The worst tourist attraction in New Mexico?…NO WAY!
My first visit to New Mexico was strictly to enter NM, as I needed to get into the state for my quest to visit all 50 states. There were plenty of places worth visiting in New Mexico…Carlsbad Caverns, Santa Fe, Roswell, Trinity Site, Los Alamos, etc. But, I was not anywhere near those places. So, what was my target destination??? The 4 Corners Monument of course….
Some say the exact geodetic point of these 4 corners is a bit off…I say…screw those kill joys
The 4 Corners Monument is actually within the Navajo Nation Park System. It is the only point in the USA where 4 states come together to form a right angle. If you stand at the 4 Corners, you can actually stand in the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah simultaneously. Pretty exciting stuff…huh. Before you start packing your bags to drive off to this desert gem, be warned. Some uninformed, published sites have actually put this site on such lists like…”Worst tourist attraction in each state.” Personally, I think the monument gets a raw deal. Yes, its out in the middle of no where. Yes, you will drive a couple hours through remote desert to get to the monument. But, its not like I see the desert much…I enjoy the scenery…so its off to Navajo Nation.
4 Corners Monument in all its splendor! 
And a flea market too…
The Monument has a pretty simple layout. Its basically a large concrete square with small booths built around the perimeter. The Navajo use these booths to sell their local wares. Yes, its basically a Navajo flea market. And yes, my wife did buy crap. If that’s not enough to get you to commit to the trip…there’s more.
No problem with privacy or available picnic tables 
The Dancing Horse Trail…rattle snakes at no extra charg
You can bring your own food and have a lovely picnic in the 112 degree weather. There are plenty of picnic tables that are ALWAYS available. After lunch, you can walk off your meal on a romantic hike on the Dancing Horse Trail. Do NOT lose sight of the monument and parking lot, this is not the place for independent, off trail wondering.
There you have it. All you needed to know about the Navajo Nation’s 4 Corners Monument. So, if you find yourself in NW New Mexico…or NE Arizona…or SE Utah…or SW Colorado, pack a lunch, bring lots of water, and enjoy the splendor of the 4 Corners Monument. PT
