Four Corners Getaway
Many people make it their goal to visit every state of the United States. I'm trying for that myself. There is one spot in the U.S. where you can actually touch all four states at once.
I don't advocate visiting the monument and saying you've been to all four states and that's it. Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah have too much to see to just touch it with your foot and leave. But, visiting the monument makes a great picture (you have to have a foot and hand in each state - looks a little like you're playing Twister), and there's some cool things to do in an area you might not otherwise visit.
If you like history, you'll want to explore all the Native American ruins in all the four states, like Canyon de Chelly in Arizona, which contain the ancient cliff dwellings of the Anasazis, who mysteriously vanished 400 to 500 years ago. You may also want to visit the Aztec Ruins just outside Aztec, New Mexico. One of the nation's largest archaeological preserves is Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwest Colorado, ten miles east of Cortez, Colorado, but also in the Four Corners area. Here you'll find the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world.
For spectacular scenery, you would want to head on over to Monument Valley in Arizona, where you can either see the natural rock monuments from your car, or you can hire a guide who will take you on hikes to see the monuments close up. You can also take it easy on a houseboat on Lake Powell. (For more about that, go to Lake Powell Houseboats )
And, just for fun, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad out of Durango, Colorado is a must for anyone of any age. The train travels 45 miles from Durango to Silverton, an old mining town, and travels through some of the most beautiful scenery of the Four Corners area. For families with kids, consider taking the train after Thanksgiving for the "Polar Express" when the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad recreates the book and movie, "The Polar Express," taking children to meet Santa at the North Pole. On the ride over guests will enjoy hot chocolate and a reading of the "Polar Express" story. The train also has a special New Year's Eve ride.
I don't advocate visiting the monument and saying you've been to all four states and that's it. Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah have too much to see to just touch it with your foot and leave. But, visiting the monument makes a great picture (you have to have a foot and hand in each state - looks a little like you're playing Twister), and there's some cool things to do in an area you might not otherwise visit.
If you like history, you'll want to explore all the Native American ruins in all the four states, like Canyon de Chelly in Arizona, which contain the ancient cliff dwellings of the Anasazis, who mysteriously vanished 400 to 500 years ago. You may also want to visit the Aztec Ruins just outside Aztec, New Mexico. One of the nation's largest archaeological preserves is Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwest Colorado, ten miles east of Cortez, Colorado, but also in the Four Corners area. Here you'll find the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world.
For spectacular scenery, you would want to head on over to Monument Valley in Arizona, where you can either see the natural rock monuments from your car, or you can hire a guide who will take you on hikes to see the monuments close up. You can also take it easy on a houseboat on Lake Powell. (For more about that, go to Lake Powell Houseboats )
And, just for fun, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad out of Durango, Colorado is a must for anyone of any age. The train travels 45 miles from Durango to Silverton, an old mining town, and travels through some of the most beautiful scenery of the Four Corners area. For families with kids, consider taking the train after Thanksgiving for the "Polar Express" when the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad recreates the book and movie, "The Polar Express," taking children to meet Santa at the North Pole. On the ride over guests will enjoy hot chocolate and a reading of the "Polar Express" story. The train also has a special New Year's Eve ride.
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