The Corner of New Mexico (and a few other states)

My nook at Navajo Lake
State Park

I headed north-west out of Albuquerque on 550, and very much enjoyed the gorgeous scenery!  I only had a slight problem finding a spot to camp (it was the Friday of Labor Day weekend).  I found a spot on my second try in Navajo Lake State Park.  I had a fantastic little nook up on a bluff overlooking the lake!  There was even the perfect bolder to perch on while gazing out at the lake!      The next morning, I headed to Aztec Ruins National Monument.  It’s a little confusing since the ruins are actually from the ancestral Pueblo people (or Anasazi).  The ruins were huge and in shockingly good shape!  It was amazing to get to walk through a good portion of the rooms!  It’s remarkable to realize that the structures were built with relatively few tools and are still standing today! 

Aztec Ruins National Monument 

After exploring the ruins, I went to the four corners monument, where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah meet. It’s in the middle of nowhere on an Indian Reservation.  There’s nothing there except the monument, some porta potties, and some booths for people to sell souvenirs.  It was kind of cool to get to be in four places at once and walk from state to state so easily. 

Four Corners Monument 

My section of
Manti-La Sal
National Forest

After leaving four corners, I proved to myself that I am incapable of having (or at least sticking to) a plan.  I had originally thought that I would leave four corners and start wandering through Colorado, but when I got in the car, I was struck with the urge to go to Utah. So I did!  I loved the drive through the south-eastern corner of the state!  I drove past the turn off for Devil's Canyon in Manti-La Sal National Forest, but after driving for a few more miles, I was still thinking out how beautiful it looked, so I turned around.  It was a good call!  It was very beautiful and extremely peaceful up in the mountains!  I really enjoyed having a significant amount of the gorgeous forest to myself!  I had a leisurely afternoon and evening of reading in the warm Utah sun!  It was a lovely introduction to Utah!    

View from my tent in Manti-La Sal National Forest