Road Tripping the Four Corners: Ultimate Guide to Exploring from Farmington

Farmington sits in New Mexico's northwestern corner, perfectly positioned for exploring the only place in America where four states meet at a single point. With a week to spare and a modest budget, you can craft an unforgettable journey through New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.

First things first: transportation. While rental cars in Farmington can be pricey, I've found that booking through car rental aggregator often reveals hidden deals from smaller agencies. For my last trip, I snagged a fuel-efficient compact for just under $250 for the week—a steal considering the ground we'd cover.

Accommodation-wise, this region rewards flexibility. I typically mix budget motels with camping to keep costs down. The portable tent has been my trusty companion for years, withstanding desert winds while being ridiculously easy to set up. For those not keen on camping, Farmington offers several affordable chain hotels, and booking midweek can save you 20-30% on room rates.

As for timing, spring (April-May) offers the sweet spot of pleasant temperatures, smaller crowds, and desert wildflowers putting on their brief but spectacular show. The region's microclimate variations mean you might encounter everything from T-shirt weather to the occasional spring shower, so layering is essential.

Begin your adventure by getting acquainted with Farmington itself. The city has evolved tremendously since I first visited, with a burgeoning arts scene that surprised even this street art enthusiast. Start at the downtown district, where local artists have transformed once-bland walls into vibrant murals. The Artifacts Gallery on Main Street houses works from regional artists that often capture the essence of the surrounding landscape in ways that make my textile designer heart swoon.

For dinner, skip the chains and head to Three Rivers Brewery for locally-crafted beers and surprisingly good pub fare that won't break the bank. Their green chile stew is the perfect introduction to New Mexican cuisine.

Day two deserves a full-day excursion to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, about 1.5 hours from Farmington. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the most extensive collection of ancient ruins north of Mexico. The Great Houses of Pueblo Bonito will leave you breathless—I still remember standing in the central plaza, trying to comprehend how these precise stone structures were built over 1,000 years ago.

The drive to Chaco involves some unpaved roads, so if you're visiting during spring showers, consider renting an SUV with decent clearance. My day hiking backpack has been perfect for carrying water, snacks, and rain protection on these excursions. Chaco has minimal services, so pack a lunch and plenty of water.

From Farmington, head west toward Monument Valley—a landscape so iconic it practically defines the American Southwest. The 2.5-hour drive takes you through the Navajo Nation, where the landscape shifts from rolling hills to increasingly dramatic mesas and buttes.

Monument Valley Tribal Park straddles the Arizona-Utah border and requires an entrance fee (around $20 per vehicle). While the park offers guided tours, budget travelers can self-drive the 17-mile scenic loop. My first visit here was during a spring thunderstorm, and watching lightning dance around those massive sandstone monoliths remains one of my most treasured travel memories.

For accommodation, Valley of the Gods B&B offers a splurge-worthy experience, but budget travelers should consider Goulding's Campground or Monument Valley View Hotel's basic rooms. I've found that bringing my own camping cookware set saves significant money on food costs throughout the trip.

Day four can include a side trip to Natural Bridges National Monument or the incredible Moki Dugway scenic drive. The latter is a gravel switchback road carved into the face of a cliff—not for the faint-hearted but offering views that will make your Instagram followers gasp. My polarizing lens filter has been invaluable for capturing the deep blue skies against the red rock formations without the harsh glare that often plagues desert photography.

Heading northeast from Farmington brings you to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. The park entrance is about an hour's drive from Farmington, but allow a full day to explore—the park is massive, and the most impressive dwellings require time to reach.

Spring visits to Mesa Verde offer the advantage of smaller crowds, though some cliff dwellings might still be closed early in the season. Cliff Palace and Balcony House tours are absolute must-dos if available. These guided experiences take you into the heart of these ancient communities, and standing in rooms where people lived 800 years ago never fails to give me goosebumps.

For day six, base yourself in historic Durango, Colorado. This vibrant mountain town offers a delightful contrast to the desert landscapes you've been exploring. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the star attraction, though the full-day excursion exceeds most budget travelers' limits. My hack? Enjoy the free museum at the train station and then explore the historic downtown on foot.

Durango's food scene punches well above its weight. For budget-friendly options, Grassburger offers fantastic organic burgers, while Carver Brewing Company serves hearty breakfasts perfect for fueling a day of exploration. I always keep my insulated water bottle filled—the climate here is deceptively dry, and dehydration can sneak up on you.

No Four Corners road trip would be complete without visiting the actual Four Corners Monument, where you can physically stand in four states simultaneously. Is it a bit of a tourist trap? Perhaps. But there's something undeniably satisfying about placing each limb in a different state for that quintessential photo op.

The monument is operated by the Navajo Nation and charges a modest entrance fee (about $10 per person). What many visitors miss, however, are the Native American vendor stalls surrounding the monument. This is where my textile background draws me in every time—the handwoven rugs and intricate silver jewelry showcase craftsmanship passed down through generations. These make far more meaningful souvenirs than mass-produced magnets.

From the monument, it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive back to Farmington. If time allows, detour through the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, where otherworldly hoodoos and bizarre rock formations create a landscape that feels more Martian than terrestrial. Navigation can be tricky here, so I rely on my handheld GPS rather than phone maps, which often lose signal in remote areas.

For your final evening in Farmington, celebrate with dinner at the locals' favorite, The Chile Pod, where the red chile enchiladas provide a proper New Mexican farewell. As you watch the sun set over the landscape you've spent a week exploring, I guarantee you'll already be planning your return.