Goosenecks State Park, State park in San Juan County, United States.
The San Juan River has carved deep canyons with three tight meanders, creating entrenched loops that drop 305 meters below the viewpoint.
The meanders formed 300 million years ago when the Colorado Plateau experienced uplift, forcing the river to cut deeper while maintaining its winding path.
The park received International Dark Sky designation in March 2021, recognizing its commitment to preserving natural darkness for astronomical observation.
Visitors can access the park through Utah Route 261 north of Mexican Hat, with an entrance fee of 5 dollars per vehicle.
The river travels more than 9 kilometers through the meandering bends while advancing only 2 kilometers in linear distance.
Location: San Juan County
Inception: 1962
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goosenecks/
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goosenecks
GPS coordinates: 37.17472,-109.92694
Latest update: May 11, 2025 21:29
The Southwestern US features sandstone formations, desert landscapes and historic sites. The region displays national parks with colored canyons, ancient pueblo settlements in cliffs, volcanic terrains and natural bridges. Notable elements include Navajo trading posts, petrified forests and prehistoric petroglyphs.
Utah combines natural formations and archaeological sites. The region displays cave paintings, petroglyphs and Pueblo culture remains. The landscape includes salt lakes, sandstone rocks, waterfalls and thermal springs. The area offers hiking trails to remote canyons and geological formations.
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