Goblin Valley State Park: Explore the Otherworldly in Utah

Goblin Valley State Park in southern Utah is known for its strange sandstone formations — thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos, dubbed “goblins,” sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.

The park’s convenient location between Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park makes it a must-see stop on a Grand Circle road trip. What makes these Utah rock formations special is both their otherworldly shapes and their accessibility as visitors can wander among them.

This guide will tell you what you need to know to plan a visit to Goblin Valley State Park.

Where is Goblin Valley State Park?

Goblin Valley State Park is located about 50 miles southwest of Green River, Utah, off Highway 24. It can easily be added to a Grand Circle road trip itinerary that includes Canyonlands and Capitol Reef national parks.

It is located near the San Rafael Desert on the northern edge of the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. The elevation is high enough to keep temperatures moderate but shouldn’t leave you as breathless as you would be on a challenging hike at a higher elevation.

The Story Behind the “Goblins”

Visitors are drawn to Goblin Valley State Park in Utah for the thousands of rock formations eroded from the soft red sandstone and siltstone of the Entrada Formation. If you squint and use your imagination, you can see these hoodoos as goblins with faces or mushrooms.

You can see the power of erosion at this unique state park, as harder stone resists the action of wind and water, while softer stone is worn away and then smoothed by wind.

The geological history of the park begins in the Jurassic Period, about 170 million years ago, when the Entrada Sandstone was deposited. Then, over millions of years, uplift exposed the area to wind, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles that eroded the softer sandstone and carved the whimsical hoodoos you see today. Of course, the forces of nature are still working, changing the appearance of the goblins over time.

It’s not surprising that this park’s otherworldly landscape and dark night skies have been discovered by Hollywood filmmakers. In 1999’s Galaxy Quest, it was an alien planet. Its surreal landscape has also appeared in the 2011 movie The Tree of Life, in 1994’s City Slickers II, and in 1991’s Rubin and Ed.

Best Hikes and Trails in Goblin Valley State Park

While you can see hoodoos and fascinating formations at national parks such as Bryce Canyon, what sets Goblin Valley State Park apart is the fact that you can go off trail and wander among the thousands of goblins and explore to your heart’s content.

There are also designated trails to follow and even some caves that intrepid (and prepared) hikers can visit.

The farther you explore, the more you’ll need to be experienced in desert hiking and navigation. Going as far as the Third Valley of Goblins or Goblin Square, outside the park’s boundaries, will take all day. The park’s website urges the use of a handheld GPS unit combined with studying aerial maps of the area before tackling these more remote areas.

Main Trails & Areas:

The Valley of Goblins: Open area for self-guided exploration among thousands of hoodoos. Maps may divide the Valley of the Goblins into three areas, First, Second, and Third Valleys. The first valley is accessed from the staircase from the picnic area. This area is mostly flat and has dozens of clusters of goblins to explore.

Goblin’s Lair Trail (Chamber Trail): A strenuous three-mile round-trip to a vast hidden cavern on the park’s eastern boundary, which is one of the park’s highlights. The slot canyon’s entrance has been sealed by a rockfall. This once hidden gem is now accessible via a marked trail that starts at the observation point and follows the Carmel Canyon loop for the first half mile. Be aware that the hike involves moderate scrambling up scree slopes and over boulders. Permits are available for those wishing to rappel into Goblin’s Lair.

Carmel Canyon Loop: This moderate 1.5-mile loop trail is often traveled to get to the Goblin’s Lair Trail, but it has a lot to offer. You can enjoy views of the Carmel goblin formation, Molly’s Castle outcrop, and the looming Three Sisters. If you do the entire loop, some scrambling is required.

Entrada Canyon Trail: This moderate trail connects the group campground to the Valley of Goblins observation point parking lot (1.5 miles each way). Campers may want to take this trail instead of driving and will be rewarded with sights of goblin formations that cannot be seen from any other spot.

Curtis Bench Trail: Those looking for an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike with views of the Henry Mountains to the south and the Valley of Goblins to the east can tackle this trail. A marked cutoff trail connects to the First Valley, which, when added to the Curtis Bench Trail, would total about four miles.

The Three Sisters: Get a closer look at the iconic Three Sisters formation by taking the easy 250-yard trail from the observation point road. The trail continues for those wishing to connect to the Carmel Canyon trail system.

Goblin Valley State Park Camping & Campgrounds

For some, the best way to experience Goblin Valley is to stay at the Goblin Valley State Park Campground. You’ll be surrounded by rock formations while having plenty of space to yourself.

Campsites tucked near the formations afford the most privacy. On clear nights, be sure to come outside to enjoy unparalleled views of the Milky Way at this International Dark Sky Park. The park’s programming may include a star party or moonlight hike while you’re there.

Note that the lack of vegetation means that there won’t be trees to shelter your campsite, but each one has a shade structure as well as fire rings and picnic tables. The campground can get windy with blowing sand, so some tent campers use the protected shade structure for pitching their tent.

Those who want to camp in comfort can reserve one of the park’s two yurts, which feature bunk beds (a single atop a double), a futon couch, table and chairs, heat and a swamp cooler, outdoor deck chairs, and an outdoor grill with propane. Yurts are $150 per night and require advance reservations to snag one.

The campground has 24 sites, 10 walk-in tent pads, 14 RV spaces, and a group site for up to 40 people. The camping charge is $45 per night, which includes the park’s entry fee. The campground has restrooms with showers and an RV fill and dump station, but no electrical hookups. Water is also available at spigots scattered around the campground. RVs up to about 50 feet long can be accommodated.

Although the campground is open year-round, the best times to camp at Goblin Valley State Park are spring (March through May) and fall (September and October) when temperatures are moderate.

If you can’t get a site at the state park, check out nearby dispersed camping on BLM land, including near the Little Wild Horse trailhead five miles west of the Goblin Valley State Park visitor center. Those looking for full hookups can check out Utah campgrounds near Hanksville or Green River.

Park Access & Entrance Fees

The state park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round, with the visitor center open most days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., depending on the season. It is closed on Mondays from November 15 to March 15. You can use the park’s free Wi-Fi at the visitor center while viewing the exhibits, using the restrooms, and getting maps and other information about the park.

The park entrance fee is $20 per private vehicle or $10 per motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian. Because this is a state and not a national park, your America the Beautiful Pass is not accepted for admission. Those with the annual Utah State Parks Pass can use it for admission.

Guided Experiences & Tours

If you want to take your Goblin Valley State Park experience beyond hiking or camping, there are more fun and exciting activities you can enjoy.

Goblin Valley State Park has a 20-hole disc golf course, with the last 8 holes placed throughout canyons and sand dunes. Some steep climbs are required for this portion, but the first 12 holes are on relatively flat terrain with great views. The course is free, and discs can be rented for $1 each. You can even download a score card.

Ready for more adventure? Get a permit for $4 to rappel into the 89-foot natural sandstone cave, Goblin’s Lair. You need technical gear and skills for Goblin Valley canyoneering and must be aware of weather conditions that could lead to flash flooding. Permits are first-come, first-served, and may sell out. If you’re not ready to tackle this on your own, guided adventures are available.

Astronomy enthusiasts and night sky photographers will find that photographing the goblins with the Milky Way behind them is a special experience. The park’s programs include star parties with large telescopes as well as moonlit hikes.

Photography & Scenic Highlights

The best time for outdoor photography is almost always the golden hour times around sunrise and sunset. The light is softer and warmer, and you can usually count on dramatically colored sunset skies anywhere in the Southwest.

Some general Goblin Valley photo tips include exploring like the Valley Overlook Trail, Carmel Canyon, and Goblin’s Lair. The Three Sisters can also make for photos you’ll be happy to share. But, really, there’s no need to go far for great photographs when Goblin Valley is filled with whimsical hoodoos.

Keep in mind the park’s rules about not climbing on hoodoos and following Leave No Trace principles. If you venture out into the park to capture the perfect photo, be sure to bring water, wear a hat and sun-protective clothing, and let someone know where you are going and when you should be back.

Nearby Destinations

Your Utah road trip itinerary can easily include several stops along the Grand Circle, plus other southern Utah attractions. Just 80 miles southwest of Goblin Valley is Capitol Reef National Park.Canyonlands National Park is about 100 miles to the southeast and has several districts to explore.

You can also visit Little Wild Horse Canyon, a slot canyon that is only five miles away.

Put Goblin Valley State Park on Your Grand Circle Itinerary

Goblin Valley State Park is one of Utah’s most distinctive landscapes — a place where nature’s creativity is on full display through thousands of sculpted stone forms. Plan your visit to Goblin Valley State Park and explore Utah’s otherworldly formations, family-friendly hikes, and unforgettable night skies. Make it part of your Grand Circle adventure and see how this remarkable valley got its name.

FAQs

How much is the entrance fee for Goblin Valley State Park?

The park entrance fee is $20 per private vehicle or $10 per motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian. Goblin Valley is a state park, so your national America the Beautiful Pass is not accepted.

Utah residents who plan to visit multiple state parks may want to purchase an annual state park’s day-use pass.

Can you camp at Goblin Valley State Park?

Camping is a great addition to a Goblin Valley State Park visit! You can spend the night near fascinating rock formations and have plenty of space to yourself. The campground has 24 sites, 10 walk-in tent pads, 14 RV spaces, and a group site for up to 40 people. The camping charge is $45 per night, which includes the park’s entry fee.

The campground has restrooms with showers and an RV fill and dump station, but no electrical hookups. Water is obtained at spigots scattered around the campground. RVs up to about 50 feet long can be accommodated.

You can go upscale and reserve one of the park’s two yurts, which include a bunk bed, a futon couch, a table and chairs, heating and cooling, deck chairs, and a propane barbecue, complete with propane.

What are the best hikes in Goblin Valley?

There are numerous interesting hikes you can take at Goblin Valley State Park. Many visitors simply wander through the first Valley of the Goblins, which has no trails, to explore the hoodoos on their own. Goblin Valley has hikes as easy as the 250-yard walk to see The Three Sisters and as strenuous as the three-mile hike to Goblin’s Lair. Other popular Goblin Valley hikes include the Entrada Canyon Trail and the Curtis Bench Loop Trail.

How do you get to Goblin’s Lair?

The strenuous trail to the Goblin’s Lair begins at the park’s observation point, then follows the Carmel Canyon Loop before splitting off a half mile along the trail. From there, the trail continues another mile and includes some moderate scrambling up scree slopes and climbing over boulders. The marked trail will take visitors to the hiker’s entrance to the slot canyon. Hike another quarter mile to visit Goblette’s Lair.

For the even more adventurous, get a permit to rappel into Goblin’s Lair at the visitor center desk or book a guided canyoneering tour.

When is the best time to visit Goblin Valley?

Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. Summer can be quite hot, and winter can bring snow and ice. The park is located at about 5,000 feet in elevation, which keeps temperatures slightly cooler than locations at sea level. Keep the elevation in mind when you head out hiking if you haven’t yet acclimated to it.