John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints
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Goosenecks State Park, Utah
Location
Goosenecks State Park is in southeastern Utah, near the town of Mexican Hat.
From Mexican Hat, take US163 northeast (towards Bluff). After about three miles, turn left (north) onto Utah State Highway 261. Very shortly, turn left (west) onto Utah State Highway 316 which terminates after about four miles at the park's car parking area. All these roads are paved. The route to the park from US163 is clearly signposted and very easy to follow. The overlook is immediately adjacent to the parking area.
Goosenecks State Park is located on the north side of the San Juan River.
This park should not be confused with the Goosenecks Overlook in Capitol Reef National Park or with the Gooseneck visible from Dead Horse Point State Park.
Description
The park provides a wonderfully situated overlook of the goosenecks of the San Juan River. The river runs through a deep, arid canyon a thousand feet below the overlook. It very nearly doubles back on itself not just once but several times - hence the name goosenecks. To have so many turns so close together in such a deep canyon is unique and a truly amazing sight.
Entrance Fees
In the summer of 1999 there was no entrance fee for this park.
Similar Areas
- The Goosenecks Overlook in Capitol Reef National Park.
- The Gooseneck of the Colorado River visible from Dead Horse Point State Park.
- Judging by the map, the Green River to the north of Canyonlands National Park and within the park itself has similar gooseneck canyons but there are no roads anywhere nearby and the canyons may not be so deep.
- Goosenecks are thought to be the seeding grounds for natural bridges. The natural bridges at Natural Bridges National Monument are thought to have been created from goosenecks, which eventually were eroded through by the river to make holes, through which the river then flowed (rather than through the lengthier previous route). The holes were then enlarged by erosion to form the bridges. However, the goosenecks at Goosenecks State Park are very far from this stage.
Some Ideas for Places to Stay
In the Area
Utah
Amusing, Interesting And Mysterious Place Names
Colorado Plateau
Desert Southwest
Four Corners
Grand Circle
State Parks
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As with all the other pages on this personal web site, all the information on this page is solely the opinion of the author, who has no connection whatsoever with any of the companies and organisations mentioned other than as an actual or potential customer.
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Most recently modified 3-Sep-02