Spanning 130,000 square miles, this expansive high desert red rock landscape extends into five states, including a small portion of Nevada.

After a day of exploring these gorgeous landscapes, treat yourself to an excellent dining experience at Seasons of Durango, where you can relax and enjoy hearty American fare with an emphasis on local sourcing, served out of a warm, brick-walled bistro.

Four Corners and Colorado Plateau Geology

The Colorado Plateau is a masterpiece shaped by time, its formation a testament to the power of nature. It originally evolved from layers of sediment deposited by ancient inland seas, later lifted as a single tectonic block about 20 million years ago.

Volcanic activity and shifting faults added further complexity, while thousands of years of erosion have sculpted the plateau into the impressive features we see today.

Mesas

Mesas, one of the plateau’s most notable features, are flat-topped, steep-sided  hills protected by erosion-resistant sandstone or limestone caps. These natural platforms are home to stunning formations like hoodoos, spires, and arches, shaped by the same forces described in the Colorado Plateau’s geological evolution.

The Colorado River

One of the most powerful sculptors of this region is the Colorado River. Its relentless flow created landmarks like the Grand Canyon, where billions of years of Earth’s history are exposed in colorful layers of rock. Landmarks like Horseshoe Bend showcase the river’s sculpting power and provide breathtaking views of its serpentine path through the desert.

The San Juan Mountains

In the southwestern corner of Colorado, the San Juan Mountains rise dramatically, with jagged peaks that exceed 13,000 feet. Formed from volcanic activity, these mountains are rich in minerals like gold, silver, and copper, making them a focal point of the region’s mining history.

Today, they stand as a distinct contrast to the surrounding desert, offering an additional layer of geological and cultural significance.

Geology of Parks in the Four Corners and Colorado Plateau 

The Four Corners and Colorado Plateau are home to a legendary lineup of national parks, each a gateway to the region’s abundant geological history. Discover ancient cliff dwellings, vast canyons, and unique rock formations, and explore more through our detailed guides.

Mesa Verde National Park

Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park protects over 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans between 550 and 1300 A.D. These structures are tucked in natural alcoves formed within cuestas — southward-slanting ridges shaped by millions of years of erosion. 

Designated a national park in 1906, Mesa Verde was the first to prioritize cultural preservation. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Dark Sky Park. Visitors can tour highlights like Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, via ranger-led tours offered seasonally. 

Just 37 minutes from Mesa Verde, Seasons of Durango offers the perfect complement to your journey through time, with regional flavors served in a setting as welcoming as it is delicious.

Shiprock

Shiprock, or Tsé Bitʼaʼí (Rock with Wings) in Navajo, towers over the desert landscape in northwestern New Mexico.

This volcanic neck, standing over 1,500 feet above its base with a total elevation of 7,177 feet, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Navajo people, featured prominently in their origin stories.

Composed of volcanic breccia with striking black dikes extending outward, it offers a glimpse into the region’s volcanic past.

Visitors can view Shiprock from Indian Service Route 13 or U.S. Highway 491, but climbing and driving on dirt roads leading to the formation are prohibited to protect its sacred and natural value.

For those intrigued by volcanic landscapes, nearby El Malpais National Monument near Grants, New Mexico, offers further exploration of the region’s fiery geological history. 

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley, or Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, straddles the Arizona-Utah border and is one of the most visually recognized landscapes in the Southwest. Its towering buttes, including the East and West Mitten Buttes, sit at 5,000 to 7,000 feet in elevation.

The vivid red hues of the landscape are due to iron oxide in the rock layers, giving the area its signature appearance.

Operated by the Navajo Nation, the park features a 17-mile driving loop accessible after paying an entry fee at the entrance. Guided Jeep tours led by Navajo guides allow visitors to explore deeper into the valley, visiting formations like Ear of the Wind.

A stop at John Ford Point offers a cinematic photo opp often accompanied by a Navajo guide with a horse.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly (Tsegi), located in northeastern Arizona, is a living testament to the region’s history, with a continuous human presence spanning nearly 5,000 years.

This series of canyons features elevated sandstone walls that drop as much as 1,000 feet and landmarks such as Spider Rock, a 750-foot spire.

Visitors can explore the South Rim’s six overlooks, including the phenomenal Spider Rock viewpoint, or the North Rim’s three overlooks. Along the cliffs, you’ll find ancient dwellings like White House Ruin and Mummy Cave Ruin, built between approximately 350 and 1300 A.D., as well as intricate pictographs carved into the rock faces.

For a closer look, book a tour with an authorized Navajo guide or join a seasonal ranger-led hike into the canyon.

Sleeping Ute Mountain

In southwestern Colorado, Sleeping Ute Mountain, part of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Reservation, offers a distinctive silhouette resembling a resting Ute chief. Rising nearly 10,000 feet at its highest point, the mountain is composed primarily of igneous rock formed about 72 million years ago.

While access to the mountain is restricted due to its location on tribal land, its towering height makes it visible from miles away, offering a clear focal point against the desert backdrop. 

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona reveals a fascinating chapter of Earth’s history, featuring one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. The fossilized trees, dating back over 200 million years, provide insight into prehistoric ecosystems. 

The park is also home to the Painted Desert, named for its striking layers of sedimentary rock that create a natural palette of reds, oranges, and purples. These layers were deposited over millions of years through erosion, offering a glimpse into the planet’s dynamic geological evolution.

Visitors can explore archaeological sites and trails that allow guests to explore its surreal beauty. 

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona needs no introduction. Carved by the relentless force of the Colorado River, the canyon stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. 

Guests can marvel at its stratified rock layers, which unveil nearly two billion years of Earth’s geology. From the South Rim’s iconic viewpoints to the less crowded North Rim, the Grand Canyon offers indelible experiences for hikers, rafters, and photographers alike.

International Dark Sky Park Stargazing through a Geological Lens

The Colorado Plateau’s remote locations and minimal light pollution make it a premier stargazing destination. Several areas within the region, including Mesa Verde National Park and Chaco Culture National Historical Park, are designated as International Dark Sky Parks, offering unparalleled geological formations that shape the night sky.

Join a ranger-led program or simply lie back to witness constellations, meteor showers, and the Milky Way in all its cosmic brilliance.

Cultural Significance and Preservation

Beyond its geological wonders, the Four Corners region is abundant with cultural history. The area is home to ancient pueblos, cliff dwellings, and petroglyphs, as well as the Navajo Nation, which preserves its traditions and stories.

Visitors can deepen their understanding of this heritage through guided tours and educational programs, ensuring these treasures are appreciated and protected for future generations.

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your geological journey, plan ahead by booking campsites or lodging in advance, especially during peak seasons. Bring warm layers for chilly desert nights and binoculars for spotting petroglyphs and pictographs as well as birds and other wildlife.

Consider visiting during the shoulder season for milder weather and fewer crowds.

Wrap up your trip with a relaxing evening at Seasons of Durango, where seasonally inspired cuisine and warm hospitality create the perfect end to an adventure-filled day.

The Four Corners: A Journey to Remember

The Four Corners and Colorado Plateau offer an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re marveling at the Grand Canyon, exploring ancient ruins at Mesa Verde, or stargazing under pristine skies, this region promises pure adventure. 

And when it’s time to unwind and savor local flavors, head to Seasons of Durango. Known for its unique farm-to-table dining experience, Seasons Rotisserie and Grill serves up dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, cooked over a solid oak-fired grill.

With a menu that evolves with the seasons, every meal is an opportunity to support local farms while indulging in fine dining. The award-winning wine list complements your meal, and the attentive, friendly service ensures a relaxing, unhurried dining experience.