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 Museum captures frontier life in the American West
The Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village in northwest New Mexico brings the history of the area to life. Find out what you’ll see when…
Navajo National Monument: Hiking, Camping & Ancient History
In 1909, President William Taft established Navajo National Monument to protect the three Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling sites found there. Betatakin is the easiest…
Hovenweep National Monument: Exploring the Ancient Ruins
Hovenweep National Monument is a community of Ancestral Puebloan structures and prehistoric villages built near the Utah-Colorado border. The national monument is a lesser-explored…
History of Mining in Colorado From Boom to Today
With Colorado towns sporting names such as Silverton, Silverthorne, Silver Creek, and more, it’s no surprise that the state has been and continues to…
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.
Best Camping in the Four Corners: Complete Guide for 2025
Many of the people who come to experience the dramatic beauty of the Four Corners region of the American Southwest will be camping in…
Best Places for Photography in the Four Corners
The Four Corners region of the American Southwest, where Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico meet, is a photographer’s paradise. Ever since Hollywood filmmakers…
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…