Goblin Valley State Park: Where Nature Sculpted a Fantasy Realm
Discover Utah's whimsical Goblin Valley State Park—a labyrinth of hoodoos, stargazing heaven, and adventure for every explorer.
Goblin Valley State Park: Utah’s Surreal Playground
Goblin Valley State Park, nestled in the heart of the high Utah desert, is a place where the Earth’s geology feels more like a scene from science fiction than the American Southwest. Stretching across three square miles, this park is famous for its whimsical landscape, filled with thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations known as “goblins” or hoodoos—sculpted by millions of years of wind and water. With its accessible hikes, incredible opportunities for exploration, and status as an International Dark Sky Park, Goblin Valley offers adventures and memories for everyone—families, photographers, hikers, and curious wanderers alike.
Why Visit Goblin Valley State Park?
- Alien-like Rock Formations: Walk among otherworldly hoodoos unique to Goblin Valley.
- Family-Friendly Adventure: Free-wandering valleys, easy hiking, and fun games like hide-and-seek.
- International Dark Sky Park: Gaze at one of Utah’s darkest, clearest night skies, perfect for stargazing.
- Activities for All: Hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, canyoneering, night ranger programs, and more.
- Accessible Wilderness: Facilities, year-round access, pet-friendly policies, and organized events.
The Hoodoos: Nature’s Goblins
The centerpiece of Goblin Valley is the “Valley of Goblins,” a vast, mostly flat playground scattered with hoodoos—red rock pillars and bulbous shapes ranging from knee-high to several meters tall. These formations are crafted from Entrada sandstone laid down in the Jurassic period, shaped by water and wind over 170 million years. The result is a fairy-tale landscape where your imagination runs wild—every corner reveals a new ‘goblin’ grinning at you or hiding among the nooks and crevices.
- Origins: Formed during the Jurassic period through the erosion of Entrada sandstone.
- Exploration: No marked trails within the main valley—visitors are encouraged to freely wander and discover.
- Observation Point: Overlooks the entire Valley of Goblins and serves as a fantastic spot for panoramic photos or sunrise and sunset views.
Main Areas: Exploring the Three Valleys
The Valley of Goblins is divided into three loose “valleys,” each with its own character and opportunities for adventure:
- Valley 1: Closest to the parking lot, features smaller, loosely spaced hoodoos and gentle hills offering elevated viewpoints.
- Valley 2: Merges with Valley 1, denser formations, and home to the famed Goblin’s Lair—an underground chamber.
- Valley 3: Farthest from the parking area, considered the best for hoodoo exploration with the wildest nooks and surreal vistas.
There are no designated trails in the valleys themselves, so you’re free to explore at your own pace. Many visitors enjoy creative play: group hide-and-seek, photography scavenger hunts, or simply meandering solo in the quiet desert silence. Climbing the hoodoos is not allowed, as many are fragile, but there are smaller rocks and low formations perfect for kids and casual scrambling.
Top Tip:
- Let children roam but always keep an eye out—fragile formations must be respected to preserve the park’s magic.
Highlighted Hiking Trails
While the main valleys are open for free-roaming exploration, Goblin Valley features several marked trails for hikers of different skill levels. These range from simple, level strolls to longer treks into quiet canyons and unique features.
| Trail Name | Distance (Roundtrip) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Valley of the Goblins | 1 mile | Easy |
| Curtis Bench Trail | 2 miles | Easy |
| Carmel Canyon Loop | 1.5 miles | Moderate |
| Entrada Canyon | 3 miles | Moderate |
| Molly’s Castle Spur | 2.8 miles | Moderate |
| The Three Sisters | 0.25 mile | Easy |
| Goblin’s Lair | 3 miles | Difficult |
- Goblin’s Lair: Requires a three-mile round trip and moderate climbing; this chamber is an impressive hidden slot canyon—rappelling is possible by permit only. Adventure seekers must bring their own technical gear.
- Carmel Canyon Loop: A beautiful moderate hike, combining views of hoodoos with a stroll through a small slot canyon.
- Curtis Bench Trail: A relatively flat hike with excellent viewpoints, suitable for families and beginners.
Mountain Biking: Wild Horse Trail System
Goblin Valley is a paradise for off-road cycling enthusiasts, thanks to the Wild Horse Mountain Biking Trail System. Although biking is not allowed within the hoodoo valleys themselves, the trail network offers over seven miles of single-track loops meandering through the park’s unique desert terrain.
- Five separate loops ranging from beginner to intermediate levels.
- Sweeping desert vistas and unique perspectives of the park’s geology.
- Bring your own bike or rent from a nearby outfitter; always carry extra water.
Disc Golf: A Unique Course Amidst Hoodoos
Imagine tossing a flying disc past goblins and petrified sand dunes! Goblin Valley boasts a free 20-hole disc golf course that winds through both open desert and narrow hoodoo canyons—a challenge and delight for both beginners and seasoned players.
- Baskets hidden amid surreal rock formations.
- Pick up rental discs for just $1 each at the visitor center.
- Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water—the course weaves through rugged, beautiful terrain.
Stargazing: Dark Skies Like Nowhere Else
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015, Goblin Valley is one of the best spots in the USA for night sky observation. Thanks to its remote location far from city lights, the Milky Way blazes overhead, and on clear nights, thousands of stars are visible without any optical aid.
- Best Viewing: March to September, with clear, dry nights and frequent ranger-led moonlit hikes or telescope events.
- Bring a blanket or chair and relax near the Valley of Goblins or the campground for optimal skygazing.
- Check the event calendar for moonlight hikes and telescope tours.
Movie Magic: Hollywood in the Desert
The park’s bizarre, Mars-like terrain has been featured in several films, most notably the cult sci-fi comedy “Galaxy Quest” (1999), where the landscape served as the lair of a rock monster. Also filmed here are “Rubin and Ed,” “City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold,” and the visually stunning “The Tree of Life.” Movie buffs can easily spot familiar scenes amid the hoodoos and sandy expanses, making Goblin Valley a must-see for cinephiles and sci-fi fans.
Other Adventures and Activities
- Canyoneering: For advanced visitors, rappelling into Goblin’s Lair is possible with a backcountry permit. Technical equipment and skills are mandatory—this is not for beginners.
- Photography: The contrast of red rock and blue sky during the day is stunning, but nighttime photography is even more rewarding. Capture hoodoos silhouetted against star-filled skies—bring a tripod for long exposures.
- Educational Events: Participate in ranger-led programs, night sky talks, and occasional full-moon hikes.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Location: 50 miles southwest of Green River, Utah, and about 220 miles from Salt Lake City.
- Park Hours: Open year-round, typically from 6 am to 10 pm; the campground and visitor center may have different seasonal hour variations.
- Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle (prices may vary for large vehicles or commercial groups).
- Facilities: Modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and a visitor center with maps and rentals—though make sure to bring extra snacks and water.
- Camping: Spacious campground with tent and RV sites; reservations recommended during high season.
- On-site food: There’s sometimes a food truck (Hoodoo Hotdogs), but plan to bring your own food and drinks.
- Accessibility: Most main viewing areas and restrooms are accessible; some terrain is rugged for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Dog policy: Goblin Valley is dog-friendly—pets are welcome on a six-foot leash.
- Drone Usage: Permitted only with a valid drone permit from the visitor center.
- Safety: The park is remote, cell service is limited, and temperatures can change quickly. Hydrate well, watch for flash flood warnings in canyon areas, and never climb fragile formations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can you climb the goblins or hoodoos?
A: No, climbing the hoodoo formations in Goblin Valley is not allowed, as they are fragile and easily damaged. However, there are many smaller rocks safe for gentle exploration.
Q: When is the best time to visit Goblin Valley State Park?
A: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer can be hot, especially midday, but evenings and early mornings are pleasant. Winter months are peaceful, with fewer crowds.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, the park is pet-friendly, but all animals must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Remember to pack out waste and bring extra water for your pets.
Q: Is it suitable for children and families?
A: Absolutely! The open terrain, imaginative rock formations, and lack of strict trails make the park fantastic for family outings, play, and exploration. Just supervise young children to avoid accidents around fragile rocks.
Q: Are there food or dining facilities in the park?
A: While there’s sometimes a food truck on site, Goblin Valley is remote—visitors are strongly advised to bring their own meals and plenty of snacks and drinks.
Q: Can I use a drone for photography?
A: Drones are only allowed by permit. Stop by the visitor center on arrival to obtain a drone permit and inquire about current restrictions or designated flying zones.
Essential Tips Before You Go
- Dress in layers—desert conditions can be hot in the day and cold after dark.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water any time of year.
- Cell phone reception is sporadic; download park maps in advance.
- If camping, reserve ahead and come prepared for minimal services.
- Respect the land: Leave no trace, avoid disturbing wildlife, and help preserve the unique hoodoo formations for future visitors.
Getting to Goblin Valley
The park is accessible via a well-marked side road off Highway 24, about halfway between the towns of Hanksville and Green River, Utah. The drive offers scenic glimpses of buttes, mesas, and open desert—a prelude to the surreal beauty of the valley itself.
Summing Up: Why Goblin Valley Is Unforgettable
Few places on Earth offer the whimsical strangeness of Goblin Valley State Park, where geology, imagination, and adventure blend seamlessly. Whether you’re wandering among ancient goblins, photographing under a universe of stars, tackling unique hikes, or simply soaking in the peace of the high desert, Goblin Valley is an experience that lingers long after you depart. Plan ahead, explore respectfully, and prepare for one of Utah’s most cherished and accessible natural wonders.
