Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Aerial view of the Goosenecks
Map showing the location of Goosenecks State Park
Map showing the location of Goosenecks State Park
Location of Goosenecks State Park in Utah
Map showing the location of Goosenecks State Park
Map showing the location of Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park (the United States)
LocationSan Juan, Utah, United States
Coordinates37°10′29″N 109°55′37″W / 37.17472°N 109.92694°W / 37.17472; -109.92694
Area10 acres (4.0 ha)[1]
Elevation4,500 ft (1,400 m)[2]
Established1962
Visitors55,660 (in 2022)[3]
OperatorUtah State Parks

Goosenecks State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Utah, overlooking a deep meander of the San Juan River. The park is located near the southern border of the state a short distance from Mexican Hat, Utah.[1] Millions of years ago, the Monument Upwarp forced the river to carve incised meanders over 1,000 feet (300 m) deep as the surrounding landscape slowly rose in elevation. Eroded by water, wind, frost, and gravity, this is a classic location for observing incised meanders.

Goosenecks State Park is largely undeveloped. Primitive campsites with picnic tables are scattered back from the edge of the cliff, and vault toilets are available. Campers are advised to bring their own water, food, and other necessary gear.

The park received International Dark Sky Park designation by The International Dark-Sky Association in March, 2021.[4] Night photography and stargazing are popular activities because there is little light pollution due to its remoteness.[5]

There are no developed hiking trails in the park,[6] but the Honaker Trail, a few miles to the northwest, provides access to the San Juan River.[7]

Panoramic view from overlook
  1. ^ a b "Goosenecks State Park". Utah.com LC. Archived from the original on February 24, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  2. ^ "Goosenecks State Park: About the Park". Utah State Parks. Archived from the original on March 16, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  3. ^ "Park Visitation Data". Utah State Parks. July 6, 2023.
  4. ^ "IDA has awarded International Dark Sky Park Designations to Fremont Indian and Goosenecks State Parks". International Dark-Sky Association. March 25, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  5. ^ "Goosenecks State Park [Activities, Info & More]". www.visitutah.com. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  6. ^ Crossley, John. "Goosenecks State Park". Americansouthwest.net. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  7. ^ Hopkins, Ralph Lee (2002). Hiking the Southwest's Geology: Four Corners Region. The Mountaineers Books. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-89886-856-2.