Goosenecks State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goosenecks State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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Aerial view of the Goosenecks
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 Goosenecks State Park
Location in Utah
Goosenecks State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | San Juan, Utah, United States |
| Area | 10 acres (4.0 ha) |
| Elevation | 4,500 ft (1,400 m) |
| Established | 1962 |
| Visitors | 63778 (in 2011) |
| Operator | Utah State Parks |
Goosenecks State Park is a special state park located in Utah, United States. It offers amazing views of the San Juan River, which has carved deep, winding turns into the landscape. This park is found near the southern border of Utah, not far from Mexican Hat, Utah. It's a fantastic place to see how powerful nature can be over millions of years!
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Discover Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park is famous for its unique river bends, called meanders. Imagine a river flowing like a snake, making big loops and curves. These are meanders! At Goosenecks, these loops are very deep, cut into the rock. They are known as incised meanders.
How the Goosenecks Were Formed
Millions of years ago, a slow uplift of the land, called the Monument Upwarp, pushed the ground upwards. As the land rose, the San Juan River kept flowing in its original path. Over time, the river carved its way deeper and deeper into the rock. This created the amazing, winding canyons you see today.
The river has cut down over 1,000 feet (300 m) into the landscape. Wind, water, frost, and gravity have also helped shape these incredible rock formations. It's a perfect spot to observe how geological forces work over vast periods of time.
Visiting Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park is mostly undeveloped, which means it feels very natural and wild. It's a great place for a quiet visit.
Camping and Facilities
The park has simple campsites available. These sites are set back from the cliff edge and include picnic tables. There are also vault toilets for visitors to use. If you plan to camp, remember to bring your own water, food, and all other supplies you might need. There are no stores or restaurants inside the park.
Trails and Exploration
There are no official hiking trails within Goosenecks State Park itself. However, a few miles to the northwest, you can find the Honaker Trail. This trail offers a way to hike down to the San Juan River if you're looking for more adventure.
