On our way from Canyon de Chelly to Monument Valley, we were thinking of stopping at Four Corners. We are on a tight schedule, with a day in each place (inlcuding many other sites).
I am wondering...is 4 corners worth driving a few hours out of the way for??? Or, spend more time in Mon. Valley and CDC? Thanks much!

No, it is only worth a stop if you are passing through. Certainly, not a 3 detour. At the monument, there is a large plaque (maybe 10 feet by 10 feet) on the ground showing where the four states meet. That's it. Surrounding the monument are craft booths made by local Native Americans (jewelry, pottery). Interesting, fun for kids to get inexpensive trinkets,reasonably priced, low to moderate quality, but still not worth the detour. But, Mesa Verde IS worth a detour.

Thanks GB. We are headed to Grand Canyon after Mon. Valley, so isn't Mesa Verde really out of the way?

I would recommend going to Four Corners if you really wanted the opportunity to stand in four states at once. The stop only takes a short amount of time so it hardly seems worth the extra drive.

It's a much better stop if you are passing through the area already.

Yes, Mesa Verde, is too far away for what you want to do.

The time would be better spent at Canyon de Chelly or Monument Valley. The four corners area isn't all that scenic.

If you have the time take the 1/2 day or all day jeep trip into Canyon de Chelly. It's amazing!

Utahtea

I agree with other posters: the Four Corners is a fun stop if you're driving right by, but not a reason for a detour.

In the days before shot clocks, the Four Corners offense worked great and I miss it. It worked especially well when I had players of the caliber of Larry Brown, Larry Miller, Charlie Scott, George Karl and Phil Ford.

How are you doing, Coach Smith?

Meas Verde would add about 200 miles to your trip. Worth visiting but suggest you pass since you are on a tight schedule. One full day at Mesa Verde would be the miniimum time spent at that park.

IMHO, I think that Mesa Verde is one of the most interesting cultural sites in the country. I'd pass on Monument Valley before I'd pass on Mesa Verde. The homes there are the homes of this countries earliest citizens. There's mystery, there is beauty, there is absolute amazement at the quality of their homes. Then, compare it to what built in Europe at the same time. Interesting things to think about. Monument Valley is great, but I personally have found it better from the air than on ground. But, then, I have not taken the expensive trip offered there. For me, a day in Mesa Verde is worth a big detour. For others, it might not be worth it.

i'd have to add my vote to the 'not worth it unless going that way anyway' category.

we only stayed like 15 minutes there to take photos, and that long because we had to wait our turn to stand in the spot

i think mesa verde is absolutely fabulous. you should definitely go if you have a chance some other time. however, we were at monument valley at sunset and that was just breathtakingly beautiful.

have a great trip!