If you haven’t heard of the “Four Corners” area of the southwest yet, it is simply the geographic location where New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona meet. It is the only location in America where you can stand in one spot and be in four different states. The Four Corners is way more than a point on the map. This post will show you the Top 5 reasons to adventure in the Four Corners.
1. Diverse Cultures
In the Four Corners region, the Navajo, Apache, Hopi, and Ute tribes each preserve and celebrate their vibrant traditions, languages, and art forms that have thrived for centuries. The influence of Spanish colonization is evident in the beautiful architecture, amazing food, and festivals that characterize the area, such as the colorful fiestas and traditional dances. This cultural confluence creates a dynamic environment where indigenous practices and Spanish customs intertwine, shaping a distinctive regional identity. The Puebloans helped build the Plaza in Santa Fe. The architecture closely resembles that of the surrounding Pueblos in the region. The Four Corners area continues to serve as a testament to how very different and diverse cultures can coexist and enrich each other, fostering a deep sense of community and heritage.
2. Four Corners Events
It doesn’t matter what time of year you choose to adventure in the four corners, you will find vibrant and entertaining events to take part in and enjoy. While there are too many events to list them all here, we have highlighted some of the local favorites by state.
Arizona
- Overland Expo Each year Flagstaff Arizona hosts the Overland Expo. At this expo, you can explore adventure vehicles, browse vendors, and find inspiration for your own overland travels. https://www.overlandexpo.com/west/
- Pickin in the Pines is another amazing event in Flagstaff Arizona. This bluegrass festival is a 3 day event featuring a host of amazing musicians set in the pine trees. Check out their website for the schedule and lineup. https://pickininthepines.org/
- Navajo Nation Fair Celebrated in early September in Window Rock Arizona. This massive event includes traditional Navajo ceremonies, cultural performances, pro rodeos, and a parade showcasing Navajo heritage. Click the link to get a full schedule of events https://navajopeople.org/blog/navajo-nation-fair/
Utah
- Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 mile Run If you like running and epic scenery then this race is for you. Known locally as the Moab Marathon, this race takes you through some of the most amazing scenery in the Southwest. This race gives you stunning views of red cliffs along the mighty Colorado River. Get in shape and put this race on your bucket-list for the upcoming year. For more information and signup, check out this website for further information. https://www.madmooseevents.com/canyonlands-half-marathon
- Moab Rocks If you love mountain biking and need an excuse to go to Moab, here it is. This race is a 3 day event biking through the top trails in the Moab area. This is a family friendly festival style event. https://www.moab-rocks.com/
Colorado
- Ouray Ice Festival Travel to southern Colorado to experience one of the premier ice climbing events of the year. Ouray Colorado annually hosts this Ice climbing festival in January. Attend this event to learn, climb, and get inspired by the best ice climbers in the world! Check out https://ourayicepark.com/ouray-ice-festival for this upcoming years schedule.
- Snowdown Head up to Purgatory Ski Resort for the annual Snowdown event. This party stretches from the beautiful town of Durango to the ski slopes. You don’t want to miss the light parade in downtown Durango and the many other theme related events happening at the slopes.
- Rodeos There isn’t a better way to experience the west than spectating a rodeo in Colorado. The Ute Mountain Roundup is a pro sanctioned rodeo with some of the best rodeo cowboys and cowgirls in the world. This rodeo is set in Cortez Colorado near to the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. There are great weekly rodeos in Durango and Pagosa Springs.
New Mexico
- The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta New Mexico is known for very colorful events. The balloon fiesta in Albuquerque does not disappoint. This is an action packed week long event full of balloons, music, food and vendors. Check out this link to get a detailed schedule https://balloonfiesta.com/
- Zozobra This is a unique event in Santa Fe where a giant puppet is burned to symbolize the shedding of the past year’s troubles.
- Riverfest Join Farmington New Mexico in celebrating spring runoff. This event is held on the Animas River in the city of Farmington. There are raft trips, concerts, 5k races, powwow dances and even Weiner dog races. You can browse vendors and eat good food along the maintained trails of Berg Park. This link can give you a detailed schedule of events https://riverfestnewmexico.com/
3. Diverse Landscapes in the Four Corners
The four Corners of the Southwest has breathtaking landscapes around every corner. Every road you travel down takes you to a new and unique landscape. This uniqueness is one of the main reasons to adventure in the four corners. Here is a quick summary of what you can expect to see when adventuring in the Four Corners.
- Deserts The mountains nestle the Four Corners in a high desert. The landscape is consistently uneven with flat top bluffs scattering the horizons. Pinon and Juniper trees grow in the rolling hills among vast regions of sagebrush.
- Canyon Country The Four Corners has spectacular canyon landscapes ready for you to explore. There are spectacular canyons to explore like The Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Canyonlands and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
- Mountains One very noticeable landscape feature in the Four Corners region are the tall and at times snow capped mountains. It Doesn’t matter what direction you head, there will be mountains on the horizon.
- Unique Geological Formations The Four Corners Region is picturesque! There is a reason so many landscape photographers and artists travel to the Four Corners region of the Southwest to find inspiration. There are many unique formations in each state. In New Mexico you can see Shiprock and explore the Bisti Badlands in one afternoon. From New Mexico there is Canyon Lands and Arches National Park to explore in Utah. In Arizona you can walk the Petrified Forest and drive through the Painted Desert in a few hours. Colorado is filled with unique and off the beaten path features as well as the most concentrated tall peaks in the lower 48.
4. Adventures
The Four Corners is the gateway to adventure in the southwest. Individuals from around the world travel to see and experience what this magnificent area has to offer. Whether you are interested in sightseeing or expeditions, this region has a something to offer for everyones interests. I’ve always said “if you could surf in the Four Corners, there would be no reason to ever leave.” That being said, there isn’t a coastline here in the Four Corners, however if you are interested in water sports there are many options for you as well. Listed below are some of the most popular adventure activities you can participate while visiting the region.
- Big game hunting ( mule deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep)
- Small game and waterfowl hunting.
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Mountaineering
- Rock-climbing
- Mountain biking/Bike packing
- Fly fishing (special trout waters)
- Fishing
- Whitewater rafting and kayaking
- Skydiving
- Trail running
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Camping
5. Four Corners Food!
Out of the top 5 reasons to adventure in the Four Corners, one of the favorites is the diversity in dinning experiences. The Four Corners region is rich with culture and the food reflects this identity. Farmington New Mexico offers the most culinary diversity in the Four Corners region. From major chains, breweries, food trucks, to locally owned culinary treasures this town has you covered. Durango Colorado is full of locally owned culinary gems. Durango has many breweries, pizza shops and some of the best tacos on the planet. Similar to Durango, Moab Utah has unique locally owned eateries and Breweries to explore after exploring the great outdoors. Do not leave the Four Corners without trying a few of these local favorites.
- Green Chile everything
- Stacked Red Chile Enchiladas
- Green Chile Cheeseburger
- Navajo Taco
- Blue Corn Mush
- Frybread
- Stuffed Sopapilla