Discover the Area's Hidden Gems
Though world-famous Arches National Park and increasingly popular destinations like Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon are must-do adventures in the Green River area, plenty of lesser-known yet no less spectacular places await your discovery. These are Green River locals' favorite spots, and are therefore worthy of your attention. Some destinations are great to end the day on or can be added to a day's itinerary on your way to or from other must-see destinations. Here are some itineraries comprised of only these hidden gems:
- Black Dragon rock art, Drive the Swell, John Wesley Powell River History Museum, Swasey’s Beach
- Black Dragon rock art, Crystal Geyser, long, lazy day at Swasey's Beach
Family Fun and Leisurely Exploration
Swasey's Beach
Laze about on the sand or finish your day with a campfire and spectacular sunset at Swasey’s Beach. North of Green River, this white sand beach shaded by cottonwood trees spans a bend in the river along the edge of the Book Cliffs. Shallow water gives children plenty of opportunity to frolic, and bighorn sheep frequent the water’s edge. From Skyfall, head east on Main Street, then turn left on Hastings Road and follow it all the way to the beach parking area.
17 minutes, 10 miles to the beach
Crystal Geyser
One of a handful of cold-water geysers in the entire world, the Crystal Geyser draws sightseers for its vigorous eruptions and for the brilliant orange travertine formations the mineral-rich water creates. This is a great sunset spot.
19 minutes, 8.3 miles to the geyser
Black Dragon Canyon
The beautiful and easily accessible Black Dragon Canyon is a must. A short hike into the canyon reveals several rock art panels. See if you can spot the dragon-like creature to the left of the main panel. If you’re feeling really adventurous, scramble up the rockfall to the left of the rock art and search for the entrance to a hidden cave. From Skyfall, get on I-70 west. Prepare to pull of the interstate at mile marker 147. Go through the gate. Cross the wash and follow the dirt road for about a mile.
18 minutes, 17 miles to the trailhead
Scenic I-70 Drive
This is one of the most scenic stretches of interstate in the country and makes for a great drive all by itself. From Green River, head west and enjoy the views and scenic overlooks all the way to exit 131 where you can turn around and enjoy the drive back.
60 minutes, 63 miles roundtrip from Green River to exit 131 and back
John Wesley Powell River History Museum
Stop by the John Wesley Powell River History Museum to learn the history of the Green and Colorado Rivers and the river runners who explored them. If you’re interested in more local history, head downstairs and check out the John Wesley Powell Research Center and Archives to hear about the towns first residents.
Just across the street from Skyfall Guestrooms