From Cortez to Page: Four Corners, Fry Bread, Lake Powell & Horseshoe Bend

Some road trip days are all about out one big destination. This wasn’t one of those days.

Our drive from Cortez, Colorado, to Page, Arizona was packed with iconic stops, incredible scenery, delicious food, and a few lessons learned along the way.

Four Corners Monument

Our first stop was the Four Corners Monument, where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico all meet.

Yes… we had to stand in all four states at once! 😊

One thing to know before you go: there is a per-person admission fee, and your National Parks Pass is not accepted since the monument is managed by the Navajo Nation.

Monument Valley… Sort Of

After Four Corners, we continued toward Monument Valley… we GPSed to Mexican Hat then to Monument Valley so that we could pass through the Forest Gump running spot (but I later realized that is a marked spot in Google Maps).

After Mexican Hat and the running spot, is where I made one of those road trip decisions that planners have to make…

We skipped driving into Monument Valley.

Between the admission fee, our packed schedule, and the fact that I had a lunch stop I really wanted to make, we decided to enjoy the incredible views from the highway instead.

Honestly? We didn’t feel like we missed out.

The GuideAlong app shared fascinating history and pointed out landmarks as we drove, making the drive itself an experience.

If you’re visiting National Parks or scenic byways, I can’t recommend GuideAlong enough. Just purchase the tour before your trip and download it while you have Wi-Fi. It’ll continue working even when you lose cell service—which happens a lot out west!

The Best Lunch of the Trip

Can we talk about Amigo Café?

Because WOW.

This ended up being one of our favorite meals of the entire trip.

Before ordering, ask if they have Navajo Fry Bread. It wasn’t listed on the menu when we visited, but they happily brought us some as an appetizer—and it was incredible.

Then there’s the Navajo Taco.

When it arrived at the table, we all laughed because it was HUGE!

Every meal our family ordered was delicious, and this is one restaurant I’d absolutely plan around if you’re passing through the area.

A Quick Stop at the Shell Station

This may sound strange…

But don’t skip the Shell Station just outside of Page.

Behind the station is a giant sandstone formation known as the Sand Cave (or Sand Hill), and it’s worth the short walk.

When we visited, it was 106°, so we loaded up with sunscreen, grabbed our hats, and made a quick trip before heading to our hotel.

It was HOT…

Like, “let’s not stay out here any longer than necessary” hot.

Cooling Off at Lake Powell

After checking into our hotel, we headed to Wahweap Recreation Area on Lake Powell for a swim.

Just a heads-up:

Your National Parks Pass does not cover admission here.

The walk down to the beach is pretty steep…

And somehow, that same hill feels even steeper on the way back up. 😂

Pack light because you’re probably not going to want to make multiple trips.

If you have water shoes, bring them!

We managed without them, but there were definitely a few prickly surprises hiding in the sand.

Ending the Day at Horseshoe Bend

After showering off, we made one final stop before sunset—Horseshoe Bend.

Like Lake Powell, this area also has a separate parking fee that isn’t covered by your National Parks Pass.

It was crowded.

It was hot.

Definitely bring water.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll spend half your visit admiring the view and the other half wondering how people are standing so close to the edge! 😳

Even with the crowds and the heat…

It was absolutely worth it.

The view is every bit as breathtaking as you’ve seen in pictures.

Final Thoughts

This day reminded me that road trips aren’t just about checking destinations off a list.

They’re about unexpected restaurant finds, scenic drives, swimming in a lake to cool off, and standing in awe of places you’ve only seen in photos.

Tomorrow, we’re heading to Bryce Canyon National Park before spending the night just outside Zion National Park.

And trust me… that day was one we’ll never forget.

Safe travels and happy memory making! ❤️

Kayla