Roadside Attraction Goosenecks State Park

Mexican Hat

Overview

( Rated 3.0 / 1 Ratings )

9 Todo Lists / 3 Ticks

RATING: Roadside Attraction

LENGTH: 1+ hours

MAPS: None Needed.

Sun

54 | 24

Mon

57 | 30

Tue

53 | 28

Wed

52 | 28

Thu

48 | 25

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SEASON: Any, although summers can be hot.

WATER: Bring all you need.

Sun

54 | 24

Mon

57 | 30

Tue

53 | 28

Wed

52 | 28

Thu

48 | 25

View Full Weather Details

roadside

dog friendly

family friendly

access: 2wd

Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park is one of those places that really has to be experienced. I've seen some amazing pictures of the Goosenecks, but none have come close to actually standing on the rim and peering down 1000 feet to the San Juan River. This is a great family friendly attraction.

Note: There is camping at the park, and I recommend it, though it is primitive. No water is available. Fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets are the only amenities. Star gazing in this area is excellent, as there is little light pollution.

Looking into Goosenecks from Muley Point

Getting There

From Bluff, UT, travel west on US-163 about 16 miles to its junction with UT-261. If coming from Mexican Hat, this junction is about 4 miles east of Mexican Hat on US-163.

After 0.9 miles, turn left at the well signed junction to Goosenecks. The Goosenecks proper are 3.5 miles at the end of the road.

Sunrise over the Goosenecks from Muley Point

Route

The meanders are caused by forces millions of years go pushing up from below and raising the surrounding area with water, wind, frost and the San Juan River slowly creating the deeply incised meanders. Because of the upward forces, the erosion was focused downward and created the deep San Juan River channel.

Aside from wandering along the edge, there isn't much else to see in the park proper, though countless hiking opportunities abound nearby on Cedar Mesa proper.