Photo: Staplegunther at English Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0
Four Corners Monument marks the only point in the United States where four states meet—Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Located on the Colorado Plateau in the Navajo Nation, this remote site offers a quirky, unforgettable photo op where you can literally be in four states at once. The monument itself is a simple brass disk surrounded by a low concrete circle, with the state lines radiating outward. Vendors sell Native American crafts and food, adding a cultural layer to the visit.
Highlights & What to See
- Stand in Four States at Once: The main attraction—strike a pose with limbs in different states for the classic photo.
- Navajo and Ute Craft Markets: Browse handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles from local artisans; bargaining is expected.
- Scenic Drive through Monument Valley: The approach via US-160 offers sweeping desert vistas and red-rock buttes; consider a detour to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
- Nearby Hovenweep National Monument: Just 40 miles west, explore well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and towers.
- Four Corners Monument Gift Shop: Pick up a certificate proving you visited all four states—a fun souvenir.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour at the monument itself—enough time for photos, browsing the market, and soaking in the novelty. If you're driving from nearby towns like Kayenta or Cortez, plan for a half-day outing including travel. Combine with a visit to Monument Valley or Mesa Verde National Park to make a full day of exploring the region's iconic landscapes and Native American heritage.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (30 miles south) – Iconic red-sandstone monoliths and a must-drive scenic loop.
- Mesa Verde National Park (60 miles east) – Exceptional Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace.
- Hovenweep National Monument (40 miles west) – Remote ruins with fewer crowds, great for hiking.
- Natural Bridges National Monument (75 miles northwest) – Three massive natural sandstone bridges and dark-sky stargazing.
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area / Lake Powell (90 miles west) – Houseboating, kayaking, and the dramatic Glen Canyon Dam.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.