Goosenecks State Park Travel Guide.

Over the millennia, the San Juan River’s flow carved a deep canyon, 1000 feet in depth.  Geologists estimate that this erosion has uncovered a rock record exposing some 300 million years of time.

The state park, established in 1962, offers spectacular views of the Goosenecks, officially known as an entrenched meander. Over a distance of 1 and ½ miles, the San Juan River flows for more than 6 miles through the twists of the entrenched meander.

 

Along the ledges overlooking the river, there is situated one man-made rock wall.  For photography of the Goosenecks, stand at this wall, set your camera on panorama to be able to photograph all 3 Goosenecks.  If you walk right or left of this wall, the photograph will only include 2 of the Goosenecks.  Now you know why that one rock wall is there.  In the far distance, Monument Valley can be seen.

·         Location is 71.6 miles from Monticello; take Hwy 191 South for 50.7 miles; at the junction of Hwys. 163/191, continue onto Hwy 163 for 16.6 miles, make a right turn onto Hwy 261, continue for 9/10^th of a mile to Hwy 316, make a left and continue 3.5 miles to the entrance of Goosenecks State Park

·         Contact Address: Goosenecks State Park

c/o Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum

660 West 400 North

Blanding, UT 84511

·         Phone: (435) 678-2238

·         Hours of Operation: Open year-round, no closures

·         Entrance Fees

$5 per car

$2 per person, commercial tour bus or tour group

$10 per night for camping

·        Camping: Primitive camping is available. Sites cannot be reserved and fees are not charged. The campground offers fire pits and vault toilets. No other services are available. No water. No electricity. No dump station.

·        There is no fencing along the ledges, do NOT allow young children to roam alone, or pets to be off leashes.  Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets, and disposing of waste properly.

·         No drinking water is available. There are no maintained trails. The park does not offer access to the river.

·         Nearest town is Mexican Hat, 8.3 miles

Mary Cokenour