Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park is located near Mexican Hat, Utah along the San Juan River. The park offers stunning vistas of the San Juan Goosenecks. What is a gooseneck you ask? According to the Utah Geological Survey, “goosenecks” is a term used for “sinuous canyons and valleys that resemble the curved neck of a goose.” Aside from the stellar river views, Goosenecks State Park doesn’t offer many amenities and is essentially just a large overlook.

The viewpoint from the state park rests about 1,000 feet above the San Juan River. The goosenecks here are considered by geologists to be one of the finest examples of “entrenched meanders” anywhere. Several million years ago the San Juan would have meandered across the landscape which was then a flat plain. The Colorado Plateau was then slowly uplifted and the San Juan became entrenched, cutting down and following its original pattern.

The entrance fee to Goosenecks State Park is $5. A small picnic area and vault toilet are available, as well as a handful of campsites.