Goosenecks State Park

Opening to the public in 1962, Goosenecks State Park offers some incredible riverside views in addition to the myriad rock formations available for exploration here. While no official hiking trails exist in part, there are several miles of "free range" exploration areas. 

These areas offer some genuinely magnificent rock formations that have been slowly cut into the surrounding landscape by the San Juan River that flows out of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Visitors are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of extreme heat, as the temperature in Goosenecks State Park can shift both quickly and dramatically. 

If you are planning on bringing along your canine companion, make sure you have checked the weather and prepared accordingly. All dogs visiting the park with their owners must be on a 6-foot leash or shorter. Visitors bringing dogs are encouraged to bring all items necessary to clean up any messes their canines might leave behind. 

The Goosenecks State Park is also full of local Native history, with several guided tours offering an extensive education regarding the tribes that once populated the area. The river canyon walls are littered with both petroglyphs and pictographs spanning thousands of years of inhabitance. 

If you are looking to enjoy one of these tours, more information can be found on either the Utah State Park's website or within Goosenecks State Park's main offices. Canines are unfortunately not allowed on the walking tours, except for accepted service animals. 

Overnight guests have the option of staying in one of two campgrounds in Goosenecks State Park, either the San Juan River site or the Canyon Arch site. Either area offers a beautiful rocky backdrop to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

These sites are all stocked with full water and electrical hookups and are adjacent to free public washrooms and showers. A one-acre, fenced off dog walking area exists near the Canyon Arch site so that visitors can avoid leaving any messes around these public areas.