Goosenecks State Park
International Dark Sky Park · Mexican Hat, Utah
Ten acres of rim above one of the clearest entrenched meanders in North America: the San Juan River doubles back on itself in tight loops more than a thousand feet below, having cut down through bedrock as the Monument Upwarp rose beneath it over millions of years. The park is essentially an overlook, a few primitive campsites and a vault toilet at 4,500 feet. There are no developed hiking trails and no water. It was certified an International Dark Sky Park in March 2021.
Utah State Route 316, Mexican Hat, Utah, United States
A small Utah State Parks day-use fee applies, with the state parks annual pass accepted; primitive camping on the rim has picnic tables and vault toilets at a modest rate. ⚠ THERE IS NO WATER IN THE PARK — the park's own guidance is to bring your own water, food and gear, and there is no shade or shelter anywhere on its ten acres. ⚠ THERE ARE NO DEVELOPED HIKING TRAILS; the nearby Honaker Trail down to the river is unmaintained and strenuous and is not part of the park. ⚠ THE RIM IS UNFENCED ABOVE A DROP OF MORE THAN 1,000 FEET, with no barrier and no staff on site. Certified an International Dark Sky Park in March 2021 — check the moon phase if the night sky is why you are coming. Mexican Hat is the nearest settlement and it is small; fuel and supply before driving out.
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