Photo: BrisbanePom / CC BY-SA 3.0
Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is a surreal landscape of hoodoos and sandstone formations that resemble goblins, mushrooms, and other whimsical shapes. This otherworldly park offers a unique hiking experience among the bizarre rock formations, perfect for photographers and families alike.
Highlights & What to See
- Goblin's Lair: A hidden cave-like formation accessible via a short hike, offering a cool respite and impressive acoustics.
- Three Sisters: Iconic trio of hoodoos that are a must-see for their photogenic shapes.
- Molly's Castle: A towering sandstone butte with a short trail leading to panoramic views of the valley.
- Hiking the Valley: Wander among the thousands of hoodoos on marked trails or explore off-trail (allowed in this park) for a true adventure.
- Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the park is a designated Dark Sky Park, offering incredible night skies.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 2-4 hours exploring the main valley and short trails. For a deeper experience, plan a half-day to hike to Goblin's Lair and Molly's Castle, or stay overnight at the campground for sunset and stargazing. The park is compact, so you can see the highlights in a morning or afternoon.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Little Wild Horse Canyon: A classic slot canyon hike just 10 minutes away, perfect for a morning adventure before visiting Goblin Valley.
- San Rafael Swell: A vast area of canyons and mesas for off-road driving and remote hiking.
- Capitol Reef National Park: About 1.5 hours south, offering colorful cliffs, orchards, and the historic Fruita district.
- Moab: 2 hours east, gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, with great dining and outdoor gear shops.
- Green River: A small town 45 minutes north with services and the John Wesley Powell River History Museum.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.