Goosenecks State Park
Mexican Hat, UT
An overlook above a series of tight meanders where the San Juan River has cut 300 m into the rock. It is a short paved drive off Utah 261; a small day fee is paid at a self-service kiosk.
Goosenecks State Park in southern Utah covers only about 10 acres (4 hectares), yet it offers one of the most impressive views of the meanders of the San Juan River. As the Monument Upwarp rose, the river cut its tight loops deep into the rock, now more than 1,000 ft (300 m) down. Monument Valley can be seen in the distance. The park has existed since 1962 and was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021.
There is no designated hiking trail in the park; you stand at the canyon rim and look down. Thirty to 60 minutes is enough for the view and photos, and on a clear night the stars are worth staying for. The park is open year-round and has a few basic campsites along the rim with picnic tables and vault toilets, but no water, so bring water and food. Summers are very hot; spring and fall are more pleasant. Keep well back from the edge.
- Nearest town
- Mexican Hat, UT
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.1747, -109.9269
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
© Mobilus In Mobili · CC BY-SA 2.0Southeast Utah: Needles, Valley of the Gods and Moki Dugway
© Daniel Olah danesduet10 · CC0Red walls, starry skies – the great canyon tour through the Southwest
© Outdoor Craziness · CC BY-SA 3.0Mesas, bridges and buttes: by camper through Bears Ears and Monument Valley
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Monument Valley KOAMotorhome stopover17 mi from Goosenecks State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- The view campgroundCampsite17 mi from Goosenecks State Park
- Monument Valley CampgroundMotorhome stopover17 mi from Goosenecks State ParkMotorhomes
- Goulding's RV Park & CampgroundsCampsite20 mi from Goosenecks State ParkTents
- Coral Sands RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from Goosenecks State ParkMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Cottonwood RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from Goosenecks State Park · 22 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
All campsites in Utah · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Goosenecks State Park?
Goosenecks State Park is in Mexican Hat, UT, at GPS 37.1747, -109.9269. It is about 22 mi from Bluff.
Can you camp near Goosenecks State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Goosenecks State Park Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Goosenecks State Park?
Goosenecks State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southeast Utah: Needles, Valley of the Gods and Moki Dugway, Red walls, starry skies – the great canyon tour through the Southwest and Mesas, bridges and buttes: by camper through Bears Ears and Monument Valley.
What is there to see near Goosenecks State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Valley of the Gods (7 mi), Moki Dugway (7 mi), Monument Valley (15 mi) and Natural Bridges National Monument (30 mi).
When is the best time to visit Goosenecks State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)