A Day at Goblin Valley State Park

Walking amongst the sandstone “hoodoos” of Goblin Valley State Park was one of my favorite things to see in Utah. Exploring the maze-like valley of ancient mushroom-shaped rock formations will leave the explorer in amazement.

Sandstone Formations

Around 170 million years ago, an ancient sea rested a bed of sediments that would form into entrada sandstone over time. Scientists are unsure when the erosion process began but speculated it started around 25 million years ago. Water from runoff and harsh storms carved out the unique goblins we see today.

Park Fees

Goblin Valley is open from 6 am – 10 pm and charges a private vehicle fee of $25 for two day access. For more fee information click here!

Camping & Lodging

The Goblin Valley campground offers 25 tent and RV sites and two yurts. Showers and bathrooms are also available on campgrounds. Click here to make reservations. The campground fee is $45 a night, including the $20 entrance fee.

If you are visiting on short notice or do not want to pay the $45, consider staying on BLM land just outside the park. Click here for more BLM campground details and contact information.

The closest lodging near Goblin Valley is Hanksville, 29 miles away.

Hiking

You can hike a few trails around the area, like the 3.5-mile Goblin Valley trail or the 2-mile Curtis Bench Trail.

Although the most fun is from being able to walk anywhere within the park.

Weather

Summer months can exceed temperatures over 100 degrees. Exploring the park before 10 am or after 6 pm will be the coolest times during these months.

Fall and spring months offers more consistently cool temperatures than summer.

Escape the Crowds

This park is so lenient on off-trail exploring that getting away from larger crowds is more manageable than other parks. Just be mindful not to damage the rock formations.

Most people will visit this park during mid-day, making early morning and evening the best times to come here.

Directions

Goblin Valley is 3 hours and 40 minutes (223 mi) from Salt Lake City.

From I-70, follow exit 149 for UT – 24 W towards Hanksville.

Follow UT – 24 for 24 miles, then turn right onto W Temple Jct/Temple Mt Rd.

Continue on Temple Mt Rd for 5 miles, then follow left onto Goblin Valley Rd for 7 miles.

Nearby Parks

Arches National Park – 1h 29mins (96mi)
Canyonlands National Park – 1h 50mins (111mi)
Capitol Reef National Park – 1h 15mins (69mi)

Conclusion

Utah has fascinating rock formations, from the countless sandstone arches in Arches National Park or the picturesque view of Monument Valley’s iconic landscape.

A trip to Goblin Valley will surely stand apart from your other experiences in Utah. Are you planning your trip to Goblin Valley? Have you already visited? Please leave a comment below!