Second Time's the Charm: Our Four Corners Road Trip Redux
Our 2024 Four Corners Road Trip 2.0 was a chance to relive the magic of our first Southwest adventure together, with a few new twists and surprises. Discover the places we revisited, the unexpected detours we encountered, and the inspiration this repeat road trip provided.
Arizona Sunrise Timelapse | Page AZ Hotel | Four Corners Road Trip Video
Las Vegas Disappointments and Upgrades
Our journey began in San Bernardino with a drive to the neon-lit spectacle of Las Vegas. We had our hearts set on a unique rail biking experience, but unfortunately, rain and wind foiled our plans. To add to the disappointment, a series of tragic accidents transformed our drive into a grueling six-hour traffic nightmare. This caused us to miss the highly anticipated Miranda Lambert Residency concert. Despite arriving well past midnight, exhausted and disheartened, we were offered a luxurious upgrade to the Magnifique Suite at Paris Las Vegas. The stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Bellagio Fountains offered solace after a truly challenging day.
Late Vegas Departure and Chilly Adventures in Page, Arizona
After a much-needed late checkout in Vegas, we embarked on an afternoon drive toward the captivating landscapes of Page, Arizona. With temperatures dipping below freezing, we traded our planned campsite for the warmth and comfort of a cozy motel.
Day three was a feast for the eyes as we delved into the captivating sights of Page. We explored the informative Carl Hayden Visitor Center, marveled at Lone Rock Beach, took in the grandeur of the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, and were awestruck by the iconic Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River carves a breathtaking curve. A delicious meal at Big John’s Texas Barbecue fueled us for our scenic 260-mile drive to Durango, Colorado. As an unexpected treat, we were greeted by two grazing mule deer just after midnight, adding a touch of magic to our arrival in the city.
Four Corners and an Impromptu Stop in Santa Fe
After backtracking to the Four Corners Monument, a unique landmark where the borders of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona converge, we were reminded of the Southwest’s distinct geography. This iconic spot is special in American road trip culture, allowing visitors to stand in four states simultaneously! Inspired by the spirit of adventure, we spontaneously decided to add a day to our vacation and deviate from our original itinerary. We set our sights on a scenic drive to the vibrant and historic city of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Roundhouse and a Drive to Denver
Day five began with exploring the unique New Mexico State Capitol Building, “The Roundhouse.” This architectural gem stands out as one of only ten state capitols without a dome and boasts the impressive title of the highest elevation state capitol at 7,199 ft. (Interestingly, Colorado’s Capitol in Denver sits at a still-respectable elevation of one mile above sea level, making it the third highest). Later, we embarked on a picturesque 400-mile drive, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes as we journeyed towards Denver, Colorado.
Exploring Denver's Capitol Hill
Day six immersed us in the charms of Denver’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. We strolled through the vibrant Civic Center Park, admiring its manicured lawns and lively atmosphere. A fascinating tour of the U.S. Mint offered a glimpse into the nation’s currency production. We then marveled at the grandeur of the Colorado State Capitol Building, its golden dome gleaming in the afternoon sun. As twilight descended, we ventured to the iconic Union Station, its historic architecture providing a stunning backdrop for our long-exposure night photography experiments.
The Rockies, Snow Tubing, and a Familiar Hotel
We journeyed through the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains, passing through the Eisenhower Tunnel. An afternoon of exhilarating snow tubing at the Coca-Cola Hill at Winter Park Ski Resort and exploring Cooper Mountain Ski Resort was followed by a night at the Clarion Inn Grand Junction – the same hotel we stayed at during our first Four Corners adventure.
An Unexpected Detour to the San Rafael Swell and a Night in Beaver
Rather than facing a grueling 11-hour drive home, we decided to savor our final moments of the Southwest with one more unexpected detour. Day eight led us to central Utah’s awe-inspiring San Rafael Swell, where the rugged beauty of the desert landscape unfolded before us. We marveled at the towering San Rafael Reef, gazed down into the depths of Dragon Canyon Viewpoint, and admired the sweeping vistas at Eagle Canyon Viewpoint and Salt Wash View Area. As the day drew to a close, we made our way to the charming town of Beaver, UT, where we found a cozy place to rest for the night before our final journey home.
Homeward Bound with a Touch of the Virgin River Gorge
The final day of our epic road trip had us heading home. We covered 450 miles, with a detour to explore the stunning Virgin River Gorge. After 2,644 miles and six states, our journey was complete.
Four Corners Road Trip 2.0 taught us the beauty of embracing flexibility and unexpected adventures. While things didn’t always go according to plan, we discovered amazing new destinations and made incredible memories we never would have experienced otherwise
