Goblin Valley State Park
Highlights
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Sandstone Formations
The 'Goblins' and the other odd shapes in the park are made of Entrada sandstone deposited during the Jurassic period 180-140 million years ago.
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Stargazing
Goblin Valley State Park is certified as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places to stargaze in the country.
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Valley of the Goblins
The main park attraction is a three square mile area covered in hoodoos that is open for on-and-off road trail exploration on foot.
"Goblin Valley State Park is certified as an International Dark Sky Park making it one of the best places to stargaze in the country."
Things To Know
- The park is open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- The day-use fee is $20 for up to eight people per private vehicle. $10 for Utah seniors 62 and older. $10 per motocycle, bicycle or pedestrain.
- Pets are allowed at Goblin Valley State Park but must be kept on-leash and owners must clean up after their pets.
- This is a remote, rugged area. Exercise caution and travel prepared with supplies.
- Lightning danger is severe in exposed valley and park locations. Seek shelter in a building or vehicle during thunderstorms.
- Drone use is by permit only.
- All plants, animals and natural features and structures are protected. It is illegal to mutilate, deface, alter, destroy or remove them. Leave the hoodoos as they are so that others can enjoy them too.
- Fireworks and firearms are prohibited unless authorized by a Special Use Permit.
- Practice the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the natural world.
- Hoodoo Hotdogs is a food truck vendor available at various times during the year.
- Goblin Valley State Park sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet.
Things To Do
- Camping – There are 26 available campsites at the Goblin Valley Campground including two yurts. Stargaze – Goblin Valley State Park is a designated international Dark Sky Park. Check the park's website for more information on ranger-led events.
- Canyoneering – Rappelling into Goblin's Lair requires a backcountry permit as well as technical gear and canyoneering skills.
- Hiking – There are more than a dozen hiking trails that range from easy to moderate from one to four miles roundtrip.
- Mountain Biking – There are seven miles of interconnecting beginner to intermediate looping singletrack mountain bike trails called the Wild Horse Trail System.
- Photography – Night time photography is perhaps just as popular as daytime photography in the park. By day, red rock sandstone formations contrast starkly against bright blue skies. After dark, the outlines of the 'goblins' create a foreground to the nightly star show.
Top Goblin Valley State Park Hikes
- The Goblin's Lair (Chamber of the Basilisk)
Intermediate (1.5 miles/2.4 kilometers)
An out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 219 feet (66.75 meters) that ascends up a rocky slope and features a massive cavernous formation known as the Goblin's Lair. - Three Sisters
Easy (1 mile/1.6 kilometers)
An easy loop trail hike with an elevation gain of 88 feet (27 meters) with views of the most iconic of all goblin formations in the park. - Carmel Canyon Loop Trail
Moderate (1.5 miles/2.4 kilometers)
This loop trail has an elevation gain of 95 feet (29 meters) and is especially scenic in the evening hours. It connects with the Goblin's Lair Trail. - Entrada Canyon
Moderate (1.8 miles/2.9 kilometers)
This out-and-back trail has an elevation gain of 150 feet (45 meters) and begins at the group campsite. Many of the formations are only viewable from vantage points on this hike.
Camping
Camping reservations can be made online through Utah State Parks. Individual campsites are available for reservation on a four-month rolling basis. Group sites are available for reservation on an 11-month rolling basis. You can book a maximum of 13 days beyond the last date of the reservation window. Check for fire restrictions and other important park information before you go. Camping fees are $30 per night per site for a maximum of eight people. Campfires are allowed in specified areas. It is illegal to dump or drain water from campers or trailers onto the ground. A sanitary disposal station is provided for registered campers. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Yurts
There are two yurts available for year round overnight stays at Goblin Valley State Park. The yurts are accessible by car and are furnished with bunk beds. Each yurt can accommodate up to five guests. No blankets, pillows, cookware, plates, etc. are provided so guests must provide their own. Reservations can be made online at reserveamerica.com for camping and yurts.
Hotels and Places to Stay Nearby
The nearest towns with services are Hanksville, 33 miles to the south and Green River, 49 miles to the northeast. Both Green River and Hanksville have hotels, gas stations, restaurants, post offices and grocery stores. Many people also choose to head toward Capitol Reef National Park, which is next to the basecamp town of Torrey.
What's Nearby
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Capitol Reef National Park
Even considering Utah’s many impressive national parks and monuments, it is difficult to rival Capitol Reef National Park’s sense of expansiveness, of broad, sweeping vistas, of a tortured, twisted, seemingly endless landscape, or of limitless sky and desert rock.
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Little Wild Horse & Ding and Dang
Among the exceptionally beautiful slot canyon hikes in the southern San Rafael area, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a classic, as well as the perfect introduction both to non-technical canyoneering for just about anyone in decent shape. The nearby Ding and Dang Canyons are a bit more difficult, and best suited for experienced hikers.
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San Rafael Swell
San Rafael hikes and bike rides offer unique terrain and jaw-dropping scenery. Learn about the area’s trails and start planning your trip!