Goblin Valley State Park
Explore a surreal landscape of thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos, a natural playground sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Goblin Valley State Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a surreal landscape of thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos, a natural playground sculpted by millions of years of erosion. 
"This place is like a giant natural playground! The rock scrambling, the caves, and the cliffs make it such a fun adventure. "
💧 Bring LOTS of Water!
Essential for desert exploration. Refill stations available.
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
For climbing and exploring the unique terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hoodoos
Throughout the park
Wander among thousands of bizarre, mushroom-shaped sandstone formations, sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
+1
Goblin's Lair
Southwest corner of the valley
Discover this unique cave with a natural arch. A 2.3-mile roundtrip hike leads to this cool spot.
The Three Sisters
Near the park entrance
Iconic, towering rock formations that are a signature sight of Goblin Valley.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Water is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring LOTS of Water!
Essential for desert exploration. Refill stations available. +1
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
For climbing and exploring the unique terrain.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.
🚗 Parking Can Fill Up
Arrive early, especially on weekends/holidays.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring LOTS of Water!
Essential for desert exploration. Refill stations available. +1
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
For climbing and exploring the unique terrain.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.
🚗 Parking Can Fill Up
Arrive early, especially on weekends/holidays.
🏕️ Unique Yurt Stays
Book well in advance for these unique accommodations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Goblin Valley State Park's unique, otherworldly landscape, calling it a 'must-see' and a 'giant natural playground.' The hoodoo formations are a major draw, offering endless opportunities for exploration and photography. However, many note that the park can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends, and the summer heat is intense, making ample water and sun protection essential. +2
"A must see place in Utah if you get the chance. The Park could expand their parking. It was at capacity at our recent visit during Memorial Day weekend so the park staff would have cars entering the park wait for a car to leave before they could enter. At capacity you could still completely avoid anyone else while down among the hoodoos if you wanted to. This place is like a giant natural playground! The rock scrambling, the caves, the cliffs, and more make it such a fun adventure to just go exploring. It was relatively cool when we went, which I was grateful for because it was still hot. We drank water like crazy. Bring water. There is a water fill spigot by the restrooms if you have a container for it. There are flush restrooms. Check out goblins lair cave if you can. Way cool."
Daniel Johnson
"Absolutely breathtaking. What an amazing experience. Must be on your bucket list. It's $10 per person. There are various trails to hike. It gets very hot so you must have a hat and take water with you. You must be very careful as some of the trails are very precarious. It was very worth the hike. Very spiritual experience. Had a great time"
Phoenix Black
"Been coming here for over 20 years and love it—it really is an amazing place. My only complaint is that everyone else discovered it too. It’s fairly vast though so there’s room for others. It’s worth it to hike across the valley and climb up the other side to look at the 360 view. If you’re able to come for sunrise, it’s a beautiful view westward. Make sure to take plenty of water as there is nothing as you get further into the hoodoos. Spring and fall is the best time to be there as it gets really hot in the summer. The Goblins Lair is great to visit, and especially to rappel, but only if you have a permit and the right equipment.
Flushing toilets, and a pavilion area for a picnic. Gets really busy on weekends, and other times school is out. Worth it to get there on a school day."
Ryan’s Recaps & Reviews
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Goblin Valley State Park is located in Emery County, Utah. From Green River, take UT-24 West for about 30 miles, then turn north onto Goblin Valley Road. The park entrance is about 8 miles down this road.
Goblin Valley State Park is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Moab, Utah, making it a feasible day trip or stopover for those exploring the region.
The main valley floor is easily explorable on foot, with trails and paths winding through the hoodoos. For more adventurous exploration, consider hiking to Goblin's Lair or exploring nearby canyons.
Currently, there are no public shuttle services directly to Goblin Valley State Park. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Yes, Goblin Valley State Park is a popular day-trip destination. You can explore the main valley and hike to Goblin's Lair within a few hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $10 per person for day use. Check the official Utah State Parks website for the most current pricing.
Goblin Valley State Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk for day use. The campground and visitor center may have specific hours.
Reservations are not typically required for day-use entry, but the park can reach capacity, especially on weekends and holidays, leading to temporary entry restrictions.
Yes, there is a campground with basic amenities. Yurts are also available for rent and are very popular, booking up months in advance.
Pets are generally allowed in Goblin Valley State Park on a leash, including in the campground and yurts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the unique hoodoos by hiking, scrambling, and playing among them. Hike to Goblin's Lair cave, enjoy scenic drives, and camp under the stars. +1
Yes, there are several trails, including the popular hike to Goblin's Lair (2.3 miles roundtrip). The main valley floor also offers informal paths for exploration.
Absolutely! It's often described as a giant natural playground, perfect for kids to climb and explore the unique rock formations.
While it's a desert environment, you might spot reptiles, birds, and small mammals. Keep a respectful distance and do not feed the wildlife.
Cell service can be spotty to non-existent within Goblin Valley State Park. It's advisable to download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services within Goblin Valley State Park. Visitors should bring all their own food and drinks.
The nearest services are in Hanksville, about 30 miles south, which has a few diners and a grocery store. Green River is also an option, further north.
Yes, there are picnic areas available, including a pavilion. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and meals. Consider items that don't require refrigeration if you're visiting during hot weather.
Yes, the yurts come equipped with grills, and fire pits are also available at campsites.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire park is a photographer's dream! Focus on the unique hoodoo formations, the Three Sisters, and Goblin's Lair. Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage is subject to federal regulations and park policies. Check with the park for current restrictions before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the landscape, while a telephoto lens can isolate interesting details on the formations.
While official tours might be limited, many visitors find success exploring independently. Consider joining local photography groups for potential guided outings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Pack plenty of water and snacks: The desert heat can be intense, so staying hydrated is crucial.
* Wear sturdy shoes: Kids will want to scramble, so good footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
* Visit during cooler months: Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploration.
* Consider the yurts: For a unique and comfortable family stay, book one of the park's yurts well in advance.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
While the yurts are a unique experience, they are a pricier option. However, even if you opt for day use, the sheer wonder of the park makes it a worthwhile investment. Packing your own food and water is essential, as there are no dining facilities within the park, which further helps to keep costs down.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Tips for photographers:
* Golden Hour is your friend: Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting, casting long shadows and warm hues across the formations.
* Explore beyond the main valley: Hike to Goblin's Lair for unique cave shots and consider nearby slot canyons for different photographic subjects.
* Experiment with angles: Get low to the ground to emphasize the scale of the hoodoos, or find elevated spots for panoramic views.
* Bring a variety of lenses: A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the expansive scenery, while a telephoto lens can isolate interesting details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Goblin Valley
+2The park is situated within the San Rafael Swell, a vast geological uplift. The hoodoos themselves are remnants of ancient sand dunes from the Jurassic period, approximately 140 million years ago. The harder caprock on top of the softer sandstone protects the pillars from direct erosion, creating the distinctive mushroom shape.
+1This surreal landscape has led many to compare Goblin Valley to the surface of Mars, offering an otherworldly experience for visitors. The sheer density and variety of these formations make it a truly unique destination in Utah.
+1Exploring Goblin's Lair
While the hike itself is rewarding, reaching Goblin's Lair requires a bit of effort. It's advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water, as the trail can be exposed and hot, especially during summer months.
For the truly adventurous, Goblin's Lair is also a popular spot for rappelling, but this requires a permit and the proper equipment. Always check with park authorities for current regulations and safety guidelines before attempting any advanced activities.
Unique Stays: Goblin Valley Yurts
+2Each yurt is equipped with amenities like a grill, heater, electricity, water spigot, fire pit, futon, and picnic table, providing a cozy base for exploration. They are also pet-friendly, making them a great option for travelers with furry companions.
+1 Due to their popularity, these yurts book up months in advance, so it's essential to plan ahead and check for cancellations frequently. Staying in a yurt allows you to experience the park's magic after the day-trippers have left, offering a chance for stargazing and a truly unique desert lodging experience. It's a fantastic alternative to traditional camping for those seeking a bit more comfort.
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