📍 United States

FOUR CORNERS PARKS: MESA VERDE RUINS TO MONUMENT MITTENS

Cliff dwellings tucked into sandstone alcoves, sacred canyons preserving Navajo memory, buttes piercing infinite sky. Ancient America endures.

≈ 9
Days
464
Km
4
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Enter Mesa Verde amid cliff dwellings, then cross the Navajo Nation toward Canyon de Chelly and its story-inhabited cliffs. Reach Monument Valley and its red silhouettes, then follow Lake Powell waters between canyons. This journey connects ancient America and its sacred landscapes, with a cultural presence felt as much as seen.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Cortez

mesa verde gateway guards ancestral puebloan heritage

🔍

Discover

1
Arrival and provisioning in Cortez for Mesa Verde exploration.
🎯

Activities

Cortez Cultural Center quick stop if open.
2
Day

Cortez

mesa verde gateway guards ancestral puebloan heritage

🔍

Discover

1
Mesa Verde — Chapin Mesa Museum context and Cliff Palace Overlook; ranger‑led dwelling tours if ticketed.
🎯

Activities

Evening in Cortez or Mancos.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 205.8 km
Travel time: 2h34
3
Day

Chinle

canyon de chelly's sacred red walls shelter navajo

🔍

Discover

1
Drive to Chinle; rim drive pullouts with sweeping views into Canyon de Chelly.
🎯

Activities

Coordinate Navajo‑guide canyon tour for tomorrow if desired.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 116.4 km
Travel time: 1h56
4
Day

Kayenta

monument valley mittens rise from navajo nation

🔍

Discover

1
Canyon de Chelly — White House Overlook sunrise; optional guided floor tour.
🎯

Activities

Transfer to Kayenta; Monument Valley sunset scouting.
5
Day

Kayenta

monument valley mittens rise from navajo nation

🔍

Discover

1
Monument Valley — scenic drive or guided tour for butte vistas (permit/guide rules apply).
🎯

Activities

Photograph US‑163 highway overlook.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 141.6 km
Travel time: 2h22
6
Day

Page

horseshoe bend curves above lake powell blue

🔍

Discover

1
Drive to Page; Horseshoe Bend overlook and Lake Powell viewpoints.
🎯

Activities

Optional Antelope Canyon tour (advance booking, tribal guide required).
7
Day

Cortez

mesa verde gateway guards ancestral puebloan heritage

🔍

Discover

1
Return across high desert with stops in Navajo and Ute lands as appropriate.
🎯

Activities

Buffer and packing in Cortez.
8
Day

Cortez

mesa verde gateway guards ancestral puebloan heritage

🔍

Discover

1
Jour tampon pour le départ.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

🛡️ Travel advice - United States

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.