Goosenecks State Park

If you’re in the area, make time for a photo stop at Goosenecks State Park, near Mexican Hat. Similar to Horseshoe Bend but with multiple loops, this overlook showcases the winding turns of the San Juan River. Although it can be visited in just a few minutes, there’s also ample parking and a picnic shelter onsite, for those looking to enjoy the locations longer.

In February 2025, we visited Goosenecks State Park in Southeastern Utah, near Mexican Hat, Utah. The natural scenery at Goosenecks is amazing, as the San Juan River has cut a meandering path through the limestone rock for a geologic quantity of time. In February, the temperature at Goosenecks was in the pleasant 70s, and it was not too crowded. Utah is full of amazing scenery and natural wonders, and Goosenecks State Park is yet another example of the rugged and magnificient Utah natural scenery.

5 bucks for entry, but you can also. Camp here for that. No hookups, pit toilets and I don't think there is water. Next time I will stay at this scenic spot. Easy access for any size rv or trailer. Would be a good spot to drive moki dugway and the dirt valley of the gods road with NO TRAILER in tow. I did that route in about 2.5 hours with plenty of photo stops.

Beautiful desert scenery. The river bends are a great sight from above. It’s first come first serve. Max stay is two nights. You can either pay online or pay cash at kiosk. Vaulted toilets were clean & sites were clean as well. Nights are quiet (too quiet 😊). Were hoping to have dark skies, but had a new moon. Very well kept park. Once in a lifetime visit for us. Highly recommend at least as a short stop.

A nice lunch spot if you are in the area. There is also camping but I haven't stayed here so cant speak to that. It is hot in summer but a quick spot for a break if you are in the area. We always use as a break in driving but wouldn't drive out of the way to see.

A short drive off HY163 and only $5 entry per car this location offers one attraction, the bends of the San Juan river. But what a sight, absolutely breathtaking. A 1000 foot deep gorge with a river snaking through three bends immediately below you, more bends than the much more famous Horse Shoe Bend 150 miles east. Admittedly Horse Shoe Bend has a deep green river and red rocks whereas this is less colourful, but maybe more dramatic with the drop, dark rock and spectacular river bends.

A very small park but it is packed with stunning views. A good stop for picnic from Monument Valley. Cost only 5 USD to enter. Not very far from a major hwy. It has primitive toilets, picnic areas and camping sites.

This is better than Horseshoe Bend. It’s several bends in one view. Fabulous, and like a $5 entry with almost no one there. An undiscovered jewel. Loads of space for camping and RVs. Very peaceful and even has WiFi. Thanks Elon

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! We stopped here for an emergency bathroom break and wow was I unprepared for the AMAZING landscape! This has been my favorite thing I have seen so far on my roadtrip! This was the best $5 I have ever spent! It was so unexpected which, I think, made it just that much better!

Goosenecks State Park is located on your way to Valley of the Gods and also north of Mexican Hat. This state park is open 7 days a week and cost $5 per car (for 8 people) and $10 per night to camp. With this state park, many millions of years ago, it was actually flat. But the San Juan River eventually made its way through here. The water cut through the stone giving the beautiful landscape that you see now. This state park is dog friendly (dogs must be leashed) and offers just beautiful birds eye views of the San Juan River. You can walk down to get a closer look, down a rocky and narrow path that is pretty short and a little challenging to get through but you don't have to climb down to enjoy the views. Please note that there is one restroom here but does not have a sink or soap (consider bringing sanitizer or hand soap with a bottle of water to wash up). Depending on when you come, it can be a bit windy here and also there is no shade so dress accordingly. When I came here with my husband and our little girl dog, (a Tuesday late afternoon around 5 pm), it was empty and we had this place all to ourselves during our visit. Beautiful place and do not think this state park is as popular as some of the others. Worth a visit.

Hmmm...wow, Goosenecks State Park with only 28 reviews. That's surprising. Southeastern Utah near the 4 Corners area is a pretty popular tourist spot with lots of attractions. I'm surprised this place only has 28 reviews. I feel it deserves more publicity. Regardless.....well, actually.....all Goosenecks State Park is.....is an overlook. Yet still, it's not difficult to get to and the surrounding scenery is quite picturesque. Although I wasn't totally overwhelmed by the moment of seeing the twisting and turning sand-stoned formations and cliffs....it's still worthwhile to witness what this place is all about. I'd actually very much compare Goosenecks to just a little ways down the road in Arizona at Horseshoe Bend. I found both overlooks to be very similar. Yet....Horseshoe Bend gets so much more recognition and is known as one of the most photographed spots in the United States. The much better aspect about Goosenecks SP is that when I arrived here in the morning around 9am....this overlook was void of people. There was no one here. I had the place to myself. How great! Because...at Horseshoe Bend....I was bombarded by other crazy tourists and visitors interrupting all my photography. How annoying. Ah, but yes. Here at Goosenecks I took my sweet ole time taking ideal pictures, without being in a rush, without being disturbed by anyone. What a much more pleasant experience it was to be here as compared to Horseshoe Bend. It's $5 entry to get into the park. No problem. I'm not even sure why they call it a park, or even a State Park....it's simply an overlook. My one difficult issue I had with Goosenecks and it was the same at Horseshoe Bend....is that it's very hard to put yourself into photographs while maintaining perspective of how small you are and how massively epic the background behind you is. Because,when you try to place yourself in the pics...there's not much ledge you have to work with. So,...you sort of need your photographer to lean over and snap the pic from a higher aspect to a lower. Well...it's just hard to explain. Basically, for all my pictures....(and I was using a selfie-stick with a tri-pod stand) I had to sit down and or squat to help make me appear smaller than the Goosenecks while not ruining how beautiful the surroundings appeared. Lol, yes I'm very picky about picture taking. There is a main spot and area for the overlook but here there's a guarded ledge and....who wants a railing or guard appearing in your pics? That's why I moved away from the central viewing area of the overlook and walked down a ways to find my own little niche with enough drop-off to showcase how majestic the Gooseneck carvings appeared. It's wondrous how nature creates formations like these. When I did visit in the morning, I didn't have issues with the sun. I was able to photograph with the direction of the sun and my pictures didn't cast shadows which I was grateful for. I spent a simple 45 minutes to an 1 hour here soaking up the scene and taking in the tranquil atmosphere. Overall, Goosenecks had what appeared to be a never ending row of sandstone carvings literally aligned row after row after row. I had plenty of chances to capture the feel of this place because of the multiple "gooseneck" rows (yes, this area is appropriately coined). Though, all photos I captured were all very similar looking to each other. Meanwhile, Horseshoe Bend just has one main centerpiece overlook. And everyone crowds into Horseshoe Bend...it was quite uncomfortable for someone like myself who wants their space to be there picture taking with so many folks around. Finally, I don't understand why Goosenecks is so under the radar because....right nearby here is wonderful Valley of the Gods, Moki Dugway and Muley Point, Natural Bridges National Monument, even 4 Corners Monument going southeast and Monument Valley going southwest. Since it's absolutely no hassle to visit Goosenecks SP, I'd certainly recommend stopping on by for a little bit. And it's a terrific area to stop and have a picnic or lunch.

Nice little side tour on our way to Monument Valley. Beautiful views and picnic areas.

Gorgeous out here. Entrance fee gives you access to this large area with lots of campers around the rim. It gets hot out here. Cool to see the kayakers down.

Easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I'd come here over Horseshoe Bend any day of the week/month/year. It's situated very close to Mexican Hat Rock, but this natural marvel is truly a MUST see if you're driving anywhere near Monument Valley. Some of the people in our inn said that they were able to get into the river on tubes, and I was SO jealous! The next time I come, I'm definitely bringing the water gear to check that off of my bucket list.

Simply breathtaking!! True geological feat with very easy access from the main road and 20 minutes from Monument Valley. Not to be missed!

Had a fabulous stay !! Marie in the ranger shack is so sweet and nice to talk to . Beautiful sights !

Beautiful though nothing comparable to the Horseshoe. Very peaceful and surprisingly, not a lot of traffic so that's always nice. The river is a lot narrower than I had imagine but at least it's there. Overall, it was a good morning stop (and bathroom break) before heading south.

If you're headed to Valley of the Gods this is a great stop. Great views of our mighty canyon and Colorado River.

Great views and a nice stop for lunch as we drove from Moab to Monument Vally. The park is small but the views are spectacular!

ONE OF THE MOST DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE VIEWPOINTS IN AMERICA. Goosenecks State Park is located in between Monument Valley (to the south) and Natural Bridges National Monument (to the north). Goosenecks State Park is very close to Mexican Hat. I first learned of Goosenecks from a photography book by Bruce Barnbaum. Mr. Barnbaum's book is called "Visual Symphony." In addition to containing a photo of Goosenecks State Park, the book also has an amazingly majestic photograph from Fisher Towers, which is located near Moab, Utah. Although Fisher Towers is awesome and other-worldly, and although it is easy to get to by road, it is not often frequented because it has not been given the status of a state park. Goosenecks State Park has just one extended viewpoint of several huge river bends, flowing in a deep canyon with a series of stepped cliffs and terraces. Access to the bottom of the canyon can be had by nearby Honaker Trail. From what I read, this trail is five miles round trip, and can easily be hiked by children. From posted pictures of this trail, it is apparent that the trail provides a close-up view of the striated walls of the canyon. My own photographs, which are posted here on YELP, were taken from the overlook that is next to the modest-sized parking area of Goosenecks State Park.

In a word: AMAZING. This park stealthily inhabits the otherworldly area of the UT/AZ area near Monument Valley. Why does Goosenecks live a covert life? Well, it is right near Monument Valley, arguably one of the most beautiful natural areas on this planet. Secondly, it is a bit off the beaten path. Lastly, Goosenecks loses a lot of press to that other river-cut formation (perhaps you've heard of the Grand Canyon). Personally, I don't think Grand Canyon has anything on Goosenecks. It may be smaller, but when you come to this park and look over the edge at the serpentine and gargantuan gooseneck canyon. It truly is breathtaking. The landscape here is otherworldly (I've had friends ask if I Photoshopped myself in the photos of myself above her majesty). And then there's the name. With a name as apt as Goosenecks, you kind of get an idea of what you will be looking at, but you are never prepared until you actually see it with your own eyes. Photos don't do her justice. You have to take a side trip up to this park if you are in the area.

A portal between our world and the underworld. The River Styx (San Juan river) snakes its way through the beautiful campground which sits upon the precipice. Sunrise and sunset are amazing. The alien contours of the river and its banks are unreal. Coupled with the fact that this is a little known campsite and not frequently crowded (at least when I was there) makes it a destination of its own. Well situated close to Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Natural Bridges, and eastern Glen Canyon/ Lake Powell, it is an ideal location to camp after a day of hiking and sightseeing. Plus it's free. 5 enthusiastic stars.

Goosenecks is one of the most spectacular state parks in the United States. It's an amazing sight, the result of millennia of erosion and tectonic uplift. The San Juan River winds down below through the weathered rock. One gets a breathtaking view of the geology of the Colorado Plateau. The air is fresh, and when one sees the ancient basement rocks of Laurentia, one can't help but think of Lawrence of Arabia's "because it's clean." The desert purity is excellent for cleansing the mind. It is a place of contemplation. Goosenecks is conveniently located not far from Natural Bridges and Monument Valley, and it's to be valued in itself. A perfect destination in the Four Corners region.

Look Close at my pictures..... there are small white RV specs along the cliff edge.... yep that is us! Amazing cliff side camping high above the San Juan River. Not for those who dislike heights or with small children or animals that might go too close to the edge. Can be windy.... but that view is worth it! $10 per night dispersed camping in 2016.

It seems a bit much to pay $5 to get in, maybe if you're camping that's fine, but we needed to make an early start and thought it would be nice to have breakfast with a nice view. It's a beautiful spot with some restrooms. The lookout quite close to the entrance gate so you can literally park before the gate and walk right in. When we arrived there was no one in the booth so it way pay $5 in an envelope. We didn't pay the whole $5 because we didn't have the cash on us...totally worth a quick stop for $2 though!

Well worth the stop if you are passing by! We stayed a night here as we were passing through and the sunset/rise were unbelievable! The facilities are clean, and the camping spots are a good amount of distance from each other. We felt like we were out there alone.

What an incredible view! We have been to Monument Valley many times but just found this park. It is totally a great side trip from Monument Valley.

Every time we drive up to Moab we take the detour to the Goosenecks! I LOVE looking down at that the view. I always look down just to see if I can see anyone boating down in the river. Great place to visit!

Everyone should see this overlook. My husband and I rafted through here about 3 years ago. Absolutely, amazing. Wonderful, local, knowledgeable guide. Cliff Dwellings, petroglyphs and tons of wildlife. Plus an amazing lunch provided by the rafting company. Doesn't get better than that.

A great place to stop while traveling through the Four Corners area. There isn't a lot here except scenery. But there is a LOT of that. It can be breezy. Forgo the campsites and drive way out on the point. It's a great place to camp if you are headed to Monument Valley, as the camping near MV leaves something to be desired.

A little out of the way, however Goosenecks Park is a MUST see. You will not be disappointed. After all you have come so far...

One of the most amazing experiences ever! The free range cattle, the rocks that look like they were placed there as decoration on purpose, the ancient indian carvings, wow! A must see!

Sunset is the most beautiful time to come here. It's about $10 a night for camping, and you can camp anywhere by the northeast part of the park. It's $5 to visit. But I think camping here is great - it's safe, it's secluded enough, and the evening views are magnificent. Then, as the sun begins to sit and the evening starts to come, the canyons turn from red and orange to a beautiful purple-blue. This part of Utah is very flat, so you can see for miles and miles, all of this gorgeous color. It's hard to see or find anywhere else or during any other time. It's for sure a favorite of mine, this tiny, little state park, but it really is something.

Off the beaten track and no facilities (for the city dweller types) but what a view. If you are passing through (e.g. just came down Moki Dugway or circled Mexican Hat) you owe it yourself to take a peek. One understands why Horseshoe Bend attracts more visitors but then Goosenecks is the best little secret for those who truly want the utmost in spectacular views. A 17 mm wide angle lens cannot capture the scene in a single shot so if you are into panorama stitching (you should be if you are visiting these parts of Arizona and Utah) keep a tripod handy because you will need several frames to encapsulate the entire viewing experience - memorable and unforgettable.

Goosenecks S. P. was a wonderful surprise to see. A beautiful, quiet, serene place. I had read about it and wanted to stop and see it. We ended up spending the night there. After covering most of the southwest must-sees, this was up there with Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. I hope it never gets too popular, it's perfect the way it is. No crowds is a good thing. And we all know yelp will keep it quiet.

You'll be amazed by the geological effects from water and erosion. Just go and look. It will make you happy. One of the best views you will have anywhere really.

This place is beautiful. You can see how the river has cut through the rock and carved this unique place. The view from this high up gives a great view of the surrounding landscape. This is American landscape at it's best.

I dont know where to start. Camping on the rim. The stars. The sunsets. The sunrises. The Views. Location The stars are as spectacular as the river view below. I only saw 10 shooting stars. A great place to use as a base camp and head to Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods The fine print time. No running water. The road around the rim is a little rough. The wind does kick up. There is 3 or 4 private camping spots, I would say a 1/2 mile or so from the pits, be prepared.

Easy side visit off the highway. Spend 15 minutes here that you will never forget. You can't hike here, just look down and wonder. Definitely worth it, don't skip it. If this was in New York, it would be world famous. Here in Utah, just another "wow, amazing" moment.

LOVE this park, incredible view - nothing else like it! They did start monitoring it, meaning there is now a small admission fee - but also means the restrooms were better than we expected. Spent about 30 minutes there. Gorgeous place, got some great photos - well worth a stop if you're in the area!

On a trip to Moab this is a must see , short drive off the 163 but well worth it , were doing a 6 national park and 7 state park s tour in Colorado, Utah and Arizona and this is the perfect start , now off to Arches

An amazing place, the best example of entrenched meanders in the world. And you can have it all to yourself, because it is generally off the tourist radar. But it is only a few miles off the main road, and no, you do not have to go on a dirt road to get there.

There are very few places where you can get a campsites with views like this. Campsites/picnic sites are literally at the same spots where you take the best canyon photos. Not one of the more well known parks, so it was not crowded. Unless you are in a 4wd or other high clearance vehicle do not try to drive to the end of the Mesa. It's a lot easier to just walk to the end.