Four Corners, Ruins and Fry Bread

When you stand on the Four Corners Monument, you are literally in four states at the same time.

The monument marks the only spot where four states - Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona - come together. Kids love visiting it. Most have learned about it in geography class and they get a kick out of taking a 30-second, four state tour.

The monument is located in a remote spot on Navajo land, in the middle of an enchanted area full of scenic and cultural attractions, Monument Valley on one side and Mesa Verde National Park on the other.

This is wide-open desert country, perfect for road trips and family vacations. Mile after mile of open road runs through Monument Valley's classic Southwestern scenery and up to the fascinating ancient cliff dwellings found at Mesa Verde. People who don't mind driving on gravel roads can also explore the impressive square towers and D-shaped stone castles built by the ancient Anasazi people at what is now Hovenweep National Monument.

This is Indian country. Small clusters of Navajo dwellings can be seen from the roadways. Sheep and horses roam the open range. Navajo guides will provide horseback trail rides or Jeep excursions through Monument Valley and into other interesting areas.

Navajo craftsmen sell wares from simple roadside shelters, or from blankets spread out on the ground. The "mall" at Monument Valley is one of my favorite places to shop.

Navajo vendors line both sides of the Monument Valley scenic drive, near its intersection with Hwy 163. Their booths are full of hand-crafted turquoise-and-silver jewelry, delicate sand paintings and intricate rugs, among hundreds of other products.

You can buy tasty fry bread and other food items from some venders. Sometimes you can watch as they prepare the food. I'm always amazed when I watch a Navajo make fry bread. The traditional method does not involve measuring ingredients or the use of mixing bowls. Water and the other ingredients are poured into the top of the flour sack where they are hand-kneaded into the flour to make dough. The dough is then shaped and fried in oil. The result is a delicious scone-like treat.

There are few communities, gas stations or motels in this sparsely populated region. At Four Corners Monument you'll find picnic tables, self-contained restrooms and vendors like those described above. Within a 30-mile radius you'll find a couple gas stations and grocery stores. There is a $3 fee to visit the monument.

In Monument Valley we recommend Gouldings Lodge and Trading Post. It offers excellent accommodations, dining, gasoline and basic supplies. The people there can set you up with guides for tours of the area.

Cortez, Colorado, the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park, offers a range of lodging and dining options, as well as other services. We recommend staying at Far View Lodge, located inside the park.

A visit to the Four Corners area fits nicely into an extended trip that also includes Arches and Canyonlands national parks, located near Moab, and Natural Bridges National Monument, located west of Blanding.

You can also weave the Four Corners area into a Grand Circle national park tour and see seven national parks plus dozens of other scenic attractions.

I hear the highway calling. It's time for a road trip.

- Dave Webb

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