The best walks and hikes around Four Corners

Yes, there are several great options for families. The Gallatin County Regional Park loop is a very short and flat walk, perfect for all ages and taking less than 30 minutes. For a slightly longer but still easy outing, consider the Meadow Trail loop, which is also flat and offers a pleasant stroll.

Dog policies vary significantly depending on where you are. Many trails on National Forest land are dog-friendly, but National Parks and Monuments like Mesa Verde and Canyons of the Ancients have strict regulations, often limiting pets to paved areas and campgrounds. Trails on Navajo Nation land generally do not permit dogs. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike before you go.

The weather can change quickly in the high desert. Essentials include more water than you think you'll need, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and layered clothing. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must for the rocky and uneven terrain. Since many areas are remote with poor cell service, a map and compass or a GPS device are highly recommended.

Absolutely. The Glen Lake Rotary Park loop is an excellent choice, offering a simple and flat circuit of about 1.3 miles (2 km). Another great option is the Snowfill Park Loop, which is a similarly easy loop with minimal elevation change.

Hiking on Navajo Nation land, which includes areas like Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, requires special consideration. Many areas are only accessible with a licensed Navajo guide. Backcountry permits are often necessary for independent hiking where it is allowed. It's crucial to respect the land's cultural and spiritual significance, so always check with the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation department for the most current rules, permits, and guide requirements before your visit.

The terrain is incredibly diverse. You'll encounter everything from the flat, sandy floors of deep canyons to slickrock and high, pinyon-juniper covered mesas. Some areas, like the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, feature otherworldly badlands with hoodoos and eroded sandstone. Trails can be well-maintained paths or require navigating unmarked, rugged backcountry routes.

Yes, this region is famous for them. Mesa Verde National Park and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument are world-renowned for their Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites. Many trails, like the Petroglyph Point Trail in Mesa Verde, lead directly to ancient rock art and ruins. Hiking here is a unique opportunity to walk through history.

The routes in the Four Corners are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning and varied landscapes, from the unique sandstone formations to the vast desert vistas. The sense of solitude and connection to ancient history found on many trails is a frequently mentioned highlight.

The Four Corners Monument is primarily a landmark where you can stand in four states at once and is surrounded by vendor stalls. There are no designated hiking trails originating from the monument itself. For hiking, you will need to drive to nearby areas like Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, or the San Juan National Forest.

Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for hiking in the Four Corners. Temperatures are moderate, making for pleasant conditions on the trail. Summer can be extremely hot, especially at lower elevations, requiring very early morning starts. Winter can bring snow and ice, particularly on the higher mesas and in the mountains, which may close some trails or require special gear.

The difficulty ranges from very easy to extremely strenuous. There are many short, flat loops suitable for all fitness levels, such as the Burke Park Trail loop. However, the region is also home to challenging backcountry adventures that require excellent navigation skills and physical fitness, like the multi-day treks to remote ruins in places like Canyon de Chelly or Keet Seel.