“Goosenecks State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Utah, overlooking a deep meander of the San Juan River. The park is located near the southern border of the state a short distance from Mexican Hat, Utah. Millions of years ago, the Monument Upwarp forced the river to carve incised meanders over 1,000 feet (300 m) deep as the surrounding landscape slowly rose in elevation. Eroded by water, wind, frost, and gravity, this is a classic location for observing incised meanders.” ~~ Wikipedia, Goosenecks State Park
Here’s a few photos on Meandering Passage of deep meanders of the San Juan River. The park was an unexpected find and quite impressive.
There are rough campsites along the edge of the incised meanders which offered a breath-taking view but probably need a warning not to sleepwalk during the night.
The park itself is undeveloped, which for my taste was more a plus then a minus. Worth the drive if your are in the area of Mexican Hat, Utah.
Who needs Horseshoe Bend, right? That looks like a worthy substitute.
Each wonder of nature is unique so all in due time. We’ll probably come away from this years travels with a longer list of places we’d like to visit then we started with! This particular one was one of those we just happened upon. Sometimes those are the best! :-)
We “discovered” the Goosenecks last fall while staying in Monument Valley. One thing I’ve noticed in your images is a browner looking flow of water through the San Juan River. The water level must have been running a little higher. A tough place to photograph, in my opinion. Unless, of course, you’re above it. I have to say that I disagree with our friend Tom. I think Horseshoe Bend (on the Colorado in Page, AZ) is more impressive. But it’s also a lot busier!
Yes, the San Juan River was very muddy looking but it didn’t rain anywhere in the area for the week we were in Monument Valley — as far as I know. We came through Page, AZ, on Wednesday en-route to Leeds, UT. Page was crazy busy what with spring breaks and Easter weekend coming up. We’ll put Horseshoe Bend on that future places to visit. Like I told Tom above, that future visit list may grow to be longer then our original list. :-)
Impressive images and yes no sleep walking. I would need to have to watch out when I got up to use the relieve myself. :-) Yes, I noticed the muddy color of the river, also.
It was a sudden drop-off and then to notice that the rock you’re standing on is over-hanging….lol! I’d camp back away from the edge, myself. :-)