Culture & History
Discover the rich culture and historical depth of the Four Corners region, a unique crossroads where the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona converge. The mesas and canyons of the Four Corners were home to ancient peoples whose legacies continue to resonate and live today, leaving an indelible mark on the American Southwest. Discover the dynamic history of its modern indigenous peoples, the Ute, Paiute, Diné (Navajo), Hopi, Zuni and Pueblo.
The Ancestral Puebloan culture, formerly known as Anasazi, reached across the entire Southwest for centuries, and is renowned for its architectural marvels, including the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde and the great houses of Chaco Canyon. From the awe-inspiring Aztec Ruins to the mysterious rock art and pueblitas, the heart and soul of the region are truly its Native cultures.
Explore the rich tapestry of Native American history and culture, from the ancestral stories etched in stone to the vibrant traditions that continue to flourish today. Discover the culinary delights of native food traditions, a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and the ingenuity of its people.
The region’s mining history adds another layer, with tales of fortune, struggle, and resilience that shape the character of these lands. Here, history is a living, breathing presence that continues to influence and inspire. Journey with us along the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, a 480-mile route through Colorado and Utah that links an impressive array of archaeological sites, including Aztec Ruins.
Immerse yourself in the stories, traditions, and legacies that shape the Four Corners. Learn the fascinating history of the Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition. We invite you to explore, learn, and engage with the rich history and culture of the Four Corners. Explore the Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village.
Walk in the footprints of the Old Spanish Trail and make new discoveries and gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable region. Open up a world of discovery, where every turn on the road brings a new story, a new perspective on the American experience.
Aztec Ruins National Monument, Unearthing the Ancient Stories
Aztec Ruins National Monument New Mexico The folks at Aztec Ruins National Monument near Farmington, New Mexico, would be the first to tell you…
Explore the Indigenous Tribes of the Four Corners
Explore the rich heritage and history of Native American tribes within the Four Corners region, including the Navajo, Hopi, Ute, and Jicarilla Apache. Discover…
Sleeping Ute Mountain: The Legend Investigated
If you scan the horizon while traveling in southwestern Colorado, it’s easy to see the prominent peak, Sleeping Ute Mountain, in the distance. Visible…
Exploring Ancestral Puebloan Life: History in Four Corners Region
You really can’t explore the Four Corners region without taking at least a shallow dive into Indigenous history and culture. Many of the locations…
The Controversial Tradition of Frybread
Explore the complex history of frybread, a food born from necessity with roots in Native American resilience, now a controversial staple.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, 5,000 Years of History
Your tour Jeep sits at the mouth of Canyon de Chelly in Chinle, Arizona — on the western edge of the Four Corners. Spreading…
Explore 10,000 Years of History at Canyons of the Ancients
Located in the Four Corners region of southwestern Colorado, the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument protects 176,056 acres of public lands administered by…
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Utah
Explore the ancient legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans at Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, the largest repository of artifacts in southeastern Utah.…