Named after the waterway that runs along its edge, Green River is a small Utah city on the ancestral lands of the Ute people. The area was explored during the 1869 voyage of John Wesley, who named many of its geological features and was settled shortly after as a river crossing for the United States mail service.
Things to do in Green River
Delve into the local history at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, which is named after the legendary explorer of the American West. Learn about his expeditions while watching “The Great Unknown”, which details his 1869 adventure through the Grand Canyon. Also on display are boats designed to run the nearby rapids and exhibits about the geography of the region.
On the eastern edge of the city centre is Green River State Park, which is a popular departure point for rafting trips through the Labyrinth and Stillwater canyons. You can cast a fishing line to lure catfish and carp or enjoy a round on the 9-hole golf course. Traversing the park are several walking trails lined with cottonwood trees.
Green River makes an ideal base for visiting Goblin Valley State Park, which encompasses thousands of mushroom-shaped pinnacles known as hoodoos. It’s one of the most visited state parks in Utah, with spectacular hiking trails leading through the San Rafael Desert. Explore the rock formations in Goblin Valley, rappel into Goblin’s Lair and stay to experience the incredible night sky after dark.
Getting around Green River
Green River is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Provo and Provo Municipal Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. California Zephyr trains connect from Chicago and Emeryville to the Green River railway station and renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.