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

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

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

Budget Planning

Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Goblins: Formation and Geology

Goblin Valley’s mushroom-shaped rock formations — locally called “goblins” or “hoodoos” — were sculpted over 170 million years from Entrada Sandstone, the same geological formation responsible for the arches at Arches National Park. The goblins form through differential erosion: harder capstone protects softer sandstone beneath it from rain and wind, creating pedestals that gradually narrow until the top-heavy formation resembles a mushroom, a toadstool, or (with enough imagination) a goblin. Each goblin is unique in shape and size, ranging from knee-high nubs to towering 10-foot figures. The valley floor is open for free exploration — unlike most parks, visitors are encouraged to walk among the formations, touch them, and explore the maze of narrow passages between them. This hands-on accessibility makes Goblin Valley exceptionally popular with families and photographers.

Mountain Biking and Dark Skies

Goblin Valley was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2016, and the combination of remote location, high desert elevation (5,000 feet), and low humidity creates some of the best stargazing conditions in North America. The park hosts ranger-led astronomy programs with telescopes during warmer months. Mountain biking trails around the park boundary offer challenging desert singletrack with views of the Henry Mountains, the San Rafael Reef, and the Wild Horse Butte area. The park’s 25 campsites include covered shelters, restrooms, and hot showers — luxury amenities for such a remote location. Entry fee is $20 per vehicle; camping reservations can be made through the Utah State Parks system.

Exploring the Valley Floor

Unlike most parks with fragile geological features, Goblin Valley actively encourages visitors to leave the trails and explore freely among the formations. The “goblin valley” itself covers roughly 3,000 acres of open terrain where thousands of hoodoos, spires, pedestals, and mushroom-shaped formations create a maze-like landscape that delights children and adults alike. Three numbered observation Areas provide different density and character of formations: Valley 1 has the tallest and most widely spaced goblins, Valley 2 features dense clusters perfect for hide-and-seek exploration, and Valley 3 offers a more open landscape with panoramic views toward the Henry Mountains. The soft Entrada Sandstone ranges in color from pale cream to deep rust, and the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day continuously transforms the valley’s appearance — morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic photographic conditions.

Surrounding Adventures

Goblin Valley serves as a gateway to some of Utah’s most spectacular off-the-beaten-path adventures. The Wild Horse Window (also called the Wild Horse Arch) is located approximately 3 miles from the park and can be reached via a moderately strenuous hike through colorful slot canyons. Little Wild Horse Canyon, one of Utah’s most popular slot canyon hikes, begins just outside the park boundary and offers 8 miles of narrows accessible to hikers of moderate fitness without technical equipment. The San Rafael Swell, a massive geological uplift visible from the park, contains hundreds of miles of unpaved roads, canyons, and rock art sites for those with high-clearance vehicles. Capitol Reef National Park lies approximately 45 miles to the south, and Canyonlands National Park is about 100 miles southeast, making Goblin Valley an excellent midpoint on a Utah parks road trip.

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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