National park · United States
Goosenecks State Park
Visit Goosenecks State Park: drive to the overlook (free), spend 1–2 h on the short river-view trail, bring water and sun protection; avoid summer heat (June‑August).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
approximate
Established
1971
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 15Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- Southwest ↗Most national parks here charge an entrance fee per vehicle; the nationwide annual pass pays off at three or more parks — check current prices.
- Southwest ↗Alcohol is banned on the Navajo Nation and in many pueblos; some Utah restaurants do not serve alcohol or coffee.
- Utah ↗Legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, lower than any other US state; liquor is sold in state-run stores only.
- Utah ↗Some shops and restaurants close on Sunday in smaller towns; national-park services run daily.
- Utah ↗Carry at least 1 gallon (about 4 L) of water per person per day in the desert; summer heat in the south exceeds 38 °C.
- Canyon Country ↗Most visitors buy the America the Beautiful annual pass (2026 estimate US$80) instead of paying per-vehicle fees at each park; check current prices.
- Canyon Country ↗Arches and Zion have used timed-entry or shuttle systems in peak season; check the park site for your dates before you commit to a day.
- Canyon Country ↗Carry more water than you think you need; services between towns are thin and summer heat is the main hazard.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
- The park covers about 0.5 km² of desert plateau; facilities are limited to an overlook, parking, vault toilets and primitive campsites (check).
- Established
- 1971
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- Not needed
Goosenecks State Park protects a striking stretch of the San Juan River where the water has cut deep entrenched meanders into uplifted sandstone, offering dramatic viewpoint scenery with minimal development.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1971.
Size and age
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²) · national park since 1971
The park covers about 0.5 km² of desert plateau; facilities are limited to an overlook, parking, vault toilets and primitive campsites (check).
Why go
- View the dramatic entrenched meanders of the San Juan River.
- Remote desert scenery with few visitors.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold nights, quiet.
- FebCold, still quiet.
- MarMild, less heat.
- AprWarm, low crowds.
- MayWarm, before summer heat.
- JunVery hot, little shade.
- JulPeak heat, high sun.
- AugHot, windy.
- SepCooling, pleasant.
- OctMild, good lighting.
- NovCool, quiet.
- DecCold, few visitors.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert birds (e.g., red‑tailed hawk, canyon wren)Mar–Oct | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Moab, UT
Drive north on US‑191 → US‑163 → UT‑162 to the park turnoff.
1–1.5 h
Open the page →
From Canyonlands National Park
Take US‑191 north to the park road, then follow signs to the overlook.
30 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Overlook area | Scenic viewpoint, short trail, picnic tables, vault toilets. | Free, vehicle parking available. |
Sketch map
- 1Goosenecks Overlook · Viewpoint≈37.175, -109.927Map ↗
- 2Park Parking Lot · Headquarters≈37.176, -109.928Map ↗
- 3Mexican Hat · Town≈37.160, -109.950Nearest service town with basic supplies, about 5 km (3.1 mi) north of the park.Nearest service town with basic supplies, about 3.1 mi (5 km) north of the park.Map ↗
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from official state‑park website; approximate for facilities.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | Free (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Park rules
- Pets
- Allowed on leash; must stay on roads and designated areas.
- Camping fires
- Only in designated fire rings; fire bans may apply in summer.
- Off‑road biking
- Not permitted; stay on paved roads.
Where to stay
In the park
Camping at Goosenecks
Primitive sites with vault toilets, no water.
Near the park
Moab town
Hotels, hostels, and campgrounds 30 km (19 mi) away.Hotels, hostels, and campgrounds 19 mi (30 km) away.
Safety
Heat and dehydration high
Steep drop‑offs medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Parking lot and short viewpoint trail are wheelchair‑accessible (rough surface).
- Longer backcountry routes are not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all trash; use refillable water containers.
- Stay on designated roads and campsites to protect fragile desert vegetation.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Goosenecks State Park?
Entry is free; no fee is charged at the gate (check).
What are the best hikes in Goosenecks State Park?
The short river‑view trail (≈1 km, easy) and the backcountry loop (≈5 km, moderate) are the main options.
When is the best time to visit Goosenecks State Park?
Spring (Mar‑May) and fall (Sep‑Oct) offer mild temperatures and clear views.
Can I camp in the park?
Yes, in designated primitive sites; bring all gear and follow fire rules.
Are there water or food facilities?
No; bring sufficient water and food, as there are only basic supplies at nearby Mexican Hat.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Goosenecks State Park
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