A Magical Terrain of Rock Creatures.
Goblin Valley State Park
Fields of rocks that look like goblins.
Elevation:
5000 Feet
Goblin Valley State Park is a unique and beautiful park located in the San Rafael Desert of south-central Utah. This park features some of the most spectacular sandstone formations in all of Utah, with its namesake “goblins” being an otherworldly collection of mushroom-shaped rocks that define the landscape. Goblin Valley State Park is a popular destination for campers and hikers, offering incredible views from the upper rim of the valley as well as plenty of opportunities to explore the goblins up close.
geology
Goblin Valley State Park is special not just for its interesting hoodoo formations, but also for its incredible geology. The rocks in the park are mostly sandstone, which forms from sedimentary deposits and has a particularly soft texture that makes it easily eroded by water. This erosion causes the goblins to form over time. The exposed cliffs of the park will reveal layers of rock that are bared by erosion. With a barren landscape, when rain falls on Goblin Valley State Park, there are very few plant roots and not a lot of soil to hold and absorb the water. This causes bedrock not to be penetrated by the muddy streams that flow during the rainier seasons.
history
The park’s namesake “goblins” are actually sandstone hoodoos, which form when water erodes away rock layers at different rates. These rocks have been around for thousands of years, although they have only recently been discovered and protected by the Utah State Parks system. This park has a rich cultural history, with Ancestral Puebloan Indians having used the area as a dwelling in ancient times. It was also inhabited by cowboys and homesteaders in more recent years before being officially established as Goblin Valley State Park in 1964.
Photo gallery
Wildlife
Goblin Valley State Park is home to a variety of animals, including desert tortoises, lizards, snakes, kangaroo rats and rabbits. A lot of these animals are nocturnal and only venture out at night to hunt for food. There are also many birds that call the park home like golden eagles and peregrine falcons. The elusive kit fox can sometimes be spotted in the area as well.
Points of interest
The Goblins
The Goblins can be found in a 3 square mile area. This field of "Goblins" are peculiar shaped rock formations.
Wild Horse Trail System
The Wild Horse Trail System offers seven miles of trail for beginner and intermediate mountain biking
Goblin Lair
The Goblin Lair is a 70 foot sandstone cavern that requires a backcountry canyoneering permit
Planning your trip to goblin valley state park
Goblin Valley State Park is a great destination for campers and hikers. There are several campsites available to reserve from the Utah State Parks website. Keep in mind that there are no RV hookups or showers, but water spigots are located at each campsite. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a valid permit. Hiking trails range in difficulty and length, with some being longer than 10 miles round-trip. There are also plenty of spots to take pictures from along the way.
lodging/camping
The closest lodging to Goblin Valley State Park is located in the town of Green River, Utah. This small town has several hotels and motels that offer comfortable accommodations for visitors. For those looking for a more rustic experience, there are plenty of campgrounds in the area that offer great views of the San Rafael Swell and surrounding areas.
dining
Goblin Valley State Park is a bit of a drive from the nearest major city, so it’s important to come prepared with snacks and drinks. For meals, there are several restaurants in Green River, Utah and Hanksville, Utah that serve up hearty dishes like burgers, steak, and Mexican food. There are also some convenience stores in the area where you can purchase snacks and drinks.
Fees/permits
There are fees for both the camping ground and for day-use for entry into Goblin Valley State Park. There is also a fee for backcountry camping permits, which can be obtained from the Utah State Parks website. Additionally, visitors will need to obtain vehicle permits if they plan on driving off-road in the area. These are available from the visitor center or online. For more information about fees and permits, visit the state park website to get all amounts for Goblin Valley State Park.
Pets
Pets are allowed at Goblin Valley State Park but must be kept on a leash that is a maximum of six feet at all times and not left unattended. Keep in mind that the park can get quite hot during the summer months, so it is best to leave pets at home if possible. Additionally, pet owners should bring plenty of water for their furry friends as they explore the park.
Seasons
Spring and fall make a great time to visit the park. Summer mornings at Goblin Valley State Park will generally be quiet enjoyable but be aware that afternoon temperatures can get as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The park is open year-round but does experience winter temperatures and conditions.
Nearby
- San Rafael Swell
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
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