southeastern utah welcome center

They have a free museum in this Center which is very nice, though small. We were each given a cold bottle of drinking water and the little gal was super accomodating. There are more maps than you can pack and more things to do than can be done in two weeks. I would not suggest visiting Canyonlands Park unless you are a good hiker or have a very capable 4WD. Otherwise, it is mostly not possible to see the real Park as this Park is still primitive and looks to stay that way. If you are a tree-hugger with energy., this is your domain! It is being kept this way... better to go see Arches Park than to spend your time here if you do not qualify as the afformentioned hugger or dedicated 4 wheeler. The Visitor Center will not give you a pack of lies, but ask them if you qualify for the things they suggest. This is REALLY wilderness wild West, regardless the oil highway you see out front.

Pros:Located at the crossroads of two major routes (191 and 491) which connect the Four Corners area of Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. The Welcome Center has free pamphlets, brochures and books about the Four Corners of the four states; no other Welcome Center in the area does this. The employees are very knowledgeable about the areas and can offer information on loop tours to maximize the visiting experience. There is a variety of books, maps, toys, CDs, postcards and magnets for sale. Cons:The items for sale are through Canyonlands National History Association, so are limited to their inventory only. There are no items for sale on the town of Monticello itself, or San Juan County; only a few postcards for The Frontier Museum.

We were coming in from Monument Valley and on our way to Arches National Park. Mary was of great help, getting the right maps, brochures, and making sure we had water for our trip. She told us about the mountain road that would be more interesting than just continuing of 191. Thanks, Mary!!

We stopped here on the way to Monument Valley. Mary was staffing the Welcome Center and provided us with some very helpful information about Southeastern Utah. She gave us some great suggestions for places to go. She is a great resource with lots of area information. Even gave us a map with different locations for taking pictures. She was so helpful can't say enough good things. They are very lucky to have Mary there.

I was attending the Pioneer Day celebration in Monticello during July 2013 and decided to check out the welcome center for more info about local places to visit. I walked in to a room that was dark (the lights were off) and a clerk who was so busy on the internet that she didn't even notice that people were in the visitor center. There was somebody snoring on the couch, a huge display occupied the center of the room but it was too dark to enjoy, and there were some books and things for sale. Again it was too dark to see. I made tried to engage the clerk but her concentration was outstanding and totally focused on the computer. I went next door to the local museum and very much enjoyed that, but left the visitor center without a clue about local highlights. Too bad, it looked like the city needs more activity and the center was not helping.

This place has detailed regional maps worth the price. Friendly service. Check ahead for their schedule. Worth a stop.