Enter an Alien World at Goblin Valley State Park
Utah has some of the most unique landscapes. Red rock arches, meadows full of wildflowers, rocky mountain peaks and more. But Goblin Valley State Park is almost from another world. The nearly three-square miles of park provides visitors with room to explore. At night, the sky comes alive with stars, planets and the Milky Way. The park even played an alien planet in the 1999 film, Galaxy Quest.
Goblin Valley State Park is a great day trip, or a multi-day camping trip for just about everyone. Here are a few things to help you plan the perfect little adventure in central Utah.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Visitors have been flocking to state parks. As a result, there may be long delays to get into the park as summer approaches. Weekdays are the best time to visit the park, as crowds aren’t as large on those days.
Getting to Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is about 30 miles north of Hanksville, Utah, just off of Highway 24. If you’re coming from the north, take the exit for Highway 24 from I-70 and head south. There are signs that will help guide you to Goblin Valley State Park.
When you arrive at the park entrance, you can either park in a the small parking lot, or use the window to pay your entrance fee. If you don’t have an annual Utah State Parks Pass, you can pick one up while you’re there, too. While you’re at the visitor center, you can grab a souvenir or a small snack. You can also pick up a Jr. Ranger Program brochure to help your young ones learn more about the park, geology and ecosystem of the area.
RELATED POST: Hike Little Wild Horse Canyon with or without kids
During the summer months, or even holiday weekends, the park can get pretty crowded. Weekdays are going to be less crowded. If a lot of people are visiting the park, you’ll need to be patient as you wait to get into the park. Coming early in the morning or later in the afternoon may help.
Hiking Trails in Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley State Park has a few different hiking trails. But if you aren’t looking for a trail hike, there are three different valley areas where you and the family can simply run around. Each of the designated valley have a slightly different take on the goblins. The first valley area, closes to the parking area, has several clusters of the rock formations or hoodoos (goblins). In the second valley area you’ll find goblins that are a little taller than in the first. If you want to venture further away from the crowds, head to the third valley area and have some fun playing hide n seek or capture the flag.
Here’s a rundown of the hiking trails and what to expect.
The Goblin’s Lair
During my first visit to Goblin Valley State Park I had no clue what to expect. It was late June, and after park near the valley of hoodoos, I ventured off on a trail, hoping to get a better view of the goblins for some photos. Sadly, I hadn’t brought as much water as I should’ve – a dumb thing to do in the hot deserts of Utah. I followed the trail around the rock formations to find myself on the backside of the valley.
During my hike, I noticed an area where a trail maybe found its way up the side of the rock formation. I was hoping to get a great view of the goblins below, but instead I found a cave entrance. After I climbed down into the cave, I found that the cavern was a pretty good size. I spent a few minutes inside what I later learned was “The Goblin’s Lair”. After snapping a few photos, I made my way back to the car. I will caution you to not wander too far off the trail, as there are deep holes/caves that you or your young children could fall into.
DISTANCE: 3 miles round trip
CATEGORY: Moderate/Strenuous
Carmel Canyon Loop
The Carmel Canyon Loop trail provides great views of both the hoodoo valleys and the larger rock formations in the area – Three Sisters and Molly’s Castle. Part of the trail takes you through a short and narrow slot canyon. There is some scrambling involved in the trail, so I know my kids will love it.
DISTANCE: 1.5 miles round trip
CATEGORY: Moderate
Entrada Canyon
If you decided to stay overnight at the campground, the Entrada Canyon trail is a connector between the campground and the valley of the goblins. The trail is a great alternative to driving to the observation parking area. Plus, it saves you trying to find a parking spot there on the more popular days. Along the trail, you’ll see some goblins. The concentration isn’t as high as in the valleys, but it’s a good introduction to the goblins before entering their land.
DISTANCE: 1.5 miles one way
CATEGORY: Easy/Moderate
Curtis Bench Trail
If you’re looking for better views of the area, take the Curtis Bench Trail. It parallels the Entrada Canyon trail, but higher up on the hillside. The views into the valley of the goblins is much better from up here. While I didn’t get a chance to hike it yet, I plan to during my next visit so I can capture more sweeping views of the valley with all the goblins.
Many of the trails are interconnected, so if you leave the campground along Curtis Bench Trail, you can connect into Entrada Canyon trail on your way back and complete a four mile loop.
DISTANCE: 1.5 miles one way
CATEGORY: Easy/Moderate
Goblin Valley is Dark Sky Park
I love getting away from the city and all its lights. The stars really pop when there aren’t city lights getting in the way. You can lay on the picnic table or take the rain tarp off your tent and gaze at the Milky Way. Maybe you’ll get lucky and see a shooting star.
RELATED POST: Camp and see the stars at Cedar Breaks National Monument
During my visit, I happened to time it with a star party in the parking lot of the observation area near the Valley of Goblins. A park ranger had set up a telescope and I was able to see the rings of Saturn and the spot on Jupiter. That was the first time I had ever seen those through a telescope. It was so cool. Take advantage of the dark sky and enjoy the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. It’s refreshing.
Amenities at Goblin Valley State Park
One of my favorite parts about camping at Utah State Parks are the amenities at the campgrounds. Goblin Valley State Park has showers and flushing toilets at their campground. It’s one of those things that make it so much easier to go camping with the whole family. It’s amazing what a little running water can do. 😉
Goblin Valley State Park has 24 total campsites. A few of those sites are reserved for walk-ins, but during the busy season they don’t last long – especially on weekends. There are tent sites, RV sites and group campsites. There are also two yurts if you want to look at staying there for a little different experience.
RELATED POST: Try sledding on the sand dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
The campgrounds have running water, so be sure to fill up any water bottles before you head out on any hiking trails.
NOTE: The summers in Utah are HO! During my late June visit, I tried taking a nap in the late morning. I had been up late to photograph the stars and up early to photograph sunrise. My attempt at a nap was brutal. The sun was heating up the tent to the point that it was unbearable to try and catch some Zzzzzs. So I packed up a headed home – after all, I was only there for the one night.
The Details:
Address: 20 miles north of the town of Hanksville on Highway 24.
Cost: $20 for a private vehicle. $10 for Utah seniors (62+), motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians. Campsites are $35 per night.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/
Phone: (435) 275-4584
PIN THIS
