Green River State Park

Green River

Green River State Park
  • Weather: Sunny, 29F
The city of Green River was once a stomping ground for Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch, and, as you might expect from the name, is a haven for river runners who raft places such as Desolation and Gray canyons. The climate makes for perfect melon growing, and Green River boasts some of the best melon in the world. Green River is the West, pure and simple — wide open, untapped, solitary and mystical. The population is around 1,000 people, but this isn’t your average small community.

Things to Do

Green River is home to the John Wesley Powell Museum where you can see the historic boats used by adventurers before the onset of rubber rafts, and the town is within easy driving distance of three national parks (Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef). Goblin Valley State Park and the San Rafael Swell are other can’t-miss natural marvels nearby.

Where to Eat

No matter your personal brand of outdoor recreation, return from your adventures in Utah's red rock country for mouth-watering food at Ray’s Tavern, delicious river-side dining at Tamarisk Restaurant, coffee at Green River Coffee Company, or Tacos La Pasadita, a friendly-roadside Mexican taquería in a food truck.

John Wesley Powell Museum

Photo: Sandra Salvas

John Wesley Powell Museum

John Wesley Powell Museum

Photo: Sandra Salvas

3 Days

Base Camp Green River

It’s time to leave the city and the suburbs behind and drive through the mountains and canyons into the Utah desert. True, Green River is barely an hour away from Arches and Canyonlands national parks, so those are options to extend your 3-day trip. But for this itinerary, we’re focusing on the local secrets: the hidden labyrinth of slot canyons and whimsical hoodoos of the San Rafael Swell and the dining and heritage that are part of the unique fabric of Green River.

Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Solitude, Wellness

Highlights

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What's Nearby

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