Returned from 4 Corner States trip (Durango, Monument: rental, buy, cost)

[eddie cantrell]

Friends -
Just spent some time in the 4 corners states, and I wanted to share some CO experiences. (See UT, NM and AZ boards for some comments about other states in the region)
We were able to spend 6 nights in the Durango area and here are some thoughts.

The San Juan Skyway is Awesome, and driving it is even more amazing! The views are beyond description, and for a first time driver the palms are sweating before you are over! We did the entire loop and it is a definate must do, unless you have a nervous condition!

We ventured off the San Juan and went up to The Black Canyon. Again I would say, as far as I am concerned, a must do! Many great viewpoints with only a short walk, or sometime no walk at all. We did not go down into the bottom of the Canyon due to the fact that the rental van I was in had 6 people and it was a terrible climber, not a CO van thanks for sure!

We also enjoyed Mesa Verde and if you are into Native American Culture that is a do not miss point as well.

And while it would not appeal to some, we also had a great time at 4 Corners Monument, and especially speaking to the Native Americans. They are wall so nice and helpful and we learned alot about their culture. If you are in the area, go down there and buy a necklace or a piece of pottery for 20-30 dollars that would cost you 150 or more in some of the shops in Durango. Not alot of vendors were there, but it was worth the trip. As far as the Monument is concerned, do not expect alot, but have fun!

Durango itself is a nice little town, we were there out of season, the train was not running, but we did enjoy the Old town with her resturants and shops.

We had a great trip, and thanks to all who gave advise. Hurray to CO, UT, NM and AZ, 4 amazing states with wonderful people and we came back with some great memories!

[Mike from back east]

Eddie, Thanks for the trip report, we appreciate such feedback. Your opinion of that area matches mine, simply awesome.

[DOUBLE H]

Don't forget about those other routes I told you of Eddie. Glad you had a good time!

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by eddie cantrell

Friends -
Canyon due to the fact that the rental van I was in had 6 people and it was a terrible climber, not a CO van thanks for sure!
...

We had a great trip, and thanks to all who gave advise. Hurray to CO, UT, NM and AZ, 4 amazing states with wonderful people and we came back with some great memories!

Awesome. Here out West, vehicles of choice are jeeps and 4wd pickups (or suburus and land rovers if you talk to yuppies and trust-fund babies.)

Glad you enjoyed the vacation.

[CosmicWizard]

My wife is neither a trust fund baby nor a yuppie but then she drives a subaru instead of a suburu.


FYI: Due to an error in old time survey measurements, the four corners monument is not actually located at the place where the 4 states come together.

MONTICELLO, Utah, April 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. National Geodetic Survey says the monument marking the spot where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet is 2 1/2 miles from where it belongs.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by CosmicWizard

My wife is neither a trust fund baby nor a yuppie but then she drives a subaru instead of a suburu.

I'm sure the subaru is a good car. But yuppies give it a bad rep.

[Idunn]

MONTICELLO, Utah, April 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. National Geodetic Survey says the monument marking the spot where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet is 2 1/2 miles from where it belongs.

Thank you for an interesting article, and something to reflect upon.