The mesmerizing cliffs of Horseshoe Bend, Arizona, are gorgeous, but can get pretty busy. To avoid the crowds but get a similarly breathtaking view, you can instead head to Goosenecks State Park along Utah’s southern border. Situated about 350 miles south of Salt Lake City, near the town of Bluff, Goosenecks State Park wows visitors with an otherworldly landscape of dramatic cliffs and powerful water.
Once part of an ancient seabed, the 300-million-year-old rock formations at Goosenecks are composed of sandstone, shale, limestone, and siltstone. Between 15 and 20 million years ago, the San Juan River began carving its way through the desert landscape, creating S-shaped bends that resemble the curve of a goose’s neck. The bends are so extreme that 5 miles of the winding San Juan river are folded into one linear mile. Over time, the powerful waters cut deeper and deeper into the land until the San Juan River became entrenched 1,000 feet below the red cliffs. Today, visitors can admire this geological wonder from a vista point overlooking the winding river and impressive gorge. Although often added as an afterthought to a Monument Valley road trip or even as a rest stop on the way further north, this tiny Utah state park definitely deserves a visit.
Camp beneath the night sky at Goosenecks State Park
Covering only 10 acres, Goosenecks State Park doesn’t entice visitors with recreational opportunities like Utah’s larger preserves, such as the little-known Antelope Island State Park full of wildlife, beaches, and hiking trails. You won’t find designated hiking paths, a visitor’s center, access to the river, or even drinking water. However, the incredible views are reason enough to journey here.
The best way to experience Goosenecks State Park is by staying overnight at one of the eight campsites. Experience the night sky in all its glory and watch the sunrise illuminate the cliffs, highlighting every shade of orange, red, and pink. Nestled on the rim of the canyon, the primitive sites feature picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings — although you will have to bring your own firewood. The sites are open to tents, RVs, and campers, but beware that they don’t have showers, electricity hookups, or dump stations. All sites are first come, first serve, and you pay for your stay via a self-service tube.
Despite the lack of amenities, visitors love Goosenecks State Park. As one camper shared on Tripadvisor, “We were in an RV for six weeks driving around the U.S., and this is by far our favorite campground.” One night is enough to experience the park’s otherworldly beauty, and then you’ll be ready to continue your road trip through the Southwest’s most iconic red rock valleys.
Make the most of your road trip to Goosenecks State Park
