An Insider’s Guide to Four Corners, Colorado
Explore The Lore & Beauty Of This Southwestern Region
The southwesternmost point of Colorado is a magical place. This region, known as Four Corners, is full of lore and legends and is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse scenery you'll find across the United States. This area is part of the expansive Colorado Plateau and is known for its rural, rugged, and arid landscape. If you are planning a trip to Four Corners, Colorado, check out these insider tips and tricks to help you make the most of your next adventure.
Where is Four Corners, Colorado?
It's easy to see how the Four Corners got its moniker. Four Corners, Colorado, is nestled where the state's southwest border meets Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Some of the cities on the Colorado side of the Four Corners region include Cortez, Mancos, Towaoc, and, of course, Durango. There's a monument where the states meet; you'll find this about 85 miles from Durango.
Four Corners Monument
The History of Four Corners
Four Corners, Colorado, has a rich, extensive history dating back to the Ancestral Puebloans. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, followed by Mexican rule and American expansion into the 19th century thanks to gold mining and railroad expansions. The area is known for its cultural heritage, with iconic landmarks like Mesa Verde National Park preserving ancient cliff dwellings, and it remains significant to indigenous tribes today.
Mesa Verde
The Ancestral Puebloans
History and archaeological studies indicate the Four Corners region has been inhabited since 500 BC. Some resources suggest that there were as many people living in Four Corners, Colorado, in 1200 AD as there are today. However, by 1300 AD, the people were gone and only their cliff dwellings remained. While many theories exist, researchers still aren't sure what happened to the original inhabitants.
Ancestral Puebloans
Chimney Rock
Visiting Four Corners, Colorado Today
Today, many parts of the Four Corners, Colorado region are governed by semi-autonomous Native American nations. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe manages a large portion of the area, owns and operates the Sky Ute Casino Resort near Ignacio, and offers many cultural events to celebrate to spread awareness about these unique people. This also means you'll need to be aware of their rules and customs when on their land.
Things To Do in Four Corners
With its rich history and rugged terrain, Four Corners, Colorado, is home to an expansive array of activities and things to do. The area has archaeological sites, remote landscapes, and scenic byways to enjoy and explore. Whether you'd like to take a step back in time with a historic tour of the dwellings at Mesa Verde, cast off into the Animas River, or enjoy an evening of live music out on the town -- you'll find something to enjoy in the Four Corners.
Four Corners
Weather In The Four Corners
The summers in the Four Corners are mostly warm, dry, and clear, and the winters are cold, snowy, and partly cloudy. Winter lows can reach below 0 degrees and average at just 11 degrees in January. Summer heat waves can reach 90 degrees; the average temperature in July in Durango is a balmy 87 degrees. This might sound mild, but the weather can be more extreme in the more rugged parts of the region. It's essential to be aware of the temperature, conditions, and forecast to be adequately prepared when visiting.
When To Visit
Most folks come to the Four Corners in the summer to enjoy and explore the outdoors. You'll love hiking to hot springs, learning all you can at historical and archeological sites, and even sipping wine on patios with mountain views during these mild months. However, winter skiing is also popular. In fact, Purgatory, Wolf Creek Ski Area, Silverton Mountain, Hesperus Ski Area, and other popular destinations a variety of experiences for everyone looking for incredible skiing in Four Corners, Colorado.
Are you ready to check out what makes Four Corners, Colorado, so magical? Start planning your next adventure today. Browse Durango attractions
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