Navajo National Monument

In the heart of the Navajo Reservation in Northeastern Arizona lies Navajo National Monument. Small in size, and often overshadowed by other nearby attractions, the monument houses three spectacular examples of Anasazi cliff dwellings. Best of all the site is free and also houses free camping.

The park has several loops and paved walk ways to view the dwellings from a distance. It's a good idea to bring your binoculars too. The hikes are fairly easy and can be done in a quick amount of time.

The visitor center is very interesting to check out and the staff was very friendly. Nice picnicking areas around the visitor center. Free day hikes to the ruins with Park Rangers are available as well.

This is a little visited gem in the Grand Circle tour. We left never forgetting Navajo National Monument.

Horseshoe Bend

Just outside of Page, Arizona is a beautiful gooseneck of the Colorado river named Horseshoe Bend. Below Glen Canyon dam is one of the most dramatic, nearly circular bend that is well known to the photography community.

Head south from the dam on US Route 89 and look for the signs on the right. There is a steep and strenuous half mile climb in sand and silt. This hike is best done in the early morning or late afternoon as the hike is a hot one and the sun is best late or early in the day. Take plenty of water. The best part of the visit is that its free.

Views from the edge offer amazing glimpses at the Colorado river below and it bends its way around steep cliffs. A great stop for anyone visiting Lake Powell or the surrounding Navajo nation.

Four Corners Monument

Four different states intersect in Four Corners Monument - Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Two Native American tribes boundaries meet here as well - the Navajo nation and the Ute Mountain nation (however, the monument itself is run by the Navajo). Somewhat remote in location and appearance, the Four Corners Monument is a must stop for any passing by traveler. This is a classic American road side attraction.

While not free, there is a $3 per car fee to enter. In the middle stands a large concrete monument which details in bronze the exact (or believed to be exact) location of where the four states meet. Each are represented with a state flag. Every visitor is able to stand in the middle of the monument where the four states intersect - so that they can claim to stand in four states at once.

The scenery is beautiful and the way of life in the reservation is unique. Flanking the monument is many native craft and food stands. The Indian Fry Bread from here is among the best I've ever had and you could literally taste the tradition with every bite.

The stop is a touristy one, but one that any visitor would be hard to forget. This however should represent a quick stop, not a destination.