Family-Friendly Road Trip through Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, Four Corners, and Monument Valley

Day 1: Explore Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park, USA

8:00AM

Morning Hike at Spruce Tree House

Begin your day with a morning hike at the Spruce Tree House, an ancient cliff dwelling, to learn about the history of the ancestral Pueblo people.
Follow signs from the visitor center to the trailhead.
$0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Far View Lodge

Enjoy a delicious lunch with panoramic views at Far View Lodge inside the park.
Head to the lodge located near the Far View Visitor Center.
$15 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Cliff Palace

Tour the impressive Cliff Palace, one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America, and marvel at the ancient architecture and breathtaking views.
Join a ranger-led tour or explore on your own following the signs.
$5 guided tour fee, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Metate Room

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Metate Room, featuring local and seasonal ingredients, to end your day on a delicious note.
Drive to Far View Lodge for a dining experience overlooking the park.
$30 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Discover Hovenweep

Hovenweep National Monument, USA

9:00AM

Explore Square Tower Group

Start your day by exploring the Square Tower Group at Hovenweep, a collection of ancestral Puebloan villages showcasing remarkable stone masonry.
Follow the trail signs to the Square Tower Group.
$0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Little Ruin Canyon Overlook

Have a relaxing picnic lunch at the scenic Little Ruin Canyon Overlook while taking in the vast desert landscapes.
Drive to the designated overlook area with picnic facilities.
$0, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Cajon Group

Explore the unique structures and rock art at the Cajon Group within Hovenweep, offering insights into the ancient culture of the region.
Follow the trails to the Cajon Group sites within the monument.
$0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant near Hovenweep before heading to Four Corners for the night.
Drive to a nearby town for dining options.
$20 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Experience Four Corners

Four Corners Monument, USA

9:00AM

Pose at the Four Corners Marker

Stand in four states at once and take iconic family photos at the Four Corners Marker, a unique geographical location where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet.
Follow the signs to the monument marker area and wait in line for your turn.
$5 entry fee per person, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Vendor Stalls

Enjoy a variety of Navajo tacos, fry bread, and other local specialties from the vendor stalls at Four Corners for a cultural culinary experience.
Explore the food offerings around the monument area.
$15 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop for Souvenirs

Browse the handmade crafts and souvenirs sold by local artisans at Four Corners to find unique gifts and keepsakes.
Check out the artisan booths set up near the monument.
Varies based on purchases, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner and Campfire Stories

Enjoy a campfire dinner experience near Four Corners with storytelling sessions under the stars for a memorable evening with your family.
Set up campfire or attend a guided storytelling session organized at designated areas.
$10 for firewood, 2 hours
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Day 4: Explore Monument Valley

Monument Valley, USA

8:00AM

Scenic Drive through Monument Valley

Embark on a scenic drive through the iconic mesas, buttes, and sandstone formations of Monument Valley for breathtaking vistas and photo opportunities.
Drive along the Valley Drive route inside the Tribal Park.
$20 per vehicle entry fee, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The View Restaurant

Savor a traditional Navajo-inspired meal with panoramic views at The View Restaurant, offering a blend of local flavors and stunning scenery.
Head to the restaurant located within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
$25 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Guided Jeep Tour

Embark on a guided jeep tour of Monument Valley led by Navajo guides to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and hear captivating stories of the land.
Book a tour in advance or check with visitor center for availability.
$75 per person, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner and Sunset Viewing

End your day with a rustic dinner at a local diner while enjoying a mesmerizing sunset over the iconic Mittens and Merrick Butte in Monument Valley.
Choose a diner with a view and time your meal to coincide with sunset.
$20 per person, 1.5 hours
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