Goblin Valley State Park

Utah’s Open-Air Playground Among Stone Sculptures

Located in the heart of Utah’s famous Castle Country, Goblin Valley State Park is one of the more aptly named places on the planet. It is home to some of the most unusual and captivating geological formations that you’ll find anywhere.

This small but surreal park is home to thousands of hoodoos … sculpted over the centuries by the elements … that resemble goblins and mushrooms. It is an outdoor playground offering unlimited walking, exploring, hiking and scenic views.

It is a fascinating and beautiful place. It is an open-air playground like no other where visitors are encouraged to roam freely among the formations, hike the slot canyons, camp under the stars or just sit and let their imaginations run wild.

If you are an avid hiker, there are some dynamite slot canyons to explore along with some fun trails. ATV’s aren’t allowed in the park itself but there are some fantastic routes for riders and bikers outside the park nearby. In the public lands west of the park, you’ll also find backpacking and horseback riding opportunities.

This is a photographer's paradise. Although far from the rest of civilization, this is a fantastic area to spend some time exploring and living life. Near the park, you’ll find Native American rock art … specifically pictographs …at the North Temple Wash just off Temple Mountain Road. They are believed to be more than 1,500 years old. You may also find residue left by early prospectors and miners.

A Little History of Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley is in a secluded area of central Utah far away from any major city. The little town of Hanksville is 32 miles south … about a 40 minute drive. Green River is 48 miles northeast and is about a 50-minute drive.

Because of its isolation, Goblin Valley wasn’t discovered until some cowboys stumbled upon it looking for cattle. In the late 1920’s, the owner of the Hite Ferry on the Colorado River … Arthur Chaffin … and two colleagues were exploring the area for alternate routes.

Discovering a vantage point just west of what is now Goblin Valley, they were blown away by what they saw. They observed a valley of rock formations in alien shapes. There were also five buttes. All of this was enclosed by weather-sculpted cliffs.

Many years later … in 1949 … Chaffin returned to the area. He called it “Mushroom Valley.” This time, he explored this wondrous valley in detail. He took many photographs of the numerous goblins created by centuries of nature’s handiwork. These photos led to public fascination and increased interest in the area. Of course, this increased scrutiny demanded protection.

Despite its boondocks’ location, the ensuing publicity initiated the inevitable onslaught of inquisitive visitors. And so, in 1954, it was recommended that Goblin Valley be preserved to protect it from the universal stupidity and disregard of (some) humans. The state of Utah bought the property and set up Goblin Valley State Reserve. And in August of 1964, it was officially designated Goblin Valley State Park.

Can You Stay Here?

Goblin Valley State Park is a small park of just over 3 ½ acres. It has a 24-unit campground. RVs and motor homes are welcome but, of course, advance reservations are necessary to be assured a spot. Roads through the park are paved. There are modern rest rooms, hot showers and a sanitary dump station. All of the campsites have a picnic table, a paved parking pad and a barbecue grill.

Exploring Goblin Valley State Park

One of the great things about Goblin Valley is that there are no defined paths within the Valley of the Goblins itself. Visitors can wander, climb, crawl and explore to their heart’s content. The sense of discovery here is unmatched especially for families with children. Bring your camera as the lighting at sunrise and sunset makes the goblins glow with vibrant color.

Designated Hiking Trails In & Around The Park:

• Goblin’s Lair Trail – 1.5 miles one way, it is a moderate hike. It ends at a dramatic slot canyon cavern where rappelling is allowed by permit.
• Entrada Canyon Trail – 1.8 miles one way, it connects the campground with the Valley of the Goblins.
• Carmel Canyon Loop – This is a 1.5-mile moderate loop with scenic viewpoints.
• Curtis Bench Trail – This is a 1.7-mile moderate trail offering elevated views of Goblin Valley.
• Three Sisters Trail – This is an easy 0.5-mile out-and-back hike to one of the park’s most famous formations.

Little Horse and Bell Canyons

Just five miles from Goblin Valley lies one of Utah’s best-known slot canyon hikes … the Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon loop. This 8-mile loop winds through tight narrows, sculpted sandstone walls and wide-open desert.

You’ll find the trailhead 5 miles (8 km) from Goblin Valley down a dirt road. This slot canyon is one of the most famous in Utah. If you love to hike, it is well worth a day hike. The narrows are shoulder-width at some points.

They are long, narrow and almost claustrophobic in some places. There is a parking area and an outhouse at the trailhead. Remember that there is no water here so make sure you bring plenty. Always keep in mind one thing about slot canyons. If there is any chance of rain, forget it. Flash flood danger is absolutely imminent. Don’t even attempt it if there is a chance of rain!

Camping at Goblin Valley

The park offers 24 developed campsites including pull-through sites for RVs. All sites include a picnic table, fire ring, tent pad and access to restrooms and hot showers. There is also a group campsite that can accommodate up to 40 people and a small number of primitive backcountry sites.

For something more unique, Goblin Valley also features two yurts. These canvas-walled cabins sleep up to five people and include bunk beds, heating, cooling, a grill, picnic table and access to nearby restrooms.

As mentioned above, reservations are strongly recommended … pretty much mandatory … especially during spring and fall. This is when the weather is the most pleasant and visitation is high.

Stargazing in a Dark Sky Park

Goblin Valley is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. This means it offers some of the best stargazing in Utah. Central and southern Utah offer some of the best places in the world to enjoy night skies.

On clear nights, visitors can see … with the naked eye … the Milky Way stretching across the sky along with meteor showers and planets. The park regularly hosts astronomy programs and ranger-led stargazing events in the spring and summer months.

Visitor Center and Amenities

The park’s Visitor Center is open daily and includes the usual array of amenities. You’ll find interpretive displays, trail maps, souvenirs and clean restrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available around the center. Park roads are paved and a sanitary dump station is available for RVs.

Know Before You Go

• There is little to no shade in the valley. Bring sun protection, plenty of water (at least 1 gallon per person per day) and sturdy footwear.
• Summer temperatures are hot – often 100º F or more. Winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Spring and fall are your best bets. Temperatures during the day range from the 60s to 80s F during these two seasons.
• Watch children carefully. While the goblins are fun to climb on, sandstone can be brittle.
• Drones are not allowed without a permit.
• The nearest gas and food are in Hanksville or Green River 40-50 minutes away.

Fees and Hours

The Visitor Center is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM. From November to February, though, it may be closed occasionally due to staffing limitations.

For the latest updated fees, go to the state website at Goblin Valley State Park site. To make reservations, go to the Reserve America website at Reserve America - Goblin Valley.    

Goblin Valley State Park

P.O. Box 637
Green River, Utah 84525
435-564-3633

Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley