Four Corner area trip planning

[chin_k]

I deal with GPS, so I know these issues. For many applications, they are still using the WGS84 model, which is 35 years old. We never have issues before GPS, so ignorance is bliss, as usual.

[A Rooney]

I am not particularly posting for anyone exclusively,but rather Rooneys take on the 4 corners question as a future reference.There are many many adventures in this area besides ruins there are vast stretches of reservation land different cultures and often another set of rules apply,that in itself is an experience I personally enjoy.Areas like Chaco Canyon where large ancient pueblo ruins are aligned to the movement of the heavens and now juxtaposed to fracking sites.The old trading posts are wonderful places to buy genuine crafts like rugs,pots,and dolls,and jewlery.Taos and Santa fe cater to tourists and many find that a Dandy experience.There are lakes for fishing,and water activities...and here or there Historical markers may note the Route of the Old Spanish Trail which went from Santa fe to California and is described as the longest and most convoluted mule trading trail in history.Hidden treasures abound awaiting to be discovered like old ghost towns,Buffalo herds,Saloons that date back to the old west that still sport ceilings and bars replete with period bullet holes. Rooney

[pdemarest]

Echoing what Rooney said, Chaco Canyon and Canyon de Chelly are two really great places to visit. For Canyon de Chelly the only way to see the cliff dwellings up close is to take a tour. Some tours are group things on a large military truck but I recommend getting one of the many Navajo guides who will actually drive you into to the Canyon in their vehicles on a route that includes a long stretch driving in the canyon's river. I took the tour years ago and my younger brother took it just a couple of weeks ago and it is still a great experience. The tour company we both used is Bobby Van Winkle Tours and he has a website.

Chaco is another great spot to see a different type of Native American buildings and it was a major city and religious gathering place in its time.

The Four Corners area is so full of great places that we've been there at least 5 times in the last 20 years.Highly recommended.