Goblin Valley State Park, located in southeastern Utah, is a unique landscape filled with hoodoos and mushroom-shaped rock formations that resemble goblins. It’s no surprise that this state park has become a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park covers over 3 square miles of land and offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Hiking in Goblin Valley State Park is an experience like no other. The park’s hoodoos and unique rock formations make for a stunning backdrop as visitors hike through the trails. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to more challenging hikes that take visitors through the heart of the park’s unique landscape. Whether visitors are looking for a quick stroll or a more challenging adventure, Goblin Valley State Park has something to offer. So, grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore the park’s stunning hoodoos and mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Planning Your Visit
Goblin Valley State Park is a unique destination that offers visitors the chance to explore the Valley of Goblins, a free-roaming area with strange and fascinating hoodoos. If you’re planning a visit to Goblin Valley, here’s what you need to know.
Best Time to Visit
Goblin Valley State Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months. During these seasons, temperatures are mild, and the park is less crowded. Summer months can be hot, with temperatures reaching the high 90s, while winter months can be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
Entrance Fees and Permits
To enter Goblin Valley State Park, visitors must pay an entrance fee of $20 per vehicle. Visitors can also purchase an annual Utah State Parks pass for $75, which provides access to all state parks in Utah. If you plan to use a drone in the park, you must obtain a permit from the visitor center for $10.
Accommodations and Camping
Goblin Valley State Park offers a variety of camping options, including RV and tent campsites, yurts, and group campsites. The park has two campgrounds, the Goblin Valley Campground and the Juniper Campground, both of which are open year-round. The park also has a group campsite that can accommodate up to 35 people.
If camping isn’t your thing, there are several hotels and motels in nearby towns, including Green River, Price, and Hanksville. However, keep in mind that these towns are at least a 30-minute drive from the park, so plan accordingly.
Overall, Goblin Valley State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in hiking and exploring unique geological formations. With its fascinating hoodoos and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder why this park is a favorite among visitors to Utah.
Hiking and Exploration
Goblin Valley State Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering a variety of trails for all skill levels. Visitors can explore the park’s unique rock formations, known as hoodoos, and experience the beauty of the Valley of Goblins. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most popular trails and adventures in Goblin Valley, as well as some important safety tips to keep in mind.
Popular Trails
Goblin Valley State Park has several marked trails that visitors can explore. The Carmel Canyon Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that takes hikers through a narrow canyon and past several hoodoos. The Entrada Canyon Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the park. The Carmel Canyon Loop is a 4-mile loop that takes hikers through the park’s most scenic areas.
Goblin’s Lair Adventure
For the more adventurous hikers, the Goblin’s Lair is a must-see destination. This cave is hidden in the park’s sandstone cliffs and can be accessed by a steep, 1-mile hike. The cave is home to several unique rock formations and offers stunning views of the park. Visitors should bring a camera and tripod to capture the beauty of the cave.
Safety and Preparedness
While hiking in Goblin Valley State Park, visitors should be aware of the flash flood forecast and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. It’s important to bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as a map and compass. Visitors should also wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a first aid kit in case of injury. Canyoneering and biking are also popular activities in the park, but visitors should be aware of the risks involved and take appropriate precautions.
Overall, hiking in Goblin Valley State Park is a unique and rewarding experience that should not be missed. Visitors can explore the park’s hoodoos, goblins, and canyons, and capture stunning photographs along the way. With proper planning and preparation, hikers can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to this beautiful park.
Activities and Amenities
Family-Friendly Fun
Goblin Valley State Park offers a variety of activities and amenities for families with children. The park’s most well-known attraction, the Valley of Goblins, is a free-roaming area where kids can explore and play among the park’s unique hoodoo formations. Beyond the Valley of Goblins, the park also offers six miles of hiking trails that are suitable for families with children of all ages. The park’s hiking trails are outlined in the park brochure, which is available at the visitor center.
In addition to hiking, families can also enjoy a game of disc golf at the park’s 18-hole disc golf course. The course is suitable for players of all skill levels and offers a fun and challenging way to explore the park’s unique landscape. Disc golf equipment can be rented at the park’s visitor center.
Stargazing at Dark Sky Park
Goblin Valley State Park is a certified Dark Sky Park, which means that it offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way and other celestial objects. The park’s dark skies are virtually free of any light pollution from populated areas, making it an ideal location for stargazing.
The park offers a variety of ranger-led events, including moonlit hikes and telescope tours, that are designed to help visitors explore and appreciate the park’s dark skies. Visitors can also bring their own telescopes or binoculars to explore the night sky on their own.
Pets are welcome in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times. The park also offers a variety of services, including restrooms, picnic areas, and a visitor center where visitors can obtain permits for drone use or disc golf. Rappelling is not permitted in the park.
Whether you’re interested in hiking, disc golf, photography, or stargazing, Goblin Valley State Park offers something for everyone.
Local Attractions and Directions
Nearby Natural Wonders
Goblin Valley State Park is surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders that are worth exploring. To the west, the Henry Mountains rise majestically above the desert floor, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. To the east lies Capitol Reef National Park, a land of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations. Visitors can also explore Little Wild Horse Canyon, a popular hiking destination known for its slot canyons and unique rock formations. And for those who want to see the iconic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, it’s just a three-hour drive away.
Getting to Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley State Park is located in southeastern Utah, about 50 miles northwest of Green River. To get there from Salt Lake City, take I-15 south to US-6 east, then follow US-6 east to I-70 east. Take Exit 149 and follow the signs to Goblin Valley State Park. The park is also accessible from Moab, which is about 75 miles southeast of the park. From Moab, take US-191 north to I-70 west, then take Exit 149 and follow the signs to Goblin Valley State Park.
Visitors should note that the park is located in a remote area, and services are limited. The nearest town with full services is Green River, which is about 50 miles away. Visitors should also be aware that the park is located in a desert environment, and temperatures can be extreme. It’s important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. With its otherworldly landscape and unique rock formations, Goblin Valley State Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting southeastern Utah.
Last Updated on December 26, 2023 by Cool Rad Weird