If you don’t live in the desert Southwest, you may be unprepared for travel in this beautiful, yet rugged, land. Here we’ll share some helpful tips for Four Corners travelers to help make sure your visit is enjoyable and safe.
Traveling in Remote Areas
Depending on where you’re heading, you may find yourself in some pretty remote areas, perhaps without cell phone service. Before you head out on the trip, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and gas up when you have the opportunity before heading out into a stretch of wide-open desert or mountains. Have a first aid kit in your car, too, so you’re ready for minor irritations like blisters or more serious problems.
Be aware that many of the roads you’ll be traveling on will be a single lane in each direction. Be cautious when driving at night in unfamiliar territory, especially on narrow, windy roads. Some sites you want to visit may require a high clearance vehicle or four-wheel drive. Don’t push your luck and hope you’ll make it if your vehicle isn’t cut out for that type of travel!
Water is Life
You may find yourself traveling long distances between places to stop for something to eat or drink, so be sure to stock your car with snacks and plenty of water. A one-gallon jug would be a great idea, depending on the size of your group. If you have a large family, bring more.
High Altitude Adventures
You’re going to be exploring in areas of high altitude, so you need to make sure you drink more water than usual, protect your skin and lips from the sun, and give yourself some time to acclimate. You may find yourself winded more quickly than you would at sea level, for example. Signs of altitude sickness include nausea, headache, and fatigue. If someone in your group is having these problems, stop to rest, drink more water, eat something, and move to a lower altitude.
It’s also worth noting that alcohol has stronger effects at high altitude, especially before you’ve acclimated. You might want to scale back your libations in the mountains!
Flash Floods
Summer is monsoon season in the Southwest, which means that torrential thunderstorms may suddenly come upon you. If you’re driving, you may need to pull over, let the storm pass, and enjoy its drama from inside your car. Do not attempt to cross a river or arroyo if water is running through it. Many people have died miscalculating the power of running water.
If you’re on a hike, you may need to seek shelter on high ground. Be cautious of arroyos that can suddenly go from dry streambeds to raging rivers. In fact, it doesn’t have to be raining where you are for an arroyo to fill. The storm could be upstream from you and the waters can head your way. Storms can be accompanied by strong, gusty winds.
Winter Storms . . . in Spring or Fall
Because so much of the Four Corners region is at high altitude, snowstorms are not limited to the dead of winter. Check weather forecasts before heading out to make sure a change in weather is not predicted. Temperatures can change dramatically from day to day and you’ll find that the daytime temperature drops up to 20 degrees at night. Be prepared with chains for your vehicle if there’s any chance of snow when you’re traveling. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition, too.
Another thing to check, especially if traveling in winter, is road closures due to snow. Be sure to know how to check in the area where you’re traveling. In all Four Corners states, you can call 5-1-1 for road condition updates.
Fire Dangers
If you’re visiting forested regions, fires are a danger. Of course, as Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent forest fires!” So, be safe. If you’re camping, make sure your campfire, if allowed, is dead out and cold before leaving it. Don’t toss burning items like cigarettes out of cars. It doesn’t take much for dry tinder to catch on fire and burn thousands of acres of forest.
What to Wear
Of course, you’ll need to dress for the season and perhaps for the season prior and after! Layering the key to success, so you can shed layers as the temperature warms and add them back on as the day cools. If you’re visiting in summer, a shirt with UPF built in can help prevent sunburn (be sure to bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, too). A lightweight waterproof jacket will be handy in case of a summer storm.
In winter, layering is also essential, with warmth and waterproof layers as part of your gear. Keep your head warm with a beanie, use gloves to keep your hands toasty, and perhaps a neck gaiter to keep a chill wind at bay.
If hiking in rugged terrain is part of your plan, don’t make the mistake of heading out in thin-soled tennis shoes or flip-flops! Stickers are serious in the Southwest and can puncture your sole and go into your foot. You also want to have ankle support for hiking in rugged country, so consider investing in a decent pair of hiking boots and wear wicking socks to help prevent blisters. Walking sticks or poles can help provide support on trails.
Leave No Trace
When hiking, camping, or picnicking in the great outdoors, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles. It comes down to leaving cultural artifacts and natural items where you found them, minimizing impact on the land by hiking or camping on hard surfaces, being prepared for your adventure, and making sure to take out your trash. Be respectful of both wildlife and other people enjoying the space. In short: Leave only footprints. Take only memories (or photographs!).
Cultural Etiquette
Much of the land in the Four Corners is part of Native American nations, such as the large Navajo Nation and the Ute tribes. When visiting a tribe, follow their rules. For example, many do not allow photography on their lands or at ceremonies. If allowed to attend a sacred ceremony, watch quietly, do not take photographs unless it is permitted, and if someone invites you to attend a feast at their home, consider yourself honored and accept.
Honor their sacred places and ceremonies. For example, Shiprock is sacred to the Navajo people and it is forbidden to drive the dirt roads close to the site or to climb it. If you visit a ceremony or event on tribal lands, be sure to inquire about what is and is not allowed. You’re a guest, so be respectful. While you’re there, consider supporting a Native artisan with something to remind you of your trip.
Be aware, too, that on tribal lands, they will usually have their own police force. If you’re speeding, don’t be surprised to find yourself pulled over by the tribal police!
Stock Up in the Cities
Depending on where you’re traveling, you’ll be going through the larger communities in the Four Corners, like Farmington, New Mexico, and Cortez and Durango, Colorado. Take advantage of the resources there to stock up on water, snacks, gas, and anything else you’ll need for your explorations.
Important Contacts and Resources
Calling 9-1-1, if you have cell phone service, will connect you with emergency services. But it is important to be aware of the closest city with medical services in case you are out of range. If you are traveling alone, let someone know if you’re heading out on a hike, where you are going, and when you expect to return.
Be aware of when the sun sets if you’re out exploring so you can be back before it gets dark. It gets very dark in these rural areas, which also means you can expect glorious night skies.
Remember to check road conditions in your area by calling 5-1-1 or checking the state’s road conditions website.
Your trip to the Four Corners will be one you always remember, especially if you take some simple precautions to make sure you return home safely.
