Four Corners doesn't leave a sharp impression

At any given time, dozens of people visit the Four Corners monument, which, in addition to the marker on the spot itself, is decorated with the flags of all four states, as well as a U.S. flag.

(Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET News.com)

FOUR CORNERS--For years, I've wanted to come here. I can't say why.

I suppose it's because it's one of those places you're supposed to visit. What's its draw? Well, the chance to lie down in four states at once. To break the law in Arizona and jump two feet into Utah. Ha! Come get me, copper!

Maybe it's just to take part in one of those American rituals that bind us all together.

A Dept. of the Interior marker signifies the place where four states--Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado--intersect.

(Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET News.com)

I'm really not sure. I visited it as part of my Road Trip 2007 around the Southwest, and I felt a little shortchanged.

Perhaps that's because I could only get about 10 seconds at the marker, given that there were a whole bunch of other people trying to get at it. And maybe it's because I had to pay $3 to visit the site. Or that surrounding it on all sides are stands with the usual tourist-bait swag for sale.

All in all, I'd have to say that it was an utterly banal experience. But I did it. And I'm glad I did. Because I've always wanted to.