Green River UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Green River, Utah.
1. Goblin Valley State Park
OTHERWORLDLY ROCK FORMATIONS
Goblin Valley State Park features thousands of hoodoos, mushroom-shaped rock formations that create an otherworldly landscape. Visitors can explore the valley floor freely, wandering among the strange formations that resemble a goblin playground. The park offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and dark night skies perfect for stargazing.
2. John Wesley Powell River History Museum
PIONEERING RIVER EXPLORATION
The John Wesley Powell River History Museum showcases the history of early exploration on the Green and Colorado Rivers. The museum features creative displays about Powell and other early explorers who braved these waterways, telling the tale of their dangerous expeditions. It serves as both an educational center and a tribute to the adventurous spirit of frontier exploration.
3. Crystal Geyser
RARE COLD-WATER ERUPTION
Crystal Geyser is one of only fifteen cold-water geysers in the world, creating brilliant orange travertine terraces as its mineral-rich water flows into the Green River. The geyser erupts unpredictably, shooting water up to 130 feet in the air when active. Sunset visits are particularly recommended to witness the watery travertine glow in the fading light.
4. Green River State Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Green River State Park offers riverside camping, boating access, and a 9-hole golf course along the banks of the namesake river. The park serves as a popular launch point for river rafting expeditions heading into Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons. Visitors enjoy fishing, picnicking, and bird watching in this verdant oasis amid the desert landscape.
5. Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon Trail
SPECTACULAR SLOT CANYON
Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon Trail offers one of Utah's most accessible and spectacular slot canyon experiences near Green River. The trail features a moderate 8-mile loop that takes hikers through narrow passageways with smooth, undulating sandstone walls. This family-friendly adventure provides incredible photo opportunities and a firsthand experience with the region's unique geology.
6. Black Dragon Canyon Trail
ANCIENT ROCK ART
Black Dragon Canyon Trail leads visitors to impressive Barrier-style pictographs created by ancient indigenous peoples. The short hike follows a dry wash into a spectacular canyon within the San Rafael Swell. The centerpiece is the famous Black Dragon pictograph panel, which includes a distinctive figure resembling a dragon or winged creature.
7. Swasey's Beach
RIVERSIDE RELAXATION SPOT
Swasey's Beach offers a peaceful riverside retreat with sandy shores along the Green River. Visitors can swim, fish, or simply relax while enjoying views of the surrounding desert landscape. The beach also serves as a popular put-in or take-out point for river rafters exploring the Green River corridor.
8. Tamarisk Restaurant
RIVERSIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
The Tamarisk Restaurant offers diners spectacular views of the Green River while serving up American comfort food and regional specialties. Known for its hearty breakfasts and classic dinner options, the restaurant has been a fixture in the community for decades. The riverside patio provides a serene setting to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset over the water.
9. Melon Days Festival
SWEET LOCAL TRADITION
The annual Melon Days Festival has been a Green River tradition since 1906, celebrating the town's famous melons each September. The event features a parade with a giant melon float, food vendors, live music, and competitions like watermelon eating and seed-spitting contests. Visitors can sample and purchase the exceptionally sweet melons that thrive in Green River's unique climate.
10. San Rafael Swell
VAST WILDERNESS PLAYGROUND
The San Rafael Swell is a massive geological feature spanning nearly 2,000 square miles of public land filled with canyons, mesas, and unique rock formations. This outdoor playground offers countless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and off-road adventures. The area's remote nature provides visitors with a true wilderness experience just a short drive from Green River.
11. Ray's Tavern
LEGENDARY BURGER JOINT
Ray's Tavern is a beloved local institution famous for serving some of the best burgers in Utah to hungry travelers and river rafters. The walls are adorned with river maps and memorabilia, creating a unique atmosphere that celebrates the area's outdoor heritage. This unpretentious eatery has been satisfying customers for decades with its simple but delicious menu and cold beverages.
12. Spotted Wolf Canyon View Area
DRAMATIC CANYON OVERLOOK
The Spotted Wolf Canyon View Area provides dramatic vistas of one of the most spectacular canyons in the San Rafael Swell. Visitors can witness the engineering marvel of Interstate 70 as it winds through the narrow canyon below. The viewpoint offers interpretive displays about the area's geology and the challenging construction of the highway through this imposing landscape.
13. Sego Canyon Petroglyphs
ANCIENT ROCK ART GALLERY
Sego Canyon features remarkable rock art panels created by three distinct indigenous cultures spanning thousands of years. The site contains Barrier Canyon, Fremont, and Ute style petroglyphs and pictographs in close proximity to each other. These well-preserved artworks provide fascinating insights into the spiritual beliefs and daily lives of the ancient peoples who once inhabited this region.
14. Horseshoe Canyon
GREAT GALLERY TREASURES
Horseshoe Canyon, part of Canyonlands National Park, houses the renowned Great Gallery, one of the most significant rock art sites in North America. The life-sized anthropomorphic figures, some standing over 7 feet tall, were created approximately 2,000-4,000 years ago by the Barrier Canyon culture. The remote canyon requires a moderate hike to access, but rewards visitors with spectacular scenery and a profound connection to ancient artistic traditions.
15. Green River Coffee Company
COZY LOCAL CAFE
Green River Coffee Company offers quality coffee, espresso drinks, and homemade pastries in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The cafe serves as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, providing a comfortable spot to plan adventures or unwind after exploring the area. Their specialty melon smoothies pay homage to the town's famous agricultural product, offering a refreshing treat during hot desert days.