Goblin Valley State Park Travel Guide — Utah

Our team at Roam States is dedicated to uncovering the most extraordinary destinations across the US, and few places captivate the imagination quite like Goblin Valley. This isn't your typical desert landscape; it's a bizarre, isolated expanse filled entirely with thousands of small, mushroom-shaped sandstone hoodoos. If you're seeking an otherworldly adventure in the heart of the Beehive State, our comprehensive guide to Goblin Valley State Park Utah will equip you with everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

Why Visit Goblin Valley State Park

Imagine stepping onto a landscape sculpted by ancient forces, where an army of whimsical, bulbous figures stands sentinel. That's the surreal experience awaiting you at Goblin Valley State Park. Unlike the grand, towering vistas of Utah's National Parks, Goblin Valley offers an intimate, interactive encounter with geology. Here, you're not just observing; you're encouraged to wander freely among the "goblins," exploring their nooks, crannies, and unique formations. It's a place where imagination runs wild, making it a favorite for families and photographers alike.

Beyond its peculiar rock formations, Goblin Valley is an International Dark Sky Park, boasting some of the clearest, darkest night skies on Earth. Stargazing here is an unparalleled experience, often complemented by ranger-led programs like moonlit hikes and telescope tours. The park's geology tells a story millions of years in the making, with the goblins formed from the erosion of Entrada sandstone deposited during the Jurassic period. It's a geological wonderland that feels more like Mars than Earth, so much so that it served as a filming location for the sci-fi movie Galaxy Quest.

Who It's Best For

Goblin Valley State Park truly shines as a destination for those seeking a unique, hands-on desert experience without the intense physical demands often associated with other Utah parks. We find it particularly ideal for:

• Families with Young Children: The "free-roam" nature of the main valleys allows kids to climb, explore, and play hide-and-seek among the goblins, turning the park into a natural playground. There are no strict "stay on the trail" rules in the main goblin areas, which is a rare and welcome freedom.
• Photographers: The unusual formations, especially under the golden light of sunrise or sunset, offer endless opportunities for stunning and otherworldly photographs. The dark skies also make it a prime spot for astrophotography.
• Casual Explorers and Hikers: While there are designated trails, much of the park's charm comes from simply wandering through the valleys. It's less about strenuous mileage and more about discovery, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
• Dark Sky Enthusiasts: As an International Dark Sky Park, it’s a premier location for stargazing and experiencing the Milky Way.
• Road Trippers: Its location makes it an excellent stop when traveling between other major Utah destinations like Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.

Getting There & Parking

Goblin Valley State Park is located in a remote part of central Utah, roughly 50 miles southwest of Green River and 20 miles north of Hanksville, off State Highway 24. The entire road leading to the park is paved, making it accessible for all vehicle types, including RVs up to 42 feet in length.

From Salt Lake City, the drive takes approximately 3.5 hours. If you're coming from I-70, you'll exit onto State Highway 24 and drive south for about 24 miles to the signed park turnoff, then follow Temple Mountain Road for about 12 miles to reach the park ranger station.

Parking: There is a main parking area at the observation point overlooking the Valley of the Goblins. Due to its popularity, especially on weekends from March through June, there can be delays of several hours to enter the park if parking becomes full. We recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

Top Things to Do

When you visit Goblin Valley State Park, you'll discover a wealth of activities that go beyond traditional hiking. Our team suggests these top things to do at Goblin Valley State Park:

• Wander the Valley of the Goblins: This is the park's main attraction and a must-do. The Valley of the Goblins is a free-roaming area spanning roughly three square miles, where you can explore among thousands of hoodoos without designated trails. It's an immersive experience that allows for endless discovery.
• Mountain Biking the Wild Horse Mountain Biking Trail System: For those who prefer two wheels, the park features over seven miles of beginner-to-intermediate trails divided into five loops. These trails offer unique perspectives of the desert landscape that can't be seen otherwise. Note that bikes are not allowed on hiking trails or directly in the Valley of the Goblins.
• Play Disc Golf: Uniquely, Goblin Valley has an 18-hole disc golf course surrounding the campground. It's free to play, and you can rent discs and get course maps at the visitor center.
• Stargazing: As an International Dark Sky Park, Goblin Valley offers phenomenal stargazing opportunities. We highly recommend staying after dark to witness the Milky Way in all its glory. Check the park's schedule for ranger-led night programs, including telescope viewing and full moon hikes.
• Rappel into Goblin's Lair: For the adventurous, Goblin's Lair is a unique canyoneering experience. This cave-like slot canyon extends 70 feet through a sandstone cavern. A permit is required for each person rappelling into Goblin's Lair, and groups of up to 8 people are permitted.
• Photography: Capture the surreal beauty of the goblins, especially during sunrise or sunset when the warm light illuminates the formations.

Goblin Valley State Park Hiking Trails

While much of the exploration in the main valleys is off-trail, there are several designated Goblin Valley State Park hiking trails that offer different perspectives and challenges. We encourage visitors to explore these marked routes for varied experiences:

• The Valley of the Goblins: As mentioned, this is primarily a free-roaming area. While not a traditional "trail," it's where most visitors spend their time wandering among the formations.
• Goblin's Lair: This is the most popular marked hike, a moderate 2.5-mile round-trip trail that leads to a massive cavernous formation. The hike involves some moderate scrambling over boulders and scree slopes. For the more adventurous, rappelling into the Lair requires a permit.
• The Three Sisters: An easy, short 500-yard round-trip trail leads to this iconic formation, visible from the road, offering a closer look and a great photo opportunity.
• Carmel Canyon Loop: This 1.5-mile round-trip trail is considered moderate and involves some rock scrambling. It offers views of Carmel goblin formations and the Molly's Castle outcrop, and on clear days, even the La Sal Mountains.
• Curtis Bench Trail: An easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) round-trip trail that provides panoramic views over the valleys and surrounding desert. It's a flatter option and can be done at night for stargazing.
• Entrada Canyon Trail: This trail is about 1.3 to 4.3 miles long (depending on the route) and takes you from the campground to the goblins, winding through intricate drainage systems and past unique rock formations.

When embarking on Goblin Valley State Park hiking trails, always carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and be mindful of the desert environment. Flash floods can be a concern, especially in nearby slot canyons, so check forecasts.

Best Time to Visit

Our team consistently recommends visiting Goblin Valley State Park during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October). During these seasons, the temperatures are mild, with warm, sunny days and cool nights, creating ideal conditions for hiking and exploration. Wildflowers often bloom in spring, adding splashes of color to the desert landscape.

Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C) and minimal shade in the valleys. If you visit during summer, plan your activities for early mornings (before 9 AM) or late afternoons (after 5 PM) and carry ample water (at least 4 liters per person). Late summer also brings an increased chance of afternoon thunderstorms, which can lead to lightning strikes and flash flood potential in nearby canyons.

Winter (December to February) offers a crisp, quiet experience with fewer crowds. While nights can drop below freezing, and occasional snow adds a magical touch, days are often mild and enjoyable for hiking. It's an excellent time for solitude and sunrise photography, provided you have cold-weather gear.

Where to Stay Nearby

Given the remote nature of Goblin Valley State Park, on-site camping is a popular choice. However, for those seeking more traditional accommodations, nearby towns offer options.

On-Site Camping

The park features a campground with 24 sites and two yurts. The campsites are divided into walk-in tent pads, RV spaces (accommodating RVs up to 42 feet), and one group site. All sites include a picnic table, metal fire ring, and shade shelter. While there are no electrical hookups, facilities include showers, flush toilets, communal water, and a dump station.

Camping reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and during the spring and fall seasons, as sites fill up quickly. Reservations can be made through the Utah State Parks reservation system, typically on a four-month rolling basis. Yurts, which offer heating and A/C, are particularly sought after and often booked weeks or months in advance.

For those interested in primitive camping, there are also sites available outside the main campground, some of which are first-come, first-served.

Hotels and Lodging

There are no hotels or lodges directly within or immediately adjacent to Goblin Valley State Park. The closest towns with lodging options include:

• Green River, Utah: Located approximately 48 miles northeast of the park. Green River offers a range of motels and dining options, making it a convenient base for exploring the region, including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
• Hanksville, Utah: Roughly 20 miles south of the park. Hanksville is a smaller town but provides basic services and some lodging, often favored by those exploring Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding areas.

For a broader range of accommodations and amenities, consider extending your drive to Moab, a popular hub for Utah's national parks, though it's a longer commute to Goblin Valley.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

To fully immerse ourselves in the unique landscape of Goblin Valley State Park, we suggest the following 2-day itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival & Goblin Exploration

• Morning (Arrival & Check-in): Arrive at Goblin Valley State Park. If you have camping reservations, set up your campsite or yurt. Pay your park entrance fee of $20 per private vehicle, valid for two days.
• Late Morning/Early Afternoon (Valley of the Goblins): Head to the main observation point. Spend several hours (we recommend at least 2-3 hours) freely wandering through the Valley of the Goblins. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the thousands of hoodoos. This is the perfect place for kids to play and for photographers to capture unique shots.
• Afternoon (Three Sisters & Carmel Canyon): Take the short, easy walk to the iconic Three Sisters formation for a closer look and photos. Afterward, consider hiking a portion of the Carmel Canyon Loop (1.5 miles round-trip, moderate difficulty) for different views of the formations and canyon narrows.
• Late Afternoon (Disc Golf): If time and interest allow, try a round on the park's 18-hole disc golf course near the campground.
• Evening (Sunset & Stargazing): Enjoy dinner at your campsite or a picnic at the pavilion overlooking the valley. As dusk settles, watch the sunset cast dramatic shadows over the goblins. Once darkness falls, prepare for an unparalleled stargazing experience, as Goblin Valley is an International Dark Sky Park. Consider a ranger-led night program if available.

Day 2: Hiking, Canyoneering & Departure

• Morning (Goblin Valley State Park Hiking Trails): Embark on a more challenging hike. We suggest the Goblin's Lair trail (2.5 miles round-trip, moderate to strenuous), leading to a hidden cavern. If you have a permit and canyoneering experience, rappel into the Lair for an unforgettable adventure. Alternatively, explore the Curtis Bench Trail (2.1 miles round-trip, easy) for panoramic views.
• Late Morning (Mountain Biking or Further Exploration): If you brought mountain bikes, hit the Wild Horse Mountain Biking Trail System for a scenic ride. If not, revisit a favorite section of the Valley of the Goblins or explore a quieter area like Valley 2.
• Lunch: Enjoy a final picnic in the park.
• Afternoon (Departure or Nearby Exploration): Begin your journey home, or extend your adventure by exploring nearby attractions like Little Wild Horse Canyon (a popular slot canyon) or the San Rafael Swell.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Our unequivocal answer is yes, Goblin Valley State Park is absolutely worth visiting. While it might not possess the monumental scale of some of Utah's more famous national parks, its unique charm and interactive landscape offer an experience unlike any other. We consistently find that visitors, especially families, are captivated by the freedom to explore and climb among the whimsical "goblins". It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and let your imagination roam. The opportunity to wander off-trail, a rarity in many protected areas, makes Goblin Valley State Park a refreshing and memorable stop on any Utah itinerary. Furthermore, its designation as an International Dark Sky Park provides an incredible bonus for stargazers, offering views of the night sky that are increasingly rare to find. If you're looking for an accessible, fun, and truly bizarre natural wonder, Goblin Valley State Park delivers in spades.

Last updated: 2026-07-08 by the Roam States team.