Phx, AZ Metro Area thru Four Corners

Went through four corners from Phoenix four years ago. We did go to Flagstaff and spent a week there to day trip the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is a great place to spend a few days. Can't say exactly what route we took for the last bit, but I can tell you the roads on reservations are poor.

We live in Phoenix, and have made that trip a few times. Plan your gas stops carefully, after you clear Flagstaff and head north. The gas opportunities between Flagstaff and Four Corners are sparse, so don't stretch too far. It's not horrible, but don't be surprised to go 50 miles without a stop. Its also pretty boring, from a terrain perspective, but get's better once you get into CO.

We've gone this route, on our way to the San Juan Mountains around Silverton. It is the shortest route, but the route over into Gallup, NM and up 491 is slightly more populated. Slightly.

I've gone this route many times. I like the 4 corners area (not the actual site, that's a waste of time!)
For me it is easier to take the Payson route from PHX to Flagstaff. My place in PHX is in the East Valley. Others may vary.
For some reason, I find Flagstaff a most annoying town. Traffic, confusing roads, etc. So I'm glad to get out of there. Fuel is then at Cameron, or Tuba City, and Kayenta, depending on where you go.

obgraham wrote:
...I like the 4 corners area (not the actual site, that's a waste of time!)
...

Well...ya gotta do it once. Take the goofy photos with limbs in all four states at once, marvel at the inaccuracy of old surveyors, attempt to tell the authentic souvenirs from the junk.

We just missed the closing time of 4:50pm (?) on the way up from Williams. After two days at Mesa Verde we went back to Four Corners and then up to Monument Valley, so were still able to catch it fairly conveniently.

Lots of people complain about the $3 per head entry fee--I figure after all that has happened to the Indians it's the least we can do.

Once is plenty, though. Wouldn't stop again even if I was going by at the right time.

Glazed4az wrote:
Hello Everyone

I am curious to know if there is anyone out there that has gone thru the four corners from the Phx Metro Area. We are taking a trip up thru there to Littleton CO. Wanting to know everyone's thoughts as to the best routes to take. We are planning on stopping at the Four Corners on their way up. Not sure if we want to go the i17 route thru Flagstaff or thru Payson.

Appreciate any and all input.

Thanks
Earle

The Payson route has a lot less vertical ups and downs than the I-17 route, though you have to deal with the 2-lane roads on a lot of it. Just a fairly gradual climb, with only the Rim portion being really steep. Watch the roads, though, as they aren't in the best shape, especially across the Rez.

Lyle

Lived in NM and drove it lots of times. Can be beautiful. Stop and buy something at Tuba or Kayenta. I delivered Butter to the Navajo School and feed, salt and mineral all over NM, Az, and Co. Don't run over sheep as they are worth thousands in Navajo Land. In 57 years I have never stopped at 4 Corners. Be safe.

we went through there about 5 years ago. like the other said, check out the fuel stops. take your time across the area. winds may blow and get a little dusty, but if you haven't done it, do it. You can always say been there done that. Mesa Verde just inside Co. will be a good visit too. we did the route hwy 160 north of flagstaff then east to 4 corners. Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !

I went every way possible last year while my house was being built at Pueblo. My favorite for scenery (not speed) was 87 Beeline hiway to Payson, 260 to Overgard and N/E on 377??? to I-40. The res. hiways are really boring. Mesa Verde is about 11 miles east of Cortez on 160. 160 is a pain... 2 lane, all the towns and the slow local traffic. After I tried all the scenic routes, I then stuck with the interstates. Craig

Moved to Roads & Routes forum from 5th Wheels.

We have used I-17-US-89-US 160, US 60-US 191-US 491, and even the McElmo Creek Road (Montezuma County Road "G") to get to Cortez from the southwest. They are all lonely and somewhat desolate, but then it is the Southwest. The one route we haven't done is US 191 all the way to Chinle to see Canyon de Chelly.

Guess one question is: are you just driving straight to Four Corners/Mesa Verde or do you want to stop to see anything along the way? Once you get to the Four Corners, what route are you planning to take to Littleton and do you plan to see stop anywhere along the way?

If you are still unsure about Colorado routes, take a look at my new blog HERE.