Goblin Valley State Park — Attraction in Four Corners States

Goblin Valley State Park, located in Utah, is a unique and colorful destination known for its otherworldly landscape. The park's main attraction is its valley filled with sandstone goblins and formations, often drawing comparisons to Mars.

This strange and intriguing terrain was first discovered by cowboys searching for cattle. Later, in the late 1920s, Arthur Chaffin and his companions stumbled upon the valley while seeking an alternative route between Green River and Caineville. Awestruck by the sight of five buttes and a valley of bizarre rock formations, Chaffin returned in 1949 to further explore and photograph what he called "Mushroom Valley". In 1964, the area was officially designated as a state park.

The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, and access to OHV routes. Visitors can explore Valley 1, Valley 2, and Valley 3, which are interconnected areas filled with unique rock spires. While there are trails like Caramel Canyon and Goblin's Lair, the real draw is the freedom to wander and explore the valleys without a set path. The absence of trails allows for a more immersive experience among the goblin-like hoodoos, which are shorter and stouter than those found in Bryce Canyon.

Goblin Valley State Park is also recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal location for stargazing. The contrast between the red rock formations and the night sky provides stunning photographic opportunities. Additionally, the park has two yurts available for overnight stays, accommodating up to five guests each.

Drone usage is permitted in the park but requires a permit that can be obtained at the visitor center for a fee. However, permits may be temporarily unavailable during special events or periods of high visitation. It is advisable to arrive in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.

The best times to visit Goblin Valley State Park are during the spring and fall months due to the mild weather. During these seasons, daytime temperatures typically range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, spring and fall are the shoulder seasons, meaning the park is less crowded compared to the summer.

Visiting during the summer is not recommended due to the intense heat, with temperatures frequently exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The park also tends to be more crowded during the summer months.

Winter is the off-season, offering the less crowds. However, some facilities and activities may be closed1. Daytime temperatures are generally in the 40s, but can dip below freezing at night. If you're lucky, you might see the rock formations dusted with snow.

This is such an enjoyable spot where you can easily spend hours exploring. The goblins are fascinating, and you can let your imagination run wild by giving them creative names. Once you've had your fill of the goblins, venturing further to the mountains to discover numerous caves, canyons, and arches is even more thrilling. The area also offers a large parking lot, complete with restrooms and a pavilion for...

Camped and hiked here. I'll never forget this place as long as I live.

Campground is a highly groomed area with all amenities. It's very nice. The sites are awesome, we got nestled in the goblins. I saw so many shooting stars - it was insane. The sky was so big and endless and defined and zoomy at night.

Hiking is mostly freefrom and you can wonder amongst the goblins. I don't think anyone will ever read my story, but I'll tell it anyway. Make sure you don't drop anything.

So there's effectively this massive open area of goblins and you go walk around in them. Once the sun hits the field of them, it's insanely hot/intense. Before the sun hits them, people leave little shallow footprints in the moist dirt, but it dries up quickly.

Well, we wondered for a long time, looping in and out. Sitting and talking. Leisure and play. We walk all the way back to the parking lot which is amongst the goblins, past an open flat barren area and up a hill....

I didn't have the rental keys. I had dropped the keys to the rental car.

Finding a needle in a haystack may be harder than finding a key in the goblins, but I looked out at the expanse and just started walking back into it. The sun had become high, and was intense. But I didn't have a choice. It's likely you won't have cellular service, and even if I did, I couldn't afford to pay the tow, pay the keyfob fees, bother the ranger station, etc.

So my fellow adventurer and I went back in. The footprints from the morning, we just followed them. It was so long, trying to recall and follow footprints that faded and deepened amongst all the other footprints. And the goblins became these columns that felt like they watched me as my desperation and humiliation grew.

Then I heard a scream, exhausted and jubilant. It was my fellow adventurer.

She came running. My jaw dropped. She said it was hanging on a nub of mud overlooking a crevasse. Had it fallen, it would have been indiscernable and unachievable. But it was there and my head felt light and almost drunk.

I walked out of the goblins with such a different perspective. I was sunburnt and thirsty, having drank all the water in my osprey. Everything was so fragile, despite all my preparation and forethought, over something so obvious and stupid. I was humbled. I remembered the night before, watching the fire flicker against the columns of mud like wise sages. I giggled.

They played their prank on me, and I always secure my belongings much more diligently. Thank you, wise mischievous ones. I recommend this place with...

Goblin Valley State Park is such a cool place to visit. Although it is relatively small in size, it's a place of immense and otherworldly beauty that feels like stepping onto a different planet. Nestled in Utah's vast wilderness, this unique park is a treasure trove of geological wonders and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

The park's main attraction is its remarkable hoodoo rock formations, whimsically referred to as "goblins." These naturally sculpted shapes create a surreal landscape that captivates visitors of all ages. Wandering among these formations feels like exploring an alien terrain, with each turn offering a new and fascinating view. The experience is especially magical during sunrise and sunset when the play of light and shadows brings the landscape to life in a spectrum of colors.

Beyond the confines of the park, the surrounding area is an explorer's paradise. There are numerous spots for boondock camping just outside the park boundaries, offering a sense of solitude and connection with nature. These areas are perfect for those who enjoy off-the-grid adventures and starlit nights.

It’s important to note that Goblin Valley is quite remote. Visitors should come well-prepared with plenty of fuel and food supplies, as the nearest amenities are a significant distance away. This remoteness adds to the park's charm, allowing for an unspoiled and immersive natural experience.

In terms of activities, besides hiking and photography, the park is also a fantastic spot for night sky observation. The lack of light pollution means the stars and Milky Way are visible in all their glory, making for unforgettable stargazing moments.

If you're looking for a really unique, and not very popular get-away, Goblin Valley State Park is a great adventurous escape. Whether you're a hiker, camper, photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, this park is definitely worth...