Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is one of the most otherworldly landscapes in the American West — a three-square-mile valley filled with thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone formations called “goblins” or hoodoos that look like they belong on Mars rather than central Utah. Unlike most parks, visitors are free to roam off-trail among the fantastical formations, climbing, exploring, and photographing an alien landscape sculpted by 170 million years of wind and water erosion. With only 24 campsites, two cozy yurts, International Dark Sky Park certification for world-class stargazing, and seven miles of mountain bike trails, Goblin Valley delivers an intimate, otherworldly adventure at 5,000 feet in Utah’s remote San Rafael Swell.
The Valley of Goblins
The park’s main attraction is a vast, open valley containing thousands of sandstone hoodoos formed from Entrada sandstone dating to the Jurassic period (180–140 million years ago). The formations range from knee-height to towering pillars, with rounded caps perched on narrow pedestals — creating the “goblin” shapes that give the park its name. Three distinct valleys (Valley 1, 2, and 3) offer different concentrations and characters of formations. Unlike most geological parks, visitors are encouraged to explore freely off-trail — climbing on, walking between, and weaving through the goblins in every direction.
Trails & Hiking
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 👽 Valley of Goblins | Open roam | Easy | Free-roam exploration among thousands of hoodoos |
| 🏜️ Carmel Canyon Loop | 1.5 mi | Moderate | Three Sisters viewpoint, connects to Goblin’s Lair |
| 🏔️ Curtis Bench Trail | 2.1 mi | Easy | Panoramic Henry Mountains views |
| 🗿 Three Sisters | 0.25–1 mi | Easy | Iconic rock formation photo op |
| 🦎 Entrada Canyon | 1.3–1.8 mi | Moderate | Starts from campground, unique perspectives |
| 🕳️ Goblin’s Lair | 1.5–3 mi | Strenuous | Cave with skylight, basic bouldering required |
| 🚴 Wild Horse Trails | 7 mi | Easy–Mod | Mountain bike singletrack loops |
The Goblin’s Lair (also called Chamber of the Basilisk) is the park’s most adventurous trail — a cave with a natural skylight that requires basic bouldering skills to enter. Rappelling into the lair requires a special permit. The Wild Horse Trail System offers 7 miles of interconnecting mountain bike singletrack through the desert landscape.
Camping & Yurts
| Accommodation | Units | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🏕️ RV Sites | 14 | No hookups, shade shelter, fire ring, picnic table |
| ⛺ Walk-In Tent Pads | 10 | No hookups, shade shelter, fire ring |
| 🛖 Yurts | 2 | Heat, swamp cooler, bunk beds, futon, year-round |
With only 24 campsites and 2 yurts, Goblin Valley is intimate and peaceful — a stark contrast to Utah’s crowded national parks. No sites have electrical hookups, keeping the experience rustic and the skies dark. The yurts are a popular option, offering climate control, bunk beds, and a futon for $150/night — a welcome retreat after a day in the desert. Reservations open on a 4-month rolling basis and are strongly recommended.
Dark Sky Stargazing
Goblin Valley is certified as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the premier stargazing destinations in the western United States. The park’s remote location — far from any city lights — produces exceptionally dark skies where the Milky Way blazes overhead. Lying among the goblins under a canopy of stars is an experience unlike any other. The park hosts ranger-led stargazing programs during warmer months.
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar–May) | Perfect temps (60–80°F), wildflowers possible | Popular — book early, windy days |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | Extended daylight, epic stargazing, yurts available | 100°F+, early morning/evening exploring only |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov) | Best season: comfortable temps, fewer crowds | Nights cooling rapidly, book ahead |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) | Solitude, yurts with heat, stargazing | Cold nights (below freezing), short days |
Budget Planning
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🎟️ Day Use | $20/vehicle | Motorcycle/bike/pedestrian $10 |
| 🏕️ Campsite | $45/night | Includes entry fee, no hookups |
| 🛖 Yurt | $150+tax/night | Year-round, climate-controlled |
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | Goblin Valley Road, Green River, UT 84525 |
| 📞 Phone | (435) 275-4584 |
| 🌐 Website | Utah Parks – Goblin Valley |
| 🕐 Hours | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM, year-round |
| 💲 Entry | $20/vehicle |
| 📍 GPS | 38.5682°N, 110.7135°W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I climb on the goblins?
Yes! Unlike most geological parks, Goblin Valley encourages visitors to freely roam off-trail among the formations. You can climb on, walk between, and explore the goblins in every direction — it’s what makes the park uniquely fun for families and adventurers alike.
Is Goblin Valley worth the drive?
Absolutely. While the park is remote (216 miles from SLC, 24 miles from Hanksville), the otherworldly landscape is unlike anything else in the US. Combine it with nearby Capitol Reef National Park and the San Rafael Swell for an epic Utah desert road trip.
How dark are the skies for stargazing?
Goblin Valley is an International Dark Sky Park — one of the darkest places you can easily access in the western US. The Milky Way is clearly visible, and on moonless nights, the sky is so dark you can see thousands of stars with the naked eye.
Are there hookups at the campground?
No. None of the 24 campsites have electrical hookups. This keeps the campground dark for stargazing. Each site has a shade shelter, picnic table, and fire ring. The two yurts offer climate control (heat and swamp cooler) as a more comfortable alternative.
👽 Explore an Alien Landscape Under Dark Skies
Climb among thousands of Jurassic-era goblin formations, sleep under some of the darkest skies in America, and explore a landscape that looks more like Mars than Utah. Visit the Utah State Parks website to plan your otherworldly adventure.
