Great Goosenecks of the San Juan River, Utah
[photo: Betty Crowell]
This used postcard with an aerial photograph by Betty Crowell of Goosenecks State Park, Utah was sent by friends in 1995. Beautyway of Flagstaff, Arizona produced the card with cooperative publisher Museums, Parks, and Travel organizations. The blurb at the upper left on the reverse says: “One of the most impressive geologic features to be viewed in North America is the Great Goosenecks of the San Juan River. Here the ancient river meander became an entrenched 1,000 foot deep canyon flowing more than 6 miles back and forth while advancing only 1.5 miles westward. Monument Valley is evident in the background.”
Goosenecks State Park is located not far from Mexican Hat, Utah. Millions of years ago in this area of Utah the landscape slowly rose in elevation. This rise in elevation is known as the Monument Upwarp and it forced the river to carve incised meanders. Erosion by water, wind, frost, and gravity, has resulted in canyon depths of 1,000 ft or 300 m. Goosenecks Park is mostly undeveloped with primitive campsites, a few picnic tables, and back country toilets, but no developed hiking trails. A few miles to the northwest is the Honker Trail that provides access to the San Juan River. Campers have to bring their own water, food, and other gear.
For additional information, see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goosenecks_State_Park
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