Goosenecks State Park

About Goosenecks State Park

Visitors can experience deep solitude by peering out of a mud - a deep-rooted meander - more than 1,000 feet into the loaded San Juan River, as well as the steep cliffs above.

Millions of years ago, the land around Goosenecks State Park was much flatter, but then came a period of upswing. Since then, the river has taken on a steep course, increasing erosion, and now it flows through the park and flows more than five miles into the San Juan River and its tributaries.

Experience the river as you wriggle back and forth and contemplate the beauty of the steep cliffs above and the deep-rooted meanders below as you flow for more than five miles, observing the rich history and diversity of this beautiful part of Colorado's Rocky Mountain landscape.

Goosenecks State Park is largely undeveloped, but eroded by water, wind, frost and gravity, it really is a great vantage point.

If you want to camp here, be prepared to bring water, food and other necessary equipment. At the edge of the cliffs are primitive campsites with picnic tables, and there are arched barns for camping, a number of small cabins and a few picnic spots.

Lucky travelers can catch kayaks and rafts to swim in the San Juan River, but there are no developed campsites, so camping is not allowed. Goosenecks State Park is an extremely primitive bed, and there is hardly any shade. Please note that it can be very hot in the summer months in this area, with temperatures of up to 32 degrees Celsius.