in 2010.
When we arrived, there was a line formed to take pictures on top of the granite circle. We looked around while we waited in line. I heard that before this remodel, it was uncomfortable to visit the four corners because artists would try to sell you items when trying to take a pictures. This remodel makes it quite a bit more organized, with people naturally forming a line and vendors in stalls. But is also makes is a little sterile with a disconnect from the land.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 2 (out of 4) stars, ehhhhhh
- Intensity: Casual clothing and sandals
- Location: Where Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah meet
- Cost: $5.00 per person
- Restrooms: I think there are some non-flushing toilets there, but we didn’t even look
- Timing: 10 -15 mins
Highlights:
- Be in four states at one time!
Lowlights:
- $5.00 per person
- Line for photos
- Vendor stalls in background of photos
Getting the Classic Four Corners Pictures
The line to get to the quadripoint moved pretty quickly. We waited 5 minutes when we arrived in the middle of the day. We watched each group take their spots or do a pose on the granite marker. It was all a little silly and we couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. A trend we noticed was to ask the person behind you to take the photos, rather than keeping the people in front of you hanging around. We adopted this trend and befriended the group behind us.
With a line waiting, no one wanted to take very long. People rushed to the marker and rushed off again. All very respectful! We were also quick, resulting in only one or two snaps that we liked. To get a better pictures, we could have taken them of each other, but alas, it was more fun to be together. Some people used the viewing platform, but all photos will end up with more concrete, benches, and vendors in the background.
It’s all in how you think about it
I was feeling “meh” about the experience and wondering if we just paid $10 for a couple of pictures. Later, I talked to my partner, who was stoked about it and broke it down as only $2.50 per state! A very different way to think about it that reminded me that I got to experience the quadripoint on the map that I imagined as a kid. Haha! Or, from a humanitarian perspective, it was a $10 “donation” for the Navajo Nation, which takes care of the monument and the land. It is also another silly moment from our road trip that I will cherish. Turns out the money doesn’t matter; how you think about it does.
Getting To Four Courners National Monument
We drove to the Four Corners National Monument using Google Maps. The entrance to the monument is off of Highway 160 with the nearest town being Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, which is 6 miles away. We came from the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings, and I believe it took about 2.5 hours to drive there, but I am little unclear because the timezones in Arizona really messed with us. Did you know that Arizona doesn’t do daylight savings, but any reservation land does? Don’t trust your phone! For detailed directions, you can take a look the Four Corners Navajo Tribal Park website.
What to Bring to the Four Corners
Yes, I do feel silly for making a recommended gear list for a roadside stop. But if you’re reading this far, I might as well!
- Shoes – I wore Tevas sandals during this tour, but have completely converted to Chacos in recent years.
- Day Pack – I’m pretty sure we just brought our phones and wallets out of the car, but would probably reach for my small 18L backpack from Amazon if I were to stop by there today.
- Water bottle – You cannot go wrong with a handy-dandy Nalgene, if the line was longer, I might have gotten thirsty!
- Bandana – I wear one primarily to keep the sun off the back of my neck, but it’s also handy to wipe sweat away or dip in cold water if I’m overheated. I get them everywhere, but here’s some bandana options from REI.
- Sunscreen – I use this sunscreen for my face, and this one for my body.
- Snacks! Again, especially if the line is long.
- I would NOT recommend bringing a tripod unless you are visiting at odd hours. Other people will gladly help you, rather than watch you set up a tripod and wait for the shot.
Overall Thoughts: Four Corners National Monument
The Four Corners has and will likely always be a roadside attraction. Like most roadside attractions, it does not offer you more than what meets the eye. However, if you enjoy a bit of silliness and want to look through the frame of spending $2.50 per state or a $10 donation to the Navajo Nation, then stop! Keep your expectations low, and your bravery for a funny picture high.
Have you gone to the Four Corners? Before or after the 2010 remodel? What did you think? Let me know in the comments if you think others should stop at the Four Corners!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
