Take a scenic ride through the high desert of the Navajo Nation as we follow U.S. Route 160 from the tiny crossroads town of Teec Nos Pos to the iconic Four Corners Monument. This short but significant 6-mile drive captures the stark beauty of Arizona’s northeastern corner while culminating in one of the most geographically unique landmarks in the United States—the only place where four states meet.
Our journey begins in Teec Nos Pos, a quiet outpost nestled at the junction of US-160 and US-64. Though small in population, Teec Nos Pos holds cultural weight as part of the Navajo Nation, and its name—pronounced “Tees Nos Pass”—is derived from a Navajo phrase that loosely means “cottonwoods in a circle.” The surrounding land is dotted with traditional dwellings, open range, and expansive views of the mesas and buttes that characterize the Colorado Plateau. As we roll east on US-160, the road immediately opens up into a wide, two-lane highway flanked by arid scrubland and low-lying ridgelines, the type of terrain that seems to stretch into eternity beneath the bright desert sky.
About halfway through the route, the road begins a gentle climb, revealing glimpses of distant formations rising like mirages on the horizon. Here, the land seems to flatten and curve in perfect harmony with the earth’s subtle undulations, making it easy to understand why this part of the country is so often described as “sacred ground.” There are few man-made interruptions—no fast-food joints or strip malls—just the occasional weathered fence line or grazing sheep, and perhaps a roadside vendor offering jewelry, pottery, or crafts beneath a sun-faded canopy. The silence is profound, broken only by the wind or the occasional passing car.
As we approach the eastern end of the drive, signs begin to appear for the Four Corners Monument, a cultural and cartographic landmark maintained by the Navajo Nation. Turning north off US-160, the short spur road leads to the entrance where visitors can stand in four states—Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado—at once. Though remote, the monument attracts thousands annually, offering a unique photo opportunity and a chance to engage with Navajo artisans whose stalls encircle the plaza. The landscape here is wind-swept and wide-open, with the sort of silence that feels ancient. It’s a fitting conclusion to a brief but memorable drive that represents both geographical curiosity and cultural continuity.
In the span of just six miles, this stretch of US-160 delivers a quintessential slice of the American Southwest—sun-bleached and timeless, anchored by land and legacy. The route reminds us that even the shortest journeys can leave a lasting impression, especially when they connect us to something greater than ourselves—be it history, geography, or the enduring presence of a people whose roots run deep in this unforgiving yet beautiful land.
🗺️ Route Map
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