On the edge of a deep canyon above the sinuous river meander known as a gooseneck, this small park affords impressive views of one of the most striking examples of an entrenched river meander on the North American continent. The San Juan River twists and turns through the meander, flowing a distance of over six miles while advancing one and half miles west on its way to Lake Powell. Gaze at the results of 300 million years of geological activity, where the San Juan River winds and carves its way through the desert 1,000 feet below.
I had an appointment postponed for years with my great friend Clara. Since we finished college and she went to live in Utah, she invited me every year to visit her.
So this time I made the decision to take a few days off, I called her to let her know that we would finally see each other, I packed some clothes and traveled.
The meeting was no less than I expected: hugs, laughter and eternal conversations remembering times and updating our lives. I met her husband and her daughters, who are the living reflection of my remembered friend in her youth.
We talked for hours and she told me that we would go out to see some wonderful places that are close to the area where she lives. I was happy to see her and to finally take a well break after many years without a vacation.
On the third day of my arrival, we set out on a trip to Goosenecks State Park, a state park in the US state of Utah, overlooking a deep curve made by the course of the San Juan River. The park is located near the southern border of the state, a short distance from Mexican Hat, Utah.
I was surprised by the beauty of its landscapes with huge rock formations, naturally sculpted, with panoramic views and hiking trails. The views of the desert from the top of the canyon that is the result of 300 million years of geological activity are impressive.
I was in awe of so much natural beauty, the best view in the world. I know it's exaggerated, but the views are truly wonderful. It's scary to be up there without fences or any other protection system, but it's all worth it. It is a short walk to get there and everything you see there will remain in your memory forever
Clara and her family had planned for us to spend the day in this wonderful place. There is a picnic area, so we had a delicious barbecue, we laughed, we really shared and although there is a camping area, it was not part of the plan. We walked and took wonderful photos that every so often I look at with nostalgia, but happy to have known a great wonder of nature.
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