Goosenecks State Park•Utah

00:00      Title
00:18     Goosenecks Utah State Park
04:29     Mexican Hat
07:40     Moki Dugway
12:11     Muley Point-Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
20:19     Fin​
​
​The yearning to pack the bags and escape to somewhere that is totally different than the scenery back home is a common urge in this modern world. Experiencing unimaginable places can expand inner horizons, while providing a better understanding of the world we live in. The west offers many scenic destinations where Mother Nature does all the talking.

One such place is Goosenecks State Park in southeast Utah. The ancient San Juan River has carved a snaking path through this vast high desert terrain over eons of time. Geological forces caused the Colorado Plateau and Grand Staircase regions to slowly rise from sea level. As a result the force of gravity caused the meandering San Juan River to dig deeper and deeper into the landscape and the Goosenecks were created. The Goosenecks are like a preamble to the Grand Canyon, which is not too far downstream from the confluence of the San Juan River and Colorado River at Lake Powell.

Exploring the San Juan River by boat in the Bears Ears National Monument region has to be done by special permit, because so many ancient native archeological sites are located along the river banks. Floating down the San Juan River certainly is an adventurous way to experience the Goosenecks, yet the views from the top of the mesa actually can be better since the deep canyon that snakes through this region can be seen in its entirety. Goosenecks State Park and Muley Point both offer eagle eye views of the snaking river canyon.

Tourists will be happy to know that the Goosenecks State Park can be accessed with an ordinary passenger car. All of the roads to this park are paved, which is a rarity in this neck of the woods.  Goosenecks State Park is located near Mexican Hat, which the San Juan River boating adventures can be booked.  Monument Valley, Valley Of The Gods, Natural Bridges National Monument, Fry Canyon, Glen Canyon and Bears Ears are all located close by, so there are endless adventures that await in this region.

Goosenecks State Park offers scenic views of the majestic meandering canyon that the San Juan River runs through. There are no hiking trails down to the river, because any such trail would lead to towering bluffs that drop hundreds of feet straight down. However, there are a few trails along the rim of the canyon where visitors can find interesting vantage points. 

Goosenecks State Park does offer some nice picnic areas that overlook the canyon and there are facilities on site. Camping is available onsite away from the canyon rim and more camping opportunities can be found nearby. Supplies and amenities can be found in the towns of Mexican Hat, Bluff or Blanding. 

When visiting Goosenecks State Park, there are a few things to keep in mind that will make the experience much better. There are no shade trees, so be sure to wear protective clothing or sunscreen. Photographers will find that using a filter that compensates for bright desert glare will save time on the computer. There are no natural barriers to break the strong winds, so be sure to pack a bandana or dust mask and goggles in case a dust storm kicks up. Most important of all, bring plenty of water because it is easy to become dehydrated in this high desert environment. 

The Goosenecks definitely are a geologist’s dream come true and if a visitor listens carefully, the wind flowing through the Goosenecks creates captivating natural music. Anybody that has a passion for the earth sciences can spend hours viewing the Goosenecks and not be bored. For those who simply want to get away from it all just to experience a completely different landscape than what is found back home, the Goosenecks State Park will certainly deliver as promised!