Four Corners

4corner - State line survey marker near Teec Nos Pos, Arizona

Four Corners Monument and Tribal Park is the quadripoint for Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The monument is managed by the Navajo Nation and is a waypoint along the Trails of the Ancients National Scenic Byway.

Four Corners Halal Travel Guide

First erected in 1899 to honor the only geographic location in the United States|U.S. where the boundaries of four states touch, Four Corners Monument is a cartographic curiosity with limited infrastructure and crucially one thing to do: to stand in a number of places simultaneously. Come prepared. There are waterless self-contained toilets, but the site has no running water, no electricity, no telephones or cell phone coverage.

The monument is something of a paradox. It is a small and limited attraction, surrounded by low lying, nondescript bluffs that aren't particularly photogenic. And yet "Four Corners" is a widely-applied label for all there are to do within a 200 to 500 mi (322 to 805 kilometers) radius of where these four states intersect. When travellers speak of their "Four Corners" vacation and they may be headed for Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon and to other points further afield. But they may never set foot inside the monument itself.

The monument seems to evoke strong emotions in people, as well. Visitors are either vastly underwhelmed by this attraction, even angry they drove so far out of their way to see so little, or they are inordinately pleased with running from state to state and having their picture taken. The novelty of these intersecting boundaries makes Four Corners a popular destination, with long lines in the summer months at both the food stalls and the bright red viewing platform for the photo-op.

The monument offers travellers a chance to learn more about Native Americans and their cultures and ways of life. There is a small visitor center, which is open year round (the park only closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). It features a Demonstration Center with Native American artisans. But the best way to learn about modern day Native Americans is to strike up a friendly and respectful conversation with the various Navajo vendors. Generally and the Navajo vendors are cheerful and open to questioning. (For more information on how to properly handle this, see the Four_Corners#Respect|Respect section in this Travel Guide).

The average visit to the monument lasts between 10 minutes and 2 hours, depending on whether or not people eat and thoroughly explore the Navajo stalls and visitor center.

Summer temperatures in the Monument can reach 110 ºF (43 ºC) and visitors should take extra precautions while visiting. To visit the park, you'll need to bring sunscreen, some kind of hand sanitizer, as well as something to drink. In the summer, blowing dust, flies and bugs are sometimes a problem. A word of caution: metal in the park during summer (including the aluminum bronze surveyor's mark) can be too hot to touch. Don't inadvertently burn yourself in your enthusiasm. The Navajo Nation is not responsible for any bodily injuries, accidents and thefts or losses that occur while on Navajo land.

History

Four Corners, NM, reconstructed monument in 2010 - The Four Corners site

The genesis of Four Corners as a novelty on a map dates back to 1846, when the U.S. Army invaded and defeated Mexico in the Mexican-American War. With the Treaty of Guadalupe y Hidalgo and the U.S. gained control of California, Nevada, Utah, as well as portions of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming.

22 years later, as Colorado prepared for statehood and admission into the Union, Four Corners was first surveyed by the U.S. Government Surveyors and Astronomers. This 1868 survey demarcated Colorado's southern boundary line. In 1878, New Mexico's west boundary and Utah's east boundary were surveyed and added. With the inclusion of the Arizona Territory boundary and the site became known as Four Corners.

The original survey monument, a sandstone marker, was erected in 1899, and was replaced with a small metal and cement marker in 1912. The northern boundary of the state of Arizona was surveyed in 1901.

Four Corners was declared by Congress at a different latitude and longitude, but an early surveying error misplaced the location. The U.S. Supreme Court had to wade into the bureaucratic mess, ruling that the current location was so popular, it should be recognized as the boundary between the four states.

For most of the 20th century and the monument was very simple, consisting of three steps up to a concrete pad, with a few posts and highway guard rails surrounding it. The monument received a facelift in 1992 and includes a flat slab of granite embedded with an aluminum bronze marker, surrounding state flags, and state seals. The Navajo and Ute nation flags are represented, as well. An inscription in the granite reads, "Four states here meet in freedom under God." Just outside the monument and there are "welcome and goodbye" border signs for all four states.

In 1999, Congress appropriated money to Four Corners to improve the visitors center and build bathrooms with running water. The project became entangled in various state and federal agencies, and squabbling between the tribal councils of the Ute and Navajo nations. It remains unbuilt.

In May 2009, it was in correctly reported by the new media that a survey done by the National Geodetic Survey had discovered that the original survey done in 1878 was incorrect. The actual borders between Colorado and Utah were reported to be 2.5 miles to the West. Congress and the States involved agreed to change the original longitude and latitude to match the marker. (The 109th Western Meridian had been set as the boundary between Colorado and Utah.) Thus rendering the original survey invalid.

Local Language in Four Corners

You may run into the occasional Native American who speaks only Navajo, but this should not present an insurmountable language barrier. The vast majority of the vendors speak English.

Travel to Four Corners

It would be impractical to make Four Corners Monument the sole focus of your trip. Combine it with a larger itinerary of the area. But no matter what, you're going to have to drive a vehicle to get here. The monument is far from major airports, and commuter air service into Farmington (New Mexico) | Farmington and Gallup on the New Mexico side is marginal and leaves you a long way from the park. Rail service is similarly marginal and distant, although the Amtrak line HTTPS://WWWW.Wmtrak.com between Albuquerque and Flagstaff passes through Gallup and along the southern side of the Navajo reservation.

By car

You enter the park from the New Mexico side on a short road called NM 597/ "4 Corners Monument Rd".

• From Cortez, Colorado - Follow US 160 South to New Mexico for 44 mi (71 kilometers). Turn at "Four Corners Monument" sign, a short road called NM 597.
• From Farmington, New Mexico- Follow US 64 West for 10 mi (16 kilometers). Turn right to stay on US 64 for 26 mi (42 kilometers). Enter Arizona. Turn right (north) at US 160. Reenter New Mexico. Turn at "Four Corners Monument" sign, a short road called NM 597.
• From Blanding, Utah - Follow UT 191 South for 30 mi (48 kilometers). Turn left to stay on US 191 for 16 mi (26 kilometers). Enter Arizona. Follow US 160 through to Teec Nos Pos for 30 mi (48 kilometers). Turn left (north) in Teec Nos Pos for another 5 to 10 mi (8 to 16 kilometers). Enter New Mexico. Turn at "Four Corners Monument" sign, a short road called NM 597.
• From Flagstaff, Arizona - Follow US 160 for 221 mi (356 kilometers) to Teec Nos Pos. In Teec Nos Pos, follow US 160 for another 5 to 10 mi (8 to 16 kilometers). Enter New Mexico. Turn at "Four Corners Monument" sign, a short road called NM 597.

Fees and permits

The entry fee is $5 per person.

The park closes at 5PM, and although the fence is easy to walk around it is not recommended. Several dogs not tied up will greet any visitors entering the area after closing time. Most of them are friendly, but you may also want to consult the article on how to handle aggressive dogs.

What to see in Four Corners

Four Corners Monument (1) - The site

Outside of the quick photo and running around from state to state and there's not much else to do, although on a clear day, it is sometimes feasible to see the ancient volcanic neck of Shiprock to the east of the monument.

• Interpretive signs - There is a bronze plaque in front of the steps along the New Mexico part of the granite slab. It reads:

"In 1899, U.S. Surveyors Hubert Page and James Lentz found the four corners monument disturbed and broken. They marked and set a new stone at the original location. Everett Kimmell, General Land Office, re-monumented the Page-Lentz stone with a concrete and brass monument in 1931. The Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Affairs poured a concrete paving block around the Kimmell monument in 1962. In 1992, Cadastral Surveyors Darryl Wilson and Jack Eaves officially re-monumented the deteriorating Kimmell marker with an aluminum bronze disc. The structure that you see today was rebuilt by the Bureau of Land Management."

"The four corners area is surrounded by Indian lands. The Navajo Nation lies in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. The Ute Mountain Ute Nation is in Colorado. Respect the culture and traditions of the four corners area."

There is also a painted and peeling plywood map in front of the visitor's center with a schematic of the Monument (mostly the parking lot), as well as a map of the four states emblazoned with their respective state seals.

• Visitor center - Thit is a double wide pre-fab trailer with some brochures and the occasional summertime demonstration of Native American crafts.
• August 2022 - The improved public restrooms are nearly complete. Very modern and convenient within the parking lot. It is a much needed addition to this site.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Four Corners

• Visitors can get on their hands and knees so that their bodies are in all four states at the same time. There is a small elevated platform where someone else takes a picture of you as you touch four states. The platform is on the New Mexico and Arizona border.
• On busy days, be prepared to wait in line for your turn at the plaque. "Be courteous to other visitors and only take 3 pictures per group" - reads one sign.

Shopping in Four Corners

A majority of the 50 or so plywood stalls lie vacant, except in the high summer season. Mostly and there are many stalls hawking the obligatory souvenirs, t-shirts and post cards. But amidst all the dreck, a handful of vendors sell authentic Native American arts and crafts. Real Navajo designs incorporate a flaw for the Yei bichai, a holy people in Navajo lore, leaving a portion of the design unfinished so the Yei spirit can escape.

Beware of non-authentic imports from Mexico and overseas carried by unscrupulous "dealers" that have tried to capitalize on the market for Navajo work. A few items for sale include:

• Dreamcatchers - Hoops with woven screens adorned with feathers and beads. Although they originated with the Ojibwa Nation in Canada in the 1970s, dreamcatchers are now widely made and sold by a variety of Native American peoples.
• Kachina Dolls - Not a traditional Navajo craft. Most likely these painted wood carvings are the works of other Pueblo Peoples, such as the Hopi in New Mexico, or are affordable knockoffs from China.
• Navajo rugs - Also known as a Navajo Blanket. Brightly colored weavings with intricate patterns are standard features of this characteristic folk art of the Navajo. Each region of the reservation has its own style of weavings, with a few patterns that can be found reservation-wide. As with other folk art, quality and prices vary wildly. Look for authentic blankets from neighboring Teec Nos Pos, in Arizona. Teec Nos Pos blankets are known for their vivid colors and elaborate patterns.
• Navajo pottery - Earth colored, patterned, pitch covered and then fired in juniper wood kiln, if real.
• Navajo jewelry - Using semi-precious stones like lapis, hematite, onyx, amber and the classic turquoise set in beaten silver. You will most likely find rings, bracelets, earrings, buckles, bolo ties, hair ornaments and pins.
• Navajo sand painting - These are bastardizations or replicas of sacred ceremonial art (usually not seen by the general public), reproduced for the tourist trade. Usually glued to a board or piece of ceramic for viewing.

Gas

• Teec Nos Pos Trading Post | Teec Nos Pos ArizonaJust six miles from Four Corners Monument ☎ +1-928-656-3224 - This turquoise colored building sells fuel, souvenirs and fast food. Closest to the monument. Gas up while you can.

Halal Restaurants

There is no sit down restaurant within the park, but there are several "roach coach" or "burrito stand"-style food wagons. Picnic tables are also available. Due to the transitory nature of many of the food vendors within the Monument, it's imfeasible to write a list of permanent eateries. That said, here is some of the standard fare offered. It's fast food, Navajo-style:

• Fry bread - Flattened dough fried in oil or lard and served in a paper bowl or napkin with powdered sugar or honey. Similar to elephant ears served elsewhere in the U.S. or to beaver tails in Canada.
• Navajo burgers - Uses frybread instead of a bun, with lettuce, tomato, chopped onion, pickles and condiments. Held together in a tin foil wrapper.
• Navajo tacos - Savory frybread piled high with ground beef, beans, shredded Cheese, and sometimes chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, homemade salsa, and sour cream. Served with plastic fork and styrofoam plate.
• Sno cones - Jumbo paper cups of crushed ice flavored with sweet syrups. A good way to cool off on a hot summer's day.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited by law on the Navajo Reservation. The various food vendors at the monument offer cold sodas and bottled water to drink. But you are far better off to buy your water before you enter the park at the first available grocery store, gas station or trading post. Stop when you can; these are usually few and far between.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Four Corners

Four Corners - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Four Corners, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Four Corners. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Four Corners and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Four Corners. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Four Corners. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Four Corners: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Four Corners.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Four Corners: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Four Corners, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Four Corners.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Four Corners, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Four Corners, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Four Corners and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Four Corners, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Four Corners, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Four Corners without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Four Corners is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Four Corners.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Four Corners is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Four Corners, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Four Corners Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are no hotels within the park, and camping is not allowed. For more information on where to spend the night, please see the surrounding communities.

Look for hotels in Farmington (New Mexico) | Farmington, New Mexico, Bluff (Utah) | Bluff, Utah, Blanding, Utah, and Cortez, Colorado.

Telecommunications in Four Corners

• Teec Nos Pos Post Office | 100 State Highway 64 north Teec Nos Pos, Arizona at mile marker 466 on Highway 64 ☎ +1-928-656-3460 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30-11AM, noon-5PM; Saturday 10AM Monday - noon; Sunday closed

Internet access

There is no access within the park. Many of the chain hotels outside the Monument have high speed Wireless (Wi-Fi) access.

Local Customs in Four Corners

While traveling on Navajo land, remember that you are on a sovereign, self-governing nation. Obey all the Navajo tribal laws and regulations.

Do not litter; place your refuse in trash containers.

Visitors should be respectful when it comes to photography. Remember and the Navajo at the Monument are people, not props in your photograph. When you do take photos of people, keep in mind that a gratuity is always appreciated. Special permits are required by the Navajo nation when photographing for commercial use.

Please be sure to training appropriate sensitivity in your dealings with any Native Americans you encounter. While both the Navajo and Utes claim the Four Corners area as their ancestral homelands, both people were subjected to forced relocation, military incursions and internment on reservations by the U.S. government. This 19th and early 20th century history is understandably still a sore spot. Most importantly, treat Native Americans with the same respect and courtesy that you'd wish to receive.

Travel Next

• Trail of The Ancients National Scenic Byway - A tour of Ancestral Puebloan archeological ruins. Winds through Southeastern Utah's Canyon_Country|Canyon Country and Southwestern Colorado. Includes Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument and Utah's Valley of the Gods.
• Grand Circle Tour - A wider regional travel circuit of the Four Corners states, as well as Nevada. Includes all the famous National Parks, Monuments and state parks within this Southwestern region.

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