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State parks are sometimes underrated, and Goblin Valley State Park close to Inexperienced River, Utah isn’t any exception. Situated about an hour and a half from Moab, this state park is a vibrant valley of sandstone rock formations with gorgeous hikes and tenting choices.
Whereas you’ll not discover legendary goblins wandering round Goblin Valley State Park, you will notice distinctive mushroom-shaped rock options known as goblins, that are hoodoos just like these present in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. These goblins are estimated to have been shaped via erosion over 170 million years in the past when the realm was close to an historic sea.
One among my former adventurous coworkers had really helpful Goblin Valley State Park to me and mentioned she preferred it much more than Arches Nationwide Park or Canyonlands, so I knew it needed to be good! After I visited Utah in my Sprinter Van within the fall of 2023, I finished by this dog-friendly state park to hike with my husband and cattle canine, take pictures, and discover the realm.
Whether or not you go to for a day or camp close to the park for a number of nights, use this journey information with assets on the very best issues to do in Goblin Valley State Park and a 1-day Goblin Valley itinerary that will help you profit from your time right here.
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Goblin Valley State Park Info
Initially found by cowboys in search of cattle, Arthur Chaffin rediscovered the realm that’s now Goblin Valley State Park within the late Nineteen Twenties, which he deemed “Mushroom Valley.” And I can see why – the goblins look similar to large mushrooms!
Park fundamentals
Goblin Valley crowds
Goblin Valley State Park averages 500,000 guests yearly. On account of its rising reputation, it will probably get crowded on weekends, holidays, and summer season months.
I needed to wait about 20 minutes in a line of vehicles once I visited on a Saturday in October. To dodge the road, I like to recommend arriving as quickly because the park opens.
Future park plans
Goblin Valley at present spans 3,600 acres. In 2022, the Utah Division of State Parks introduced that Goblin Valley State Park would triple in dimension after receiving 6,300 acres from the Bureau of Land Administration.
The park will probably embody new campgrounds, restrooms, trailheads, and facilities sooner or later. I can’t wait to go to once more to see how the park modifications and go on new adventures!
Goblin Valley State Park Map
How one can Get to Goblin Valley State Park
In the event you plan a Utah highway journey to the Mighty 5 Nationwide Parks, cease at Goblin Valley State Park. I explored it on my method to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park after testing Arches.
The park sits midway between Arches and Capitol Reef and is barely a slight detour from the route. I explored it on my method to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park after tenting in Moab for every week.
Goblin Valley State Park is off UT-24. It’s about 50 miles southwest of Inexperienced River and 30 miles north of Hanksville.
Instructions to Goblin Valley
Useful Tip
Be conscious of GPS
In the event you use GPS, it could lead you to a dust highway after you flip onto Temple Mountain Junction. If this occurs, don’t observe the filth highway, as that is incorrect. The 12-mile stretch of highway into the park is paved.
Greatest Time to Go to Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is in a distant desert space with rugged situations. It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go to, I like to recommend bringing loads of solar safety and a water reservoir to refill all through the day.
Park rangers advocate consuming one gallon of water each day to remain hydrated. There are quite a few water refill stations all through the park.
Spring and fall
In case you are trying to find nice temperatures with fewer crowds, Goblin Valley State Park climate is finest in spring or fall. Park rangers advocate visiting throughout these occasions, because the skies and trails are nearly at all times clear.
After I visited within the fall, I loved the sunny skies and heat mountaineering situations. I noticed different individuals within the park, however I by no means felt too crowded on the paths.
Summer time
Though the summer season is a well-liked trip season, it’s not essentially the very best time to go to Goblin Valley, because the climate will be unpredictable.
Summer time temperatures are usually scorching scorching and it’s not unusual for each day excessive temperatures to succeed in over 100°F. The warmth makes for disagreeable and even unsafe mountaineering situations throughout the day.
Whereas it’s scorching throughout the day in the summertime months, the low humidity causes the night temperatures to drop, making for cold tenting situations. Within the late summer season, there’s a threat of afternoon thunderstorms.
Though these storms present a pleasing breeze, they produce harmful lightning strikes and flash flooding. Verify the present situations of Goblin Valley State Park and a climate report earlier than visiting.
Winter
Though winter temperatures could also be tolerable throughout the day, the night temperatures usually drop beneath freezing. Low temperatures can get as chilly as 16°F within the winter.
Bearfoot Concept founder Kristen Bor visited Goblin Valley State Park in February. It was very chilly, however the park was utterly empty, which made it simple to seek out parking and benefit from the clear trails.
There may be occasional snow within the Valley of the Goblins. The bottom was dry when Kristen visited; nonetheless, it will probably get muddy within the winter when there may be precipitation.
Goblin Valley State Park Tenting
If you wish to expertise Goblin Valley State Park for a number of days or nights, take into account tenting in Goblin Valley. There’s a paid campground and yurts contained in the park. They sometimes e book 16 weeks prematurely, so reserve your dates forward of time on their web site or name 1-800-322-3770.
In the event you can not safe a reservation or would reasonably discover a free campsite for automobile tenting, there are many choices for dispersed tenting in Goblin Valley on the outskirts of the park.
Goblin Valley Campground
The Goblin Valley Campground is just not within the Valley of the Goblins, but it surely has stunning rock formations surrounding it and provides handy entry to the park.
Goblin Valley yurts
In the event you don’t wish to camp on the campground, an alternative choice for an in a single day keep in Goblin Valley is a yurt. Sleeping in a yurt is a novel and comfy method to get pleasure from a night within the park.
There are two yurts in Goblin Valley. Impressed by Central Asia’s conventional nomadic tents, staff constructed the Goblin Valley yurts in 2011 earlier than yurts had been as fashionable or widespread all through Utah.
Goblin Valley dispersed tenting
In the event you don’t wish to pay for the Goblin Valley Campground and don’t thoughts driving outdoors of the park, there are wonderful choices for dispersed tenting in Goblin Valley.
Temple Mountain Campground
Anybody visiting Goblin Valley State Park will go this dispersed tenting space heading into the park. While you exit UT-24, you flip onto Temple Mountain Street and instantly see campsites on the proper facet of the highway.
This campground is first come, first serve and has pit bogs. It’s big-rig pleasant and contains fireplace rings on the websites.
These spots are about 12 miles from the doorway to Goblin Valley State Park. The GPS coordinates are 38.39082 N, 110.38243 W.
Little Wild Horse Street
Another choice is Little Wild Horse Street. This dispersed space sits simply outdoors Goblin Valley State Park to the west.
This dispersed tenting space has filth roads resulting in campsites with gorgeous views of the San Rafael Reef and Wild Horse Butte. The highway is doable with 2WD and has spots for large and small rigs.
This space has campfire pits however no cell service. Preserve an in depth eye on the climate as a result of flash floods can occur on this space when it rains. The GPS coordinates are 38.34550 N, 110.44350 W.
BLM close to Little Wild Horse Street
If Little Wild Horse Street is unavailable, head to this space simply up the highway. This space of land has free campsites nestled towards gorgeous cliffs. The highway is 2WD and big-rig pleasant however is a bit bumpy.
Like Little Wild Horse Street, there are campfire rings however no cell service. Kristen camped right here in her Sprinter Van in 2019 and loved the views of the rock formations round her campsite. The GPS coordinates for this BLM spot are 38.34559 N, 110.46104 W.
Motels close to Goblin Valley State Park
There are not any accommodations or lodging lodging inside 30 miles of Goblin Valley State Park. For that reason, I like to recommend persevering with in your Utah highway journey if you don’t want to camp.
Nevertheless, if you wish to reserve lodging in your journey to Goblin Valley, the closest city is Hanksville, Utah. This small city is 33 miles south of Goblin Valley State Park and has restricted choices for lodging.
There may be one motel known as Whispering Sands Motel with inexpensive charges, but it surely doesn’t enable pets. Another choice in Hanksville is to remain in a wooden cabin at Muddy Creek Mining Firm.
The city of Inexperienced River is 49 miles northeast of Goblin Valley State Park. Though it’s a bit additional away, there are extra lodge choices, together with a Consolation Inn, Tremendous 8, Hampton Inn, and native choices. There are additionally extra eating places in Inexperienced River than in Hanksville.
In the event you go to Goblin Valley for a part of a day and proceed driving afterward, the state park is a little bit over an hour away from Capitol Reef Nationwide Park and Arches Nationwide Park. There are extra choices for lodging close to each of those parks.
Goblin Valley Hikes
There are solely 5 established mountaineering trails in Goblin Valley State Park and three trailless valleys the place you may discover the distinctive panorama and see the goblins up shut. All trails and valleys are dog-friendly, however they have to be on leash.
These trails are uncovered, so put on solar safety whereas mountaineering and convey loads of water. Since there are sandy and rocky trails, I like to recommend sporting closed-toe mountaineering footwear or boots.
1. The Goblin’s Lair
Path Fundamentals
The Goblin’s Lair is the hottest hike in Goblin Valley State Park. Many of the hike is flat on a dust path with some scree.
Over the primary mile, you will notice rock formations alongside a cliff wall. Then, the path will lead you to the desert flooring with views of Molly’s Citadel and the Gilson Buttes.
On the finish of the hike, you’ll attain the a part of the path in which you’ll scramble down into a good looking slot canyon known as The Goblin’s Lair, from which the hike will get its identify. It isn’t a real cavern and rockfall shields the doorway.
Relying on once you hike to the lair, you may even see gentle coming into via the ceiling over 100 toes above the chamber flooring. This slot canyon requires fundamental bouldering abilities.
You possibly can stroll additional down the trail to see The Goblette’s Lair, a barely smaller slot canyon. This extension will add one other 0.2 miles to your whole mileage.
Since I hiked with my canine and didn’t wish to carry her down into the canyon, I made a decision to skip this part of the hike. I additionally noticed a baby fall and scrape their knee fairly badly.
2. Carmel Canyon Path
Path Fundamentals
The 1.2-mile Carmel Canyon loop will lead you across the desert flooring to see the Valley of the Goblins from varied angles. Alongside the route, you will notice The Three Sisters rock formation (talked about additional beneath) and may deviate barely from the loop to see it even nearer earlier than persevering with.
Since this path is a loop, you may head clockwise or counterclockwise. Each instructions have the identical elevation achieve, although mountaineering counterclockwise ends in upward climbing via a deep trench in a slim slot canyon on the finish. In the event you favor to descend via the slot canyon, take into account heading clockwise.
The jap part of the Carmel Canyon loop is similar route you’re taking for the preliminary part of the Goblin’s Lair path talked about above. In the event you hike the loop counterclockwise, the cut up for the 2 trails happens at 0.4 miles.
A number of hikers have discovered the signage on this hike complicated, even with a map from the Customer Middle. I like to recommend downloading the map in your telephone beforehand for navigation throughout the hike.
Need to lengthen your hike? You may make it a lollipop form and add an additional half mile to your hike by taking a piece of Goblin’s Lair path to Molly’s Citadel Overlook. You should have the selection so as to add this non-obligatory extension about midway across the loop.
Useful Tip
Mix Goblin’s Lair & Carmel Canyon
For a fair longer hike, take the extension for Molly’s Citadel Overlook and proceed on the trail till you attain The Goblin’s Lair. It’s also possible to stroll an additional 0.1 miles previous this cave to see The Goblette’s Lair. Then, flip round to take the Goblin’s Lair path again to the Carmel Canyon path and end the loop. With Goblette’s Lair, this may add roughly 1.8 miles to your hike, bringing the entire to three.3 miles.
3. Curtis Bench Path
Path Fundamentals
Curtis Bench is a straightforward, 2.0-mile out-and-back hike that follows the Curtis rock formation. It’s a family-friendly hike with views of 1000’s of goblins within the Valley of the Goblins to the east.
The hike additionally options wonderful views of the Henry Mountains to the south. Though there are views of gorgeous peaks surrounding you, you’ll spend many of the hike in a deep wash on this path.
The hike known as Curtis Bench after the grey-green Curtis layer of sand and siltstone within the higher areas of Goblin Valley State Park. Relying on the time of 12 months you go to the park, you may even see flowering crops alongside the path. These flowers are mostly discovered throughout the spring (April and Might).
The hike begins and ends close to the Goblin Valley Campground, making it a handy possibility for anybody tenting within the park. Because the path is flat and simple to observe, you may additionally do that hike at evening and switch off your headlamp to see the Milky Manner.
4. Entrada Canyon
Path Fundamentals
The Entrada Canyon path runs parallel to the Curtis Bench path talked about above however sits at a barely decrease elevation. It’s a straightforward, 1.8-mile path with views of goblins alongside the route. Like Curtis Bench, Entrada Canyon follows a pure drainage wash.
It’s a comfortable, sandy path that may be a bit slim. Some hikers describe the wash as having twists and turns just like a mini slot canyon. There are fascinating patterns and salt deposits alongside the partitions of the wash.
Entrada Canyon will get its identify from the layer of sand and siltstone within the Valley of the Goblins. Sure goblins in Goblin Valley State Park are solely viewable alongside this path and can’t be seen from elsewhere within the park.
This hike additionally begins and ends on the Goblin Valley Campground on the group campsite. In case you are staying on the campground, it is a nice route to absorb the morning to heat up for a difficult hike.
Hikers counsel downloading the route in your telephone forward of time, as it may be complicated the place to go, particularly within the preliminary part of the hike.
Useful Tip
Mix Curtis Bench & Entrada Canyon
You possibly can type a loop hike from the campground by combining Entrada Canyon with Curtis Bench. The Goblin Crawl Path is a marked path that connects the furthest factors of those two hikes on the parking zone for the Valley of the Goblins Trailhead. The entire hike is round 4 miles.
5. The Three Sisters
Path Fundamentals
The Three Sisters rock formation isn’t a lot of a hike, however it’s value a cease. It’s a quick 250-yard path resulting in Goblin Valley State Park’s most iconic goblin formations.
Many souvenirs within the Customer Middle characteristic this rock formation. Though you may drive by and {photograph} it, I like to recommend getting out and strolling to see this distinctive characteristic. It’s much more spectacular up shut.
A marked path results in The Three Sisters from Statement Level Street. As talked about beforehand, the Carmel Canyon path passes close to this rock formation. You possibly can hop onto this path from The Three Sisters and hike the loop in both course.
If you wish to flip this cease into a straightforward 1-mile loop with an elevation achieve of 88 toes, stroll to The Three Sisters from the trailhead and take the Carmel Canyon Loop for 0.3 miles again to the principle highway that connects with the trailhead for The Three Sisters.
Different Issues to Do in Goblin Valley State Park
When you’ve got extra time to discover Goblin Valley, there may be a variety of actions to do throughout your time there. From images to canyoneering, there are alternatives for each sort of outside journey lover.
Discover the Valley of the Goblins
In the event you don’t wish to go on an precise mountaineering path, take into account strolling round one of many three valleys in Goblin Valley State Park. The valleys include 1000’s of hoodoos and are the park’s important points of interest.
There are not any maintained trails on these undeveloped lands, so you may wander the valley as you want. Though it’s permissible to climb on and contact the hoodoos, keep away from any hoodoos that seem fragile. Since there isn’t any clear route, I like to recommend bringing a map and strolling with somebody as you discover.
Go canyoneering
Need to add an unforgettable journey to your journey? You possibly can buy a allow to rappel 70 toes into Goblin’s Lair. This pure sandstone cave is on the east facet of Goblin Valley.
It requires technical gear, canyoneering abilities, and a backcountry allow ($2 per individual) to rappel. Permits can be found for buy on the Customer Middle and issued on a first-come, first-serve foundation. They might not be out there on busy days.
In case you are , watch climate situations and get in touch with a ranger at 435-275-4584 with questions. You possibly can join a guided canyoneering tour with Get within the Wild Adventures.
Take pictures
Goblin Valley State Park is a photographer’s dream. Throughout the day, you may {photograph} the 1000’s of hoodoos throughout the Valley of the Goblins just like these you’d discover when visiting Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. It’s also possible to seize the vegetation of the park, together with varied cacti.
In the event you personal a drone, you should purchase a allow on the Customer Middle for $10 to seize the park from above. You possibly can finish the day with gorgeous pictures of the Milky Manner at the hours of darkness sky at evening.
Play disc golf
Goblin Valley State Park has a free disc golf course with 20 holes. The primary eleven holes characteristic flat terrain with views of the Henry Mountains and Valley of the Goblins. The course then connects with the Curtis Bench path, permitting a straightforward return to your car.
In the event you determine to play the entire course, holes 12-20 are unfold all through canyons and dune fields throughout two miles. There are steep climbs and descents on this part of the course, so put on sturdy mountaineering footwear and convey water. You possibly can lease discs for $1 every on the Customer Middle.
Go mountain biking
There are 5 mountain biking loops inside Goblin Valley State Park spanning seven miles as a part of the Wild Horse Mountain Biking Path System. These interconnecting mountain bike trails vary in problem from newbie to intermediate.
Whereas mountain biking, you’ll encounter areas of the park which might be hardly ever visited and see stunning views of mountain peaks alongside the paths. In case you are in search of extra trails to trip close to the park, there are much more mountain biking trails within the San Rafael Swell.
Swing by the Customer Middle
The Goblin Valley State Park Customer Middle encompasses a reward store with souvenirs to recollect your journey and extra details about the park. It’s open each day from 9:00 a.m. to five:00 p.m., although these hours differ by season.
This constructing can be the place you should purchase permits for flying a drone or canyoneering in case you plan to do both of those actions throughout the day.
The Customer Middle additionally options free public Wi-Fi. This web entry is handy in case you are tenting in or close to the park and would not have a method to get Wi-Fi on the highway.
Go stargazing
Need to admire the celebrities? You can find one of many darkest evening skies at Goblin Valley State Park. As a result of the park is away from fashionable areas and lightweight air pollution, it’s a licensed Darkish Sky Park.
There are breathtaking views of the Milky Manner and constellations. Deliver a telescope or go for an evening hike to see the celebrities. It’s also possible to be a part of a ranger-led moonlit hike or telescope tour.
Goblin Valley 1-day Itinerary
In the event you solely have sooner or later in Goblin Valley State Park, use this itinerary to assist plan your day. This Goblin Valley 1-day itinerary is adventure-packed to get probably the most out of your time within the park however be at liberty to customise it to suit your wants.
1. Cease on the Customer Middle
Earlier than you pay your $20 entrance price to the ranger on the gate, pull over within the small parking zone to the proper. This lot is the place you may park to take a look at the Customer Middle, use the restroom, and replenish your water earlier than heading off in your adventures.
2. Discover the Valley of the Goblins
Earlier than you begin a hike, I like to recommend exploring the valleys for 1-2 hours and taking pictures of the hoodoos earlier than these valleys fill with individuals (and change into a playground for kids) later within the day.
3. Hike the Goblin’s Lair
This fashionable 3-mile, out-and-back path will lead you to a sandstone cave the place you may look down 100 toes to see the canyon flooring beneath. There’s a little bit of a scramble to get to the lair, so go sluggish and watch your footing.
4. Eat a picnic lunch
Discover a spot with a view or head to the gazebo with shade and loads of picnic tables on the Valley of the Goblins parking zone. It’s on the far proper of the lot overlooking Valley 1, on the alternative facet of the Goblin’s Lair trailhead.
5. Admire The Three Sisters
In the event you missed this iconic rock formation in your means into the Valley of the Goblins, pull over (or at the least snap a photograph from the automobile) in your means out. It’s only a 250-yard stroll to succeed in The Three Sisters in case you determine to take a look at the remark level.
6. Play disc golf
After consuming lunch and stopping at The Three Sisters, try the free Goblin Valley disc golf course. The course spans a number of miles and weaves gamers via canyons with unimaginable views of the encircling mountain peaks and goblins.
Alternatively, in case you’re a mountain biker you may try the Wild Horse trails.
7. Verify into your campground or yurt
In case you are staying within the Goblin Valley Campground or reserved one of many two Goblin Valley yurts, this is a superb time to seek out your spot, calm down, and make dinner. There are grills out there for company in each the campground and the yurts. If you wish to camp outdoors the park, I like to recommend discovering your spot earlier than darkish since among the roads may very well be troublesome to drive at evening.
8. Watch the sundown
Step out of your rig, tent, or yurt to catch the sundown. The solar transforms the rocks from orange to a glowing crimson hue. Sundown is likely one of the most magical occasions of day within the desert. In case you are a photographer, this is a superb time of day to seize pictures of the encircling cliff formations.
9. Go stargazing
Finish your day by admiring the Milky Manner in one of many darkest evening skies on Earth. Relying on the day and time of 12 months you go to, you may verify the Customer Middle to see if there’s a ranger-led moonlit hike or telescope tour. In the event you camp on the Goblin Valley Campground, you may stroll a part of the Curtis Bench path at evening for a extra secluded stargazing expertise.
Ideas for Visiting Goblin Valley State Park
As you put together to go to Goblin Valley, observe the suggestions beneath. It doesn’t matter what you determine to do within the park, the following tips will guarantee a secure and satisfying expertise.
Goblin Valley State Park Packing Record
Under is the principle gear to pack for a day in Goblin Valley State Park. In the event you plan to hike within the park, try this record of Day Climbing Necessities.
On the lookout for extra adventurous locations to go to in Utah? Try these:
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Have you ever visited Goblin Valley State Park? What did you do throughout your time there? Inform me about your expertise within the feedback!
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