Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park
Utah State Park
Aerial view of the Goosenecks
Country  United States
State  Utah
County San Juan
Location Mexican Hat
 - elevation 4,500 ft (1,372 m) [1]
 - coordinates
Area 10 acres (4 ha) [2]
Founded 1962
Management Utah State Parks
Visitation 64,535 (2010) [3]
Location of Goosenecks State Park in Utah

Goosenecks State Park is a state park of Utah, USA, 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.[2] Millions of years ago, the Monument Upwarp 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.

There are no developed hiking trails in the park,[4] but the Honaker Trail, a few miles to the northwest, provides access to the San Juan River.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Goosenecks State Park: About the Park". Utah State Parks. http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goosenecks/about. Retrieved 2011-02-05. 
  2. ^ a b Utah.com. "Goosenecks State Park". Utah.com LC. http://www.utah.com/stateparks/goosenecks.htm. Retrieved 2011-02-05. 
  3. ^ "Utah State Park Visitation". Utah State Parks Planning. http://stateparks.utah.gov/about/visitation. Retrieved 2011-02-05. 
  4. ^ Crossley, John. "Goosenecks State Park". Americansouthwest.net. http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/mexican_hat/goosenecks_state_park.html. Retrieved 18 January 2010. 
  5. ^ Hopkins, Ralph Lee (2002). Hiking the Southwest's Geology: Four Corners Region. The Mountaineers Books. pp. 123. ISBN 9780898868562. http://books.google.com/books?id=d_mqypQ0YgAC&pg=PA123#v=onepage&q=&f=false. 

External links

Media related to [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Goosenecks_State_Park Goosenecks State Park] at Wikimedia Commons
Panoramic view from overlook