Goosenecks State Park

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Goosenecks State Park
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
GooseneckMeandersUtahAerial1.jpg
Aerial view of the Goosenecks
Map showing the location of Goosenecks State Park
Map showing the location of Goosenecks State Park
Location of Goosenecks State Park in Utah
LocationSan Juan, Utah, United States
Coordinates37°10′29″N 109°55′37″W / 37.17472°N 109.92694°W / 37.17472; -109.92694Coordinates: 37°10′29″N 109°55′37″W / 37.17472°N 109.92694°W / 37.17472; -109.92694
Area10 acres (4.0 ha)[1]
Elevation4,500 ft (1,400 m)[2]
Established1962
Visitors63778 (in 2011)[3]
OperatorUtah State Parks

Goosenecks State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Utah, overlooking a deep meander of the San Juan River. The park is located near the southern border of the state a short distance from Mexican Hat, Utah.[1] Millions of years ago, the forced the river to carve incised meanders over 1,000 feet (300 m) deep as the surrounding landscape slowly rose in elevation. Eroded by water, wind, frost, and gravity, this is a classic location for observing incised meanders.

Goosenecks State Park is largely undeveloped. Primitive campsites with picnic tables are scattered back from the edge of the cliff, and vault toilets are available. Campers are advised to bring their own water, food, and other necessary gear.

The park received International Dark Sky Park designation by The International Dark-Sky Association in March, 2021.[4] Night photography and stargazing are popular activities because there is little light pollution due to its remoteness.[5]

There are no developed hiking trails in the park,[6] but the Honaker Trail, a few miles to the northwest, provides access to the San Juan River.[7]

Panoramic view from overlook

References[]

  1. ^ a b Utah.com. "Goosenecks State Park". Utah.com LC. Retrieved 2011-02-05.
  2. ^ "Goosenecks State Park: About the Park". Utah State Parks. Archived from the original on 2011-03-16. Retrieved 2011-02-05.
  3. ^ "Utah State Park 2011 Visitation" (PDF). Utah State Parks Planning. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
  4. ^ March 25, on; 2021 (2021-03-25). "IDA has awarded International Dark Sky Park Designations to Fremont Indian and Goosenecks State Parks". International Dark-Sky Association. Retrieved 2021-11-02.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ "Goosenecks State Park [Activities, Info & More]". www.visitutah.com. Retrieved 2021-11-02.
  6. ^ Crossley, John. "Goosenecks State Park". Americansouthwest.net. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
  7. ^ Hopkins, Ralph Lee (2002). Hiking the Southwest's Geology: Four Corners Region. The Mountaineers Books. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-89886-856-2.

External links[]

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