Known for its unique and rugged land filled with sandstone goblins, gnomes, and mushroom-shaped rock formations, Goblin Valley State Park, is the place to go if you’re fascinated by geology and natural phenomenons.
Goblin Valley was created by sand deposited 170 million years ago from a vast inland sea, that was then sculptured by uplift and erosion by wind and water, also known as the San Rafael Swell.
The result is a unique landscape made up of uniquely shaped goblin rocks luring us into play.
The colorful valley, which is only 3 square miles (about a mile across and two miles long), is filled with orange and chocolate covered creatures, which stand at only a few feet high.
If you’re thinking of visiting Goblin Valley State Park and checking out these rock formations, then keep reading to find out how to get there, what there is to see, and the best way to hike around the park!
How to get to Goblin Valley State Park?
Goblin Valley Utah is located between Green River and the town of Hanksville in Utah. To get here, you will need your own car, and then need to drive 20 miles north of Hanksville on Highway 24 (beautiful scenic drive).
Once you reach Temple Mountain junction, follow the signs for 12 miles southwest along a paved road, which will take you to the park entrance. You can park your car by the Visitor Center and Museum, or the main campground in the park.
It’s about 222 miles (3 hr 40 min) from Salt Lake City, 100 miles (90 mins) from Moab and 48 miles (1 hour) to Capitol Reef National Park.
Opening hours and entrance fees
The park is open daily from 6:00pm – 10:00pm, and has a daily fee of $20 per private vehicle, or $10 motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian.
If you wish to fly your drone, there is a $15 fee for a permit, and if you want to rappel into Goblin’s Lair, it costs $4 per person.
Things to do in Goblin Valley State Park
1. Go hiking
Despite it being a playground for games of hide and seek, there are several hiking trails in Goblin Valley State Park you can do, if you are up for it.
There are three main hiking trails within the Goblin Valley State Park. All of them are quite short, so you can do a couple if you feel like it:
- Carmel Canyon Loop: 1.5 mile moderately strenuous loop down to the desert floor and amongst the goblins.
- Curtis Bench: Easy 2.1 mile return trail following the Curtis formation. It gives you an overview of Goblin Valley as well as…
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