Goblin Valley State Park in Utah: A Complete Guide
Picture yourself walking through a landscape that looks and feels like another planet. It is an alien terrestrial environment where sandstone goblins guard every corner, and the setting sun paints the desert in deep red and gold. Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is one of the most unusual and unforgettable places you can visit near Moab. It’s a dream for photographers, families, and anyone who loves exploring wild, whimsical terrain.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about visiting Goblin Valley, including the best times to go, what to bring, how to get there, and a few insider tips to make your experience extraordinary. Whether you’re road-tripping through southern Utah or looking to add a half-day adventure to your Moab itinerary, Goblin Valley delivers an experience that feels truly out of this world.
Where Is Goblin Valley State Park Located?
Goblin Valley State Park sits about 100 miles northwest of Moab, and is roughly a 1 hour and 45-minute drive through classic Utah desert scenery. The park is tucked between Capitol Reef National Park and the San Rafael Swell, making it a perfect stop on a scenic loop through southeastern Utah.
Address:
Goblin Valley State Park
18630 Goblin Valley Road
Green River, Utah 84525
You’ll reach the park by driving west from Moab on UT-313, then north on US-191, and west on UT-24. Once you spot the turnoff to Goblin Valley Road, it’s about 12 miles to the park entrance. The drive itself is part of the adventure. Be careful not to get distracted by sweeping red cliffs, distant buttes, and the rugged beauty of the San Rafael Desert.
Pro Tip: Download maps ahead of time. Cell service drops off between Green River and the park, and GPS coverage can be unreliable in the canyons.
Summary: Goblin Valley lies within easy driving distance of Moab and offers an incredible detour filled with red rock spires, alien-like formations, and wide-open desert views.
Why Visit Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley is famous for its thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone formations known as hoodoos or “goblins.” These eerie shapes were carved by wind and water erosion over millions of years, creating a playground of soft rock that invites exploration. Unlike national parks that often limit off-trail travel, Goblin Valley encourages you to wander freely among the formations.
Here is why you should add Gob;lin Valley to your Utah itinerary:
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Family-Friendly Adventure: The valley floor is relatively flat, making it relatively safe and fun for kids to explore.
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Stunning Photography: The low sun at dawn or dusk turns the goblins a fiery red-orange that glows against the blue desert sky.
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Night Sky Viewing: Goblin Valley is a certified International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the clearest stargazing in the West.
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Unique Hiking and Canyoneering: Nearby slot canyons like Little Wild Horse Canyon are perfect for easy, scenic exploration.
For travelers coming from Moab, Goblin Valley adds contrast to the iconic arches and cliffs you see closer to town. It’s more intimate, more playful, but just as breathtaking.
Best Time to Visit Goblin Valley
The best time to visit Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is spring (March through May) and fall (September through early November) when daytime highs hover between 65°F and 85°F.
Seasonal Overview
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Spring: Wildflowers bloom across the desert floor, and temperatures are perfect for hiking.
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Summer: Expect highs over 100°F. Mornings and evenings are beautiful, but midday heat can be intense.
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Fall: Cooler air and soft light make it ideal for photography.
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Winter: Quiet and peaceful, but nights can drop below freezing.
Timing Tips
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Arrive early or stay late to see the park’s incredible shadows and colors.
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Avoid heavy rain, as nearby slot canyons can flash flood.
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Reserve campsites in advance during spring break and fall weekends.
Summary: Plan your visit for spring or fall to experience the most comfortable temperatures and best light for photos.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Even though Goblin Valley feels like a giant playground DO NOT BE FOOLED it is remote desert terrain where you need to rely on yoursef and be self sufficient. Preparation goes a long way toward a safe and enjoyable visit.
Essential Packing List:
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Plenty of water: At least one gallon per person, especially if hiking.
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Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight long sleeves.
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Snacks or picnic lunch: No restaurants nearby.
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Sturdy shoes: Trail runners or hiking shoes with good traction.
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Camera or smartphone: You’ll want photos.
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Headlamp or flashlight: For evening hikes or stargazing.
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Navigation tools: Download offline maps before you go.
Insider Tip: Bring layers—evenings cool off quickly once the sun sets over the San Rafael Swell.
What is There to do in Goblin Valley?
Explore the Main Valley
The main valley of goblins is the park’s centerpiece. From the parking lot viewpoint, you’ll see a vast expanse filled with thousands of stone “creatures.” There are no fixed trails, so you can wander in any direction. It’s easy to lose track of time weaving between the formations and finding hidden alcoves.
Hike the Official Trails
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Carmel Canyon Loop (1.5 miles round trip): Moderate loop with excellent views of the Three Sisters rock formation.
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The Goblin’s Lair (3 miles round trip): A short but adventurous hike leading to a massive hidden chamber.
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Entrada Canyon Trail (1.5 miles one way): Connects the campground to the valley floor.
Try a Canyoneering Route
The Goblin’s Lair route doubles as an easy intro to canyoneering. You can book a guided rappel through outfitters in Moab or Green River. If you’ve never rappelled before, a guided trip is absolutely worth it. You deserve the thrill of descending into the hidden cavern…….safely.
Related Adventure: Explore more guided routes at CanyoneeringMoab.com where you can find full-day and half-day tours across southern Utah.
Stay for the Stars
Goblin Valley’s isolation makes it one of the darkest places in Utah. If you stay the night, bring a reclining chair and enjoy an unobstructed view of the Milky Way.
Summary: You can fill a full day exploring the goblins, hiking nearby canyons, and watching the desert stars—all without crowds.
Fees, Camping, and Facilities
Park Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle (valid for two days)
Camping: $45 per night for standard sites, $140 per night for yurts (rates vary seasonally)
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
The campground has 24 sites with shaded picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms with running water. Yurts are equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, and solar-powered lights, and are perfect for families, groups, or couples who want comfort with adventure.
If the campground is full, nearby options include Temple Mountain Campground and Wild Horse Dispersed Area, both within 15 minutes of the park entrance.
Pro Tip: Bring cash or pay online before arrival. Wi-Fi and credit card readers can be unreliable.
Directions from Moab
Step-by-Step Route:
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Start from downtown Moab and drive north on US-191 toward Green River (51 miles).
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Turn west on UT-24 toward Hanksville (24 miles).
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Look for signs to Goblin Valley Road, then drive south for 12 miles to reach the entrance station.
Total Drive Time: About 1 hour and 45 minutes
Nearest Services: Green River, Utah (47 miles northeast)
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time, Goblin Valley pairs beautifully with these nearby stops:
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Little Wild Horse Canyon: A family-friendly slot canyon loop located just outside the park.
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Capitol Reef National Park: 70 miles west; offers scenic drives, orchards, and cliffside petroglyphs.
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San Rafael Swell: A vast desert wilderness filled with arches, slot canyons, and scenic overlooks.
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Moab: Return to town for rafting trips on the Colorado River or dinner at a local favorite from EatingMoab.com.
FAQs About Goblin Valley State Park in Utah
Is Goblin Valley worth visiting?
Absolutely. Its surreal landscape, easy hikes, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a must-see for anyone traveling through southeastern Utah.
Can you camp at Goblin Valley?
Yes. The park offers a well-maintained campground and unique yurts that can be reserved online.
How long should I spend there?
Most visitors stay 3–5 hours, but it’s easy to spend a full day if you plan to hike and stargaze.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed but must be on a leash.
Can I explore the goblins freely?
Yes, visitors can wander off-trail in most areas—just avoid climbing delicate formations.
What’s the closest gas station or food stop?
Green River is the nearest town with gas, restaurants, and supplies.
Adventure Awaits Beyond the Goblins
Exploring Goblin Valley State Park in Utah feels like stepping into a child’s imagination come to life. Whether you’re hiking between stone sentinels, rappelling into hidden chambers, or lying beneath a blanket of stars, this park invites you to connect with the raw wonder of the desert.
When you return to Moab, you’ll find dozens of other adventures waiting including slot canyons, scenic trails, whitewater rafting, and iconic red rock views. Use our local guides at HikingMoab.com and RaftingMoab.com to get the most out of your visit.