Few areas of the United States possess as many national parks and monuments, ancient American Indian sites and scenery as the Four Corners of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.
Places such as Mesa Verde and Canyonlands national parks; Aztec, Hovenweep, Natural Bridges, Canyon de Chelly and Chaco Canyon national monuments; and Monument Valley combine with the culture of the Navajo and Hopi tribes to make a visit to the area a fascinating journey.
The Salt Lake Tribune
First Published Jun 01 2012 02:23 pm • Last Updated Jun 01 2012 07:12 pm
It's good to see these four states launching a join effort to promote this National Park & Monument region of our country.
Leonardo
The four states are launching a major four-state geotourism initiative Saturday at Aztec Ruins National Monument. Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place, its environment, culture, aesthetics and the well being of residents. It’s a collaboration between National Geographic, the Utah/Colorado Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, area nonprofit organizations and state, local and federal government agencies.
The event celebrates the release of two new products designed to promote the area.
National Geographic is releasing a full-color, waterproof, tear-resistant map called "The Four Corners Region —Trail of the Ancients." The map provides directions to historic structures and archeological sites, scenic landscapes, wildlife viewing areas, trails, outdoor recreation, local cuisine, festivals, artists and river guides.
The second product is the Four Corners Region — Trail of the Ancients" interactive website atwww.fourcornersgeotourism.com. This is also a National Geographic production.
"My office and the Utah Office of Tourism are very excited to have the branding of the National Geographic ‘yellow box,’" said Charlie DeLorme, director of the San Juan County Economic Development and Visitor Services. "The map will guide visitors to and through our region, which is one of the world’s most stunning destinations, rich in diversity and cultural heritage. Years of hard work have culminated in this excellent map and given us another implement in the toolbox we use to attract visitors."
Tom Wharton
