There's something almost mystical about the Colorado Plateau. Its extraordinary and distinctive landscape has drawn in countless Native American tribes, pioneers, cowboys, and roadtrippers for centuries. Stories and legends, from Native American beliefs to iconic Westerns, are tied to the land, and the history here is so visceral and palpable, you can't help but feel it in your bones. Use the Four Corners monument as your center as you loop from New Mexico to Colorado to Utah to Arizona, and take advantage of every chance you get to experience as much of the special history here as you can. It can, at times, be challenging to face, but it's something we all should learn about and from.
1100 West 76th Street, Kansas City, United States
Mesa Verde, which means "Green Table" in Spanish, offers a historic look into the home and land of the ancestral Pueblo people who lived in what is now Mesa Verde National Park. Today, Mesa Verde National Park protects and preserves over 5,000 known archeological sites, as well as over 600 cliff dwellings, massive structures built right into the sides of the mesa, which the Pueblo people used to call home. The NPS has done a great job of not only preserving these antiquities but also interpreting what was left behind for those visiting today. Between guided tours and the visitor center, which is loaded with artifacts uncovered here, natural beauty and history abound in this completely unique national park. With many hiking trails to explore, scenic drives, rich history, and incredible views, you definitely don't want to miss Mesa Verde National Park.
As soon as you step foot into Goosenecks State Park in Blanding, UT, you might not want to leave. It's a cliche to describe the views of this place as "jaw-dropping" or "breathtaking,” but they really and truly are. You'll be awestruck by the pure power of the San Juan River as you witness the path it has spent millions of years cutting through solid rocks and mountains. Your views of nature extend for miles, and there's always something to catch your eye. While at Goosenecks State Park, you can spend time hiking the nearby Honaker Trail, taking photos, sightseeing, or stargazing on a clear summer night. The dark skies, lack of light pollution, and unobstructed view of the heavens make for some of the best constellation-spotting in the country! But whether you visit during the day or night, be prepared to be amazed. The views from Goosenecks State Park are often compared to those of the Grand Canyon. Yep... this park is that special.
Monument Valley is allegedly one of the most photographed landmarks, not just in the country, but in the world.... and for good reason. Located in Arizona on the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, it boasts some of the most magnificent sandstone structures you'll ever see, with heights ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet. These buttes are called "mittens" for their unique shape. Not only is the sheer size of the sandstone formations mindboggling, but the surrounding scenery, color, and plant life make the red and brown sand really pop. What you see at Monument Valley is the direct result of the wind, over the course of millions of years, changing a basin into a plateau. It's a powerful place, naturally and spiritually, so when you visit, take your time and remember to be respectful.
The Four Corners Monument is the only place in the continental United States where four states touch at precisely the same point. In addition to defining the states of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, the Four Corners Monument also marks the boundary between Native American governments; the Navajo Nation and the Ute Tribe Reservation meet here as well. Plus, it's a pretty classic roadside stop in the middle of nowhere, and a photo op that you definitely don't want to pass up. There are some local crafts for sale around the monument, and those are worth a browse, too.
Rising up from the flat, dusty, New Mexico desert, it's hard to miss the imposing and mysterious Shiprock. Over 7,000 feet tall, it's no wonder that the strange formation (actually the remains of a 27-million-year-old volcano) attracted the wonder and curiosity of humans for centuries. The rock was sacred to the Navajo people, who called it the "Tsé Bitʼaʼí,” or "the rock with wings.” According to legend, it's all that remains of the giant bird that carried the Navajo from the north to New Mexico. There are plenty of other legends and stories about how the massively tall formation appeared in the desert, each more colorful than the last.
Of course, the rock holds interest for more than just the Navajo people. Since the early 20th century, people have been intrigued by the idea of climbing the Shiprock-- the first ascent occurred in 1939. It's a confuddling and technically difficult climb, with various routes recorded. It doesn't really matter now, since climbing the rock has been outlawed by the Navajo, who own it. The rock is sacred to them. At the end of the day, adventurers who'd like to conquer the rock will have to gaze up at it from below and wonder about the ghosts, bird monsters, or other mythical beasts that might be hidden at its peak.
Having a slice of each of the four corner states, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, is a wonderful way to explore this region. Whether it's checking out Monument Valley in Arizona, camping in Colorado, learning Native American lore in New Mexico, or sightseeing at Goosenecks State Park in Utah, the four corner states have plenty to offer to the new traveler and experienced pro alike. Plus, how often do you get the chance to literally be in four places at once?
