There are few regions in the United States as rich in natural beauty as the Southwest. Explore more of it with these amazing Four Corners road trip destinations.

Utah

Canyonlands National Park

Often overshadowed by Arches National Park to the north, Canyonlands is a destination in its own right. With miles and miles of mesmerizing rock formations – arches, natural bridges, spires, mesas, buttes – Canyonlands certainly holds up against Arches in terms of beauty. This vast park, which is divided into four districts by the Colorado and Green rivers, features more than 500 miles to explore. So hike, backpack, paddle, mountain bike your way through this enchanting slice of Utah’s high desert. It’s a unique destination you won’t soon forget.

Arizona

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

You’ll probably recognize some of the iconic sandstone formations that rise high above the desert floor at Monument Valley, which occupies more than 91,000 acres of rugged desert terrain in Arizona and Utah. This Navajo Nation park is one of the most photographed spots on the planet – and has long been a popular backdrop in the movie and television industries. So you’ve seen images of Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte at some point in your life. But why not see them in real life? Even the best photos don’t compare to seeing the park’s breathtaking medley of spires, buttes, and mesas in person. Put this one on your bucket list.

Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde, located just southeast of Cortez, is one of the most captivating national parks in the United States. Its stunningly well-preserved cliff dwellings offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who called this land home as recently as the 1200s. Beyond marveling at the ancient dwellings and rock carvings, Mesa Verde is a fantastic spot for camping, hiking, and spying wildlife.

New Mexico

Farmington

It doesn’t always get the acclaim it deserves, but Farmington is an outdoor lover’s paradise that also offers up a healthy dose of historic charm. From first-rate fly fishing and mountain biking to unreal off-roading and epic hikes, there’s a little something for everyone on the recreation front. Meanwhile, Farmington’s many museums offer a deep dive into the fascinating culture and history of the Southwest. This unsung destination in northwest New Mexico is easily worth a weekend – or more – of your time.

Check out the Olympus at Daybreak blog for more travel tips, as well as the scoop on all things close to home in South Jordan, Utah.