Goblin Valley State Park: A must-see hiking, exploring spot in Utah

Goblin Valley State Park: A must-see hiking, exploring spot in Utah

(Adam Provance)


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GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK — Utah boasts snow-capped mountain peaks, scenic waterfalls, slot canyons, world famous salt flats, five national parks and seven national monuments. Utah is an outdoor enthusiast's dream.

Utah provides quite the bucket list and one of those must-do items is hiking in Goblin Valley State Park, near Hanksville. Goblin Valley State Park is one of 43 state parks in Utah and also one of the most remote. It provides an out-of-this- world wonderland that both children and adults will love.

Like a lot of the landscapes in Utah, Goblin Valley was formed over millions of years by wind, water and persistent weathering, according to a Goblin Valley State Park Brochure. The unique “goblins” in Goblin Valley were formed about 170 million years ago when the entire area was made up of an inland sea and tidal flats.

After the sea evaporated, erosion from the surrounding mesas and highlands were deposited in Goblin Valley. Over time, cracks in upper layer of rock and sediment exposed the underneath softer layers of sediment to the elements. As the softer layers eroded, the “goblins” then formed.

Many goblins are only a couple of feet tall, while other goblins are much taller. The goblins are made out of Entrada sandstone. Children will love running around and exploring in the goblins. However, there are also several official hiking trails in the park including Curtis Bench Trail and Carmel Canyon Trail.

The park also has a large covered pavilion that provides great views of Goblin Valley. It is the one of the few shady spots among the goblins and it makes a great spot for a picnic lunch. Very little vegetation grows in Goblin Valley, due to the scarcity of water. Only the hardiest plants and animals can survive in this environment.

Hikers should note that all children should have a whistle with them at Goblin Valley. The goblins look very similar and if hikers don’t pay attention, they can get disoriented and lose sight of the pavilion.

Looking through a window at Goblin Valley State Park (Photo Credit: Adam Provance)
Looking through a window at Goblin Valley State Park (Photo Credit: Adam Provance)

During the summer, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees so hikers should also come prepared with adequate water and protection from the sun while out exploring.

There are 22 campsites at the Goblin Valley State Park Campground with bathroom and shower facilities. Five sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers can pay for the campsites at the visitor center. Families can also find out the availability of those campsites at the visitors center. Campground reservations can also be made at Reserve America.

March-June and September-November are the best times to visit Goblin Valley. Temperatures in the summer can be very hot and the temperatures in the winter are regularly below freezing.

Pets are allowed in Utah state parks; However, they must be on a maximum 6-foot leash. Please keep pets under control and clean up after them to maintain the safety and courtesy of other hikers enjoying the park.

All plants, animals, minerals and any natural features found in the park are protected. It is against the law to harm, alter, remove or destroy anything found in Goblin Valley State Park. All visitors are expected to follow "Leave No Trace" principles while at Goblin Valley.

Several men involved in toppling a rock formation in Goblin Valley State Park in 2013 were formally charged in January 2014. If a hiker discovers a rock formation in the park that is perched precariously and may present a danger to others, they should not take matters into their own hands. Instead, contact the rangers at the visitor’s center and they will assess the situation.

Directions to Goblin Valley State Park:

The drive to Goblin Valley State Park from Salt Lake City takes about four hours. Travelers will head south on I-15 to Spanish Fork and then take U.S. 6 through Price until reaching I-70. Then, you head west on I-70. After eight miles, take Exit 149, turn left and head south on UT-24 for 24.2 miles.

Follow the signs for Goblin Valley State Park. Turn right onto Temple Mountain Road for 5.2 miles. Finally, take a left down Goblin Valley Road. After six miles, you’ll reach the visitors center and ranger station. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle per day. Park hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.


Adam Provance is the founder of YourHikeGuide.com and has hiked all over the southwestern United States. He is an Eagle Scout and an instructor for Desert & Wilderness Survival. Contact him at yourhikeguide@gmail.com

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