Official Green River Day Trip #5: The Crystal Geyser

A rare cold water geyser, the Crystal Geyser gets its power from carbon dioxide. The geyser erupts sporadically (every 12-16 hours) and can last for over an hour. It’s said that the geyser can shoot up to 60 feet high, but typically is seen to erupt around 30 feet high. To get to the Crystal Geyser, begin at the intersection of Main Street and Hastings Road driving east. Cross over Interstate 70 (do not get on the interstate) and turn left onto the frontage road. At mile 3.7, turn right onto the graded dirt road. Over the next several miles, you will pass through varied landscapes. Pass under the power lines and veer right at mile 7.2 to head west towards the Green River. After another half a mile, you’ve arrived at the Crystal Geyser. The mineralized water will not hurt you, but it is not potable. Even if you miss an eruption, the amazing mineral-formed travertine terraces are incredible to explore and view along the riverbank. Visiting this odd landscape, where the surface is wrinkled and pools of water linger, is reward enough for the short trip to the Crystal Geyser. Once you’re done exploring, return to Green River the way you came.

Activities
Observe the Crystal Geyser’s twice daily eruption.
Explore the travertine terraces of the geyser.
Fish at the Green River.

Facilities
There are no facilities of any kind. Contact the BLM with any questions (435) 636-3600.

Looking for more to do in and around Green River? Check out the Destination Green River website!

Official Green River Day Trip #4: Lower Gray Canyon

Past sandy beaches, river rapids, and petroglyphs, this journey takes you into the 1,000 foot deep Lower Gray Canyon along the Green River. From East Main Street in Green River, head north on Hastings Road towards the Book Cliffs. Stop at 2.4 miles to see where the Spanish Trail once crossed the river. This was the only place to safely cross the mighty Green River for hundreds of miles. At mile 9.5 you are at Swasey’s Beach, the perfect spot to spend a warm afternoon swimming and picnicking. Please beware of the river’s strong current. After the beach, the road turns to dirt and can be treacherous at some points as you pass swift rapids. Stop at mile 12 to explore the Stone House which many say is haunted. At mile 17.8, look to your right to see incredible petroglyphs located on a low rock ledge. The panel features depictions of big horn sheep, elk, and snakes. At your final destination (18 miles), look towards the south to see the famous Nefertiti formation. From here, you may hike, ride on horseback, or bike further into the canyon. Once finished, return to the town of Green River the way you came.

Activities
Swim and camp at Swasey’s Beach.
Explore the historic Stone House.
View petroglyphs and the Nefertiti formation.

Facilities
Pit toilets are located at Swaysey’s beach, the Stone House, and Nefertiti. No potable water.

Looking for more to do in and around Green River? Check out the Destination Green River website!

Official Green River Day Trip #3: Fossil Point

This adventure takes you to the site of dinosaur bones that date as far back as the Jurassic Era, 145 million years ago. The road to Fossil Point is accessible by most cars except after storms when the road turns to mud. Begin your journey in Green River driving south on Broadway. At the fork, veer left onto Green River Avenue. Drive for half a mile, and turn right onto Airport Road. At mile 2.9, turn left onto the dirt road. Ten miles into the trip, you’ll find yourself in the colorful badlands of the Jurassic Era. As you pass Horse Bench Reservoir and over an earthen dam, turn left at 11.4 miles onto a double-track road. Fossil Point is located at 12.6 miles, and you can park on the large flat area just north of the road. Hike through the boulders and begin looking for fossils! To get you started, large vertebrae are embedded in rocks at ground level near the parking area. Hike to the top of the point for a spectacular view of both the La Sal Mountains to the southeast and Henry Mountains to the southwest. Once you’ve gotten your fill of dino bones and fossils, return to Green River the way you came.

Activities
Hunt for dinosaur bones & fossils.
Hike up to the peak of Fossil Point.
Mountain bike and ride ATVs throughout area.

Facilities
There are no facilities of any kind. Contact the BLM with any questions (435) 636-3600.

Looking for more to do in and around Green River? Check out the Destination Green River website!

Official Green River Day Trip #2: Sego Canyon

From Green River, head east on Interstate 70. After 22.4 miles on the interstate, take exit 187. Head north through the town of Thompson Springs. Ancient rock art is located on both sides of the canyon about 3.5 miles north of town. After viewing the historic rock art, head north on Sego Canyon Road. After half a mile, take the right fork into Sego Canyon, which quickly leads to the old cemetery. Make sure to stop here and find the intriguing grave markers in the southwest corner. The ghost town of Sego is one mile further into the canyon. The company store still partially stands in the center of town. House ruins are scattered throughout the canyon along with coal mine remnants. The best way to explore the relics is by foot. Hike around, but beware of mineshafts and other hazards. Navigation for this route is easy and all sites can be accessed in good weather conditions. The Sego ruins and rock art sit on private land, so please be respectful.

Activities
Drive or bike through the variegated canyon.
Explore the ruins of the ghost town.
View the incomparable ancient rock art.

Facilities
Thompson has a gas station with expected amenities. Once in the canyon there are pit toilets.

Looking for more to do in and around Green River? Check out the Destination Green River website!

Official Green River Day Trip #1: Black Dragon Canyon

This route takes you west of Green River to the wild and tortured landscape of the San Rafael Reef. Cut through with deep, sinuous canyons adorned with ancient rock art panels, the Reef is the spectacular eastern cliff line of the San Rafael Swell. Within the Reef lies the deep Black Dragon Canyon, named for the flying dragon pictograph located on its wall. From Green River, drive west on Interstate 70. Carefully turn right on to the dirt road at mile post 147. One mile after the gate, turn west towards the canyon. Once in the mouth of the canyon park your car. An old jeep track provides a level walking surface for most of the hike. Walk 0.2 miles into the canyon to view several ancient pictographs and petroglyphs at the base of the high wall on your right behind a wooden fence. Many believe the illustrations on this panel are an early calendar. Up the canyon wall are more pictographs, one of which is the flying dragon. At your own risk, hike along the rockfall to find a secret cave rumored to be the dragon’s lair. Beyond the panel, after less than two miles the canyon forks. The south fork heads back towards Interstate 70. The north fork offers more fascinating canyon walls. Carefully return to I-70 when you’re finished exploring the canyons.

Activities
Leisurely hike the easy canyon trail.
View ancient petroglyphs and pictographs.
ATV, horseback ride, or bike through the canyon.

Facilities
There are no facilities of any kind in or near the canyon. Contact the BLM with any questions (435) 636-3600.

Looking for more to do in and around Green River? Check out the Destination Green River website!