Goblin Valley is Utah’s strangest landscape — thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone hoodoos called ‘goblins’ covering a flat desert valley floor in patterns that look genuinely alien. It’s 4 hours from Salt Lake City and 2.5 hours from Moab, off the typical tourist circuit, which means you can walk among thousands of bizarre rock formations in relative solitude.
Goblin Valley: Welcome to Another Planet
Thousands of mushroom-shaped goblins. Completely, utterly strange.
Goblin Valley State Park looks like it was designed by a science fiction set designer with an unlimited budget. Thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone formations — some as small as a basketball, others as tall as a two-story building — populate a desert valley that could pass for the surface of Mars. In fact, the park was used as a filming location for Galaxy Quest and scenes set on alien worlds, because no CGI team could create something this convincingly otherworldly.
The park is small — you can see the main valley in a few hours — but the impact is outsized. It’s one of those places that delights everyone, from geologists to children, from photographers to people who just like weird things. And in a state full of weird and wonderful geology, Goblin Valley manages to stand out.
Why Visit Goblin Valley?
Goblin Valley offers something rare in Utah’s parks: total freedom to explore. There are no roped-off areas in the valley floor, no “stay on the trail” signs, no barriers between you and the formations. You walk down from the overlook and wander among the goblins, climbing on them, weaving between them, discovering hidden alcoves and improbable shapes around every corner.
This makes it exceptionally good for families with children. Kids can run, climb, explore, and play in ways that more fragile or dangerous parks don’t allow. The formations are sturdy enough to climb on, the ground is sandy and soft, and the worst that can happen is a scraped knee.
For photographers, the goblins create an endless variety of compositions. Early morning and late afternoon light turn the formations into golden sculptures against deep blue sky. At night, the park’s remoteness makes it one of the best dark sky locations in Utah.
And for anyone driving between Capitol Reef and Moab (or anywhere in central Utah), Goblin Valley is the perfect midway stop that turns a transit day into a memorable one.
Top Experiences
Exploring the Valley Floor
The main attraction requires no trail and no plan. Walk down from the observation point into Valley 1, 2, or 3 (there are three main “goblin” concentrations) and wander. Climb on formations, peer into hollows, find shapes that look like aliens, animals, and impossible architecture. There’s no wrong way to do this.
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Located 6 miles south of the park on BLM land, this is one of the most accessible and dramatic slot canyons in Utah. Narrow corridors twist between smooth sandstone walls that change color from red to purple to gold. The 8-mile loop through Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyons is moderately strenuous with some scrambling. The slot canyon section alone (4 miles out-and-back) is doable for most hikers.
Wild Horse Butte Trail
A 3.2-mile loop trail in the park that climbs Wild Horse Butte for panoramic views of the goblin formations and the San Rafael Swell. Less visited than the valley floor, it gives you a bird’s-eye perspective and a sense of the larger landscape.
Carmel Canyon Loop
A 1.5-mile loop trail through a narrow canyon within the park — a miniature slot canyon experience without the commitment of Little Wild Horse. Good for families and a nice complement to the valley floor exploration.
Night Sky Viewing
Goblin Valley is far from any significant light source. The nearest town (Hanksville) is tiny, and the park’s desert location means bone-dry air and minimal light pollution. The Milky Way over the goblin formations is a photographer’s dream. New moon periods are best.
Camping in the Park
The park’s campground puts you right at the action. Wake up, walk to the valley overlook, and catch sunrise turning the goblins from grey to gold while the day-trippers are still hours away. The yurts are a popular option for those who want camping convenience without tent setup.
Scott’s Pro Tips
Getting There — From Capitol Reef, drive east on UT-24 to Hanksville, then south on UT-24 and west on Temple Mountain Road — about 1 hour. From Moab, take I-70 west to UT-24 south — about 1.5 hours. From SLC, take I-15 south to US-6 east to I-70 west to UT-24 — about 3.5 hours. The park is remote; fill up on gas and stock up on supplies in Green River or Hanksville.
Best Time to Visit — Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal with moderate temperatures. Summer is scorching (100°F+) with no shade in the valley. Winter is cold but the park is open and nearly deserted. Visit on a weekday to have the goblins to yourself.
Getting Around — A standard car handles all paved roads in and to the park. Little Wild Horse Canyon trailhead is on a gravel road passable by most vehicles in dry conditions. No special vehicle needed.
Budget Tips — Entry is $20/vehicle (Utah State Parks pass applies). The campground is $30-35/night, yurts are $100-120/night. Bring all your own food and water — the nearest restaurant is 30 miles away in Hanksville, and options there are limited. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out destination.
Safety — Carry ample water — there’s no shade in the valley and the sun is relentless. Little Wild Horse Canyon is a flash flood zone — never enter if rain is in the forecast. The goblins are sturdy enough to climb on, but use common sense — some formations have undercut bases. Watch for rattlesnakes in warmer months.
Packing — Sun hat, sunscreen, at least 2 liters of water, comfortable shoes for walking on sand and climbing on rock, camera, headlamp for night exploration. For Little Wild Horse Canyon: closed-toe shoes that can get wet, dry bag for electronics.
What’s the Best Way to Get Around Goblin Valley?
Goblin Valley is a small park with straightforward access. A paved road runs from the entrance station to the valley overlook parking area, about 7 miles. From there, you walk down into the valley floor.
The three goblin valleys are spread along the base of the mesa. Valley 1 is directly below the overlook, Valley 2 is to the south, and Valley 3 is the most remote. All are accessible on foot with moderate walking over sandy, uneven terrain.
Little Wild Horse Canyon trailhead is 6 miles south of the park entrance on a gravel road. The road is passable for passenger cars in dry conditions but may become impassable after rain.
The nearest services (gas, food, lodging beyond the park) are in Hanksville (30 miles north) or Green River (50 miles northeast on I-70).
Where Should I Stay in Goblin Valley?
Goblin Valley Campground (25 sites plus 2 yurts) is the best option. Sites are set on a sandy mesa with views of the surrounding desert. Yurts come equipped with bunk beds, a futon, and a swamp cooler. Reserve through the Utah State Parks website — popular dates book months ahead.
Hanksville (30 miles north) is a tiny crossroads town with a few motels, a gas station, and basic restaurants. Duke’s Slickrock Grill is the standout.
Green River (50 miles northeast) has more lodging options including chain hotels, plus Ray’s Tavern — a legendary burger joint.
BLM dispersed camping is available on the access roads and throughout the San Rafael Swell area. Free, no water, no services, but plentiful and scenic.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Goblin Valley?
Spring (March–May): Perfect temperatures (60s–80s°F) for exploring. Wildflowers may appear in wetter years. Weekdays offer solitude.
Summer (June–August): Dangerously hot — 100°F+ with no shade in the valley. If you visit, explore only at dawn and dusk. The campground is tolerable at night.
Fall (September–November): Ideal conditions. Warm days, cool nights, and excellent light for photography. Lighter crowds than spring.
Winter (December–February): Cold (30s–40s°F) but beautiful. Snow dusting the goblins is a rare and photogenic treat. The park is nearly empty.
Day Trip Ideas
- Capitol Reef National Park (50 miles west): The Waterpocket Fold, pioneer orchards, and excellent hiking. A natural pairing with Goblin Valley.
- Little Wild Horse Canyon (6 miles south): One of Utah’s best slot canyons — this should be on every Goblin Valley visitor’s list.
- San Rafael Swell (adjacent to the north): The Wedge Overlook (“Little Grand Canyon”), Buckhorn Wash petroglyphs, and the Black Dragon Canyon pictographs.
- Factory Butte (25 miles west): A massive freestanding butte rising from barren badlands. Popular with photographers and off-roaders.
- Temple Mountain (adjacent): Abandoned uranium mines and colorful geology in the San Rafael Reef.
- Horseshoe Canyon (Canyonlands) (60 miles south): Home to the Great Gallery, one of the most significant rock art panels in North America. Requires a steep hike down and back up.