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State parks are sometimes underrated, and Goblin Valley State Park close to Inexperienced River, Utah is not any exception. Situated about an hour and a half from Moab, this state park is a vibrant valley of sandstone rock formations with beautiful 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 much 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 world was close to an historical sea.
One among my former adventurous coworkers had really useful Goblin Valley State Park to me and mentioned she favored it much more than Arches Nationwide Park or Canyonlands, so I knew it needed to be good! Once 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 photographs, and discover the world.
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 perfect issues to do in Goblin Valley State Park and a 1-day Goblin Valley itinerary that can assist 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 world that’s now Goblin Valley State Park within the late Twenties, which he deemed “Mushroom Valley.” And I can see why – the goblins look similar to big mushrooms!
Park fundamentals
Goblin Valley crowds
Goblin Valley State Park averages 500,000 guests yearly. Because of its rising reputation, it will probably get crowded on weekends, holidays, and summer time months.
I needed to wait about 20 minutes in a line of automobiles 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 doubtless embrace 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
Find out how to Get to Goblin Valley State Park
When you plan a Utah street 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 trying out 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
When you use GPS, it might lead you to a mud street after you flip onto Temple Mountain Junction. If this occurs, don’t observe the grime street, as that is incorrect. The 12-mile stretch of street 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 yr 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 ingesting one gallon of water day by 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 greatest in spring or fall. Park rangers advocate visiting throughout these instances, because the skies and trails are nearly all the time clear.
Once I visited within the fall, I loved the sunny skies and heat mountain climbing situations. I noticed different folks within the park, however I by no means felt too crowded on the paths.
Summer time
Though the summer time is a well-liked trip season, it’s not essentially the perfect time to go to Goblin Valley, because the climate could be unpredictable.
Summer time temperatures are usually scorching sizzling and it’s not unusual for day by day excessive temperatures to succeed in over 100°F. The warmth makes for disagreeable and even unsafe mountain climbing situations in the course of the day.
Whereas it’s sizzling in the course of the day in the summertime months, the low humidity causes the night temperatures to drop, making for cold tenting situations. Within the late summer time, 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 in the course of the day, the night temperatures usually drop beneath freezing. Low temperatures can get as chilly as 16°F within the winter.
Bearfoot Principle founder Kristen Bor visited Goblin Valley State Park in February. It was very chilly, however the park was fully empty, which made it simple to search out parking and make the most of the clear trails.
There’s 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’s 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 usually ebook 16 weeks prematurely, so reserve your dates forward of time on their web site or name 1-800-322-3770.
When you can’t safe a reservation or would relatively discover a free campsite for automotive tenting, there are many choices for dispersed tenting in Goblin Valley on the outskirts of the park.
Goblin Valley Campground
The Goblin Valley Campground will not be within the Valley of the Goblins, nevertheless it has lovely rock formations surrounding it and affords handy entry to the park.
Goblin Valley yurts
When you don’t wish to camp on the campground, another choice for an in a single day keep in Goblin Valley is a yurt. Sleeping in a yurt is a singular and cozy method to take pleasure in a night within the park.
There are two yurts in Goblin Valley. Impressed by Central Asia’s conventional nomadic tents, employees constructed the Goblin Valley yurts in 2011 earlier than yurts have been as fashionable or widespread all through Utah.
Goblin Valley dispersed tenting
When 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. Whenever you exit UT-24, you flip onto Temple Mountain Highway and instantly see campsites on the appropriate aspect of the street.
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 Highway
An alternative choice is Little Wild Horse Highway. This dispersed space sits simply outdoors Goblin Valley State Park to the west.
This dispersed tenting space has grime roads resulting in campsites with beautiful views of the San Rafael Reef and Wild Horse Butte. The street is doable with 2WD and has spots for large and small rigs.
This space has campfire pits however no cell service. Hold a detailed 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 Highway
If Little Wild Horse Highway is unavailable, head to this space simply up the street. This space of land has free campsites nestled in opposition to beautiful cliffs. The street is 2WD and big-rig pleasant however is a bit bumpy.
Like Little Wild Horse Highway, 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.
Accommodations close to Goblin Valley State Park
There aren’t 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 street journey if you don’t want to camp.
Nonetheless, 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’s one motel known as Whispering Sands Motel with inexpensive charges, nevertheless it doesn’t permit pets. An alternative 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.
When you go to Goblin Valley for a part of a day and proceed driving afterward, the state park is slightly 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 mountain climbing trails in Goblin Valley State Park and three trailless valleys the place you’ll be able to 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 mountain climbing and produce loads of water. Since there are sandy and rocky trails, I like to recommend sporting closed-toe mountain climbing 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 mud 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 ground with views of Molly’s Fort and the Gilson Buttes.
On the finish of the hike, you’ll attain the a part of the path in which you’ll be able to scramble down into a ravishing 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 whenever you hike to the lair, you may even see gentle coming into via the ceiling over 100 ft above the chamber ground. This slot canyon requires primary bouldering expertise.
You’ll be able to 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 toddler 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 ground to see the Valley of the Goblins from numerous angles. Alongside the route, you will notice The Three Sisters rock formation (talked about additional beneath) and might deviate barely from the loop to see it even nearer earlier than persevering with.
Since this path is a loop, you’ll be able to head clockwise or counterclockwise. Each instructions have the identical elevation achieve, although mountain climbing counterclockwise leads to upward climbing via a deep trench in a slim slot canyon on the finish. When 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 are taking for the preliminary part of the Goblin’s Lair path talked about above. When 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 in the course of the hike.
Need to prolong your hike? You may make it a lollipop form and add an additional half mile to your hike by taking a bit of Goblin’s Lair path to Molly’s Fort Overlook. You’ll 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 good longer hike, take the extension for Molly’s Fort Overlook and proceed on the trail till you attain The Goblin’s Lair. You may as well 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 is able to 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 beautiful peaks surrounding you, you’ll spend many of the hike in a deep wash on this path.
The hike is named 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 yr you go to the park, you may even see flowering vegetation alongside the path. These flowers are mostly discovered in the course of the spring (April and Might).
The hike begins and ends close to the Goblin Valley Campground, making it a handy choice for anybody tenting within the park. Because the path is flat and simple to observe, you could possibly additionally do that hike at evening and switch off your headlamp to see the Milky Method.
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 tender, sandy path that could be a bit slim. Some hikers describe the wash as having twists and turns much 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’ll be able to 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 car 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 brief 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’ll be able to 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 Remark Level Highway. As talked about beforehand, the Carmel Canyon path passes close to this rock formation. You’ll be able to hop onto this path from The Three Sisters and hike the loop in both route.
If you wish to flip this cease into a straightforward 1-mile loop with an elevation achieve of 88 ft, stroll to The Three Sisters from the trailhead and take the Carmel Canyon Loop for 0.3 miles again to the principle street that connects with the trailhead for The Three Sisters.
Different Issues to Do in Goblin Valley State Park
In case you have extra time to discover Goblin Valley, there’s a variety of actions to do throughout your time there. From images to canyoneering, there are alternatives for each kind of out of doors journey lover.
Discover the Valley of the Goblins
When you don’t wish to go on an precise mountain climbing path, take into account strolling round one of many three valleys in Goblin Valley State Park. The valleys comprise 1000’s of hoodoos and are the park’s most important sights.
There aren’t any maintained trails on these undeveloped lands, so you’ll be able to wander the valley as you would like. Though it’s permissible to climb on and contact the hoodoos, keep away from any hoodoos that seem fragile. Since there isn’t a 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’ll be able to buy a allow to rappel 70 ft into Goblin’s Lair. This pure sandstone cave is on the east aspect of Goblin Valley.
It requires technical gear, canyoneering expertise, and a backcountry allow ($2 per particular person) to rappel. Permits can be found for buy on the Customer Middle and issued on a first-come, first-serve foundation. They will not be obtainable on busy days.
In case you are , watch climate situations and speak to a ranger at 435-275-4584 with questions. You’ll be able to join a guided canyoneering tour with Get within the Wild Adventures.
Take photographs
Goblin Valley State Park is a photographer’s dream. In the course of the day, you’ll be able to {photograph} the 1000’s of hoodoos throughout the Valley of the Goblins much like these you’d discover when visiting Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. You may as well seize the vegetation of the park, together with numerous cacti.
When you personal a drone, you should buy a allow on the Customer Middle for $10 to seize the park from above. You’ll be able to finish the day with beautiful pictures of the Milky Method at nighttime 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.
When 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 mountain climbing footwear and produce water. You’ll be able to hire 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 are not often visited and see lovely views of mountain peaks alongside the paths. In case you are in search of extra trails to experience 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 includes a reward store with souvenirs to recollect your journey and extra details about the park. It’s open day by day from 9:00 a.m. to five:00 p.m., although these hours fluctuate by season.
This constructing can be the place you should buy permits for flying a drone or canyoneering when you plan to do both of those actions in the course of 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 don’t have a method to get Wi-Fi on the street.
Go stargazing
Need to admire the celebs? You will see that one of many darkest evening skies at Goblin Valley State Park. As a result of the park is away from fashionable areas and light-weight air pollution, it’s a licensed Darkish Sky Park.
There are breathtaking views of the Milky Method and constellations. Deliver a telescope or go for an evening hike to see the celebs. You may as well be part of a ranger-led moonlit hike or telescope tour.
Goblin Valley 1-day Itinerary
When you solely have someday in Goblin Valley State Park, use this itinerary to assist plan your day. This Goblin Valley 1-day itinerary is adventure-packed to get essentially the most out of your time within the park however be happy 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 car parking zone to the appropriate. This lot is the place you’ll be able to park to take a look at the Customer Middle, use the restroom, and refill 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 photographs of the hoodoos earlier than these valleys fill with folks (and turn 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’ll be able to look down 100 ft to see the canyon ground beneath. There’s a little bit of a scramble to get to the lair, so go gradual 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 car parking zone. It’s on the far proper of the lot overlooking Valley 1, on the other aspect of the Goblin’s Lair trailhead.
5. Admire The Three Sisters
When you missed this iconic rock formation in your approach into the Valley of the Goblins, pull over (or no less than snap a photograph from the automotive) in your approach out. It is just a 250-yard stroll to succeed in The Three Sisters when you determine to take a look at the statement 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 unbelievable views of the encircling mountain peaks and goblins.
Alternatively, when you’re a mountain biker you’ll be able to 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 wonderful time to search out your spot, chill out, and make dinner. There are grills obtainable for friends 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 a number of 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 instances of day within the desert. In case you are a photographer, this is a wonderful time of day to seize photographs of the encircling cliff formations.
9. Go stargazing
Finish your day by admiring the Milky Method in one of many darkest evening skies on Earth. Relying on the day and time of yr you go to, you could possibly verify the Customer Middle to see if there’s a ranger-led moonlit hike or telescope tour. When you camp on the Goblin Valley Campground, you could possibly 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 pointers will guarantee a secure and pleasing expertise.
Goblin Valley State Park Packing Record
Under is the principle gear to pack for a day in Goblin Valley State Park. When you plan to hike within the park, try this listing of Day Mountaineering Necessities.
On the lookout for extra adventurous locations to go to in Utah? Take a look at 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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