Goblin Valley State Park Photos
More like Goblin Valley State Park
Recommended Reviews - Goblin Valley State Park
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Beautiful state park with incredible topography with stunning hoodoos and rock formations. Super remote with little to no cell service. The park visitor center is very nice with wifi, firewood, ice and drinks. We stayed one night at the campground which was also fantastic. A beautiful location against a rock face, beautifully maintained with super clean bathrooms, showers, fire pits and sheltered gazebos. Special shoutout to Kevin Miller - campground host who we visited with over dinner. Kevin is a true steward of the park and its upkeep - loved our chat with him and his insights into the park and surrounding area. Bravo!
Goblin Valley State Park has such an inviting name. How can you not resist coming here to see what this place is all about? It's located in the southern part of Utah about 225 miles south of Salt Lake City. I spent the night in Green River, Utah, about 50 miles north and just drove here for the day. It's not far from Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks. It can fit into anyone's itinerary for a roadtrip. When thinking of Utah and the amazing diversity of landscapes it offers, I figured Goblin Valley would be a dream visit. There are these "goblin heads" dispersed throughout the park, which are another name for hoodoos. And if you've ever visited Bryce Canyon, those over there feature the penultimate hoodoos. Here at Goblin Valley, I wouldn't say they're a more watered down version of Bryce's hoodoos, they're just featured on a lesser grand scale. The backdrop isn't as dramatic, but in a way, it's so hard to compete with Bryce Canyon on any level. Bryce is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. And so here at Goblin Valley, it's more of a local type of park, where you can explore and get up close to goblin heads in a choose your own adventure pathway. Let me explain... When arriving, you drive maybe two miles towards a dead end parking lot. There are 50 or so spaces for cars. So right then and there, Goblin Valley doesn't get many visitors. It's under the radar. But at this parking lot, you leave your car and then walk down a staircase onto the valley floor where it's walk wherever you'd like and pick how you'd like to approach these goblin heads. You can continue throughout the valley and let your imagination run wild for as long as you can stand the heat. And I mention this because during summertimes when the sun is shining brightly, it will get hot. And there's zero shade anywhere. I stopped by at the end of September and conditions were very manageable, around the low 80 degrees. But I did carry water with me and when I returned to the parking lot after a few hours, I was still thirsty. I researched that there are 3 Valley Sections to the park. And once you climb down the initial stairs, you'll notice a sign saying "Valley 1". If you maintain hiking towards the right hand side and continue further away from the parking lot, you'll experience "Valley 2" which felt like a tighter clustering of goblin heads compared to the sparse Valley 1. Btw...I couldn't locate the exact sign for Valley 2. I just assumed I was standing in it based on assumptions from what I researched ahead of time. After walking around for a few hours, I wouldn't say I got lost, but I couldn't even locate "Valley 3". Maybe I should have brought the park map with me while hiking, lol. But...after being among Valley 2, I felt like I had a better understanding of what this place was all about. I was okay with returning to the parking lot. And don't fear about getting lost. The parking lot is viewable from almost anywhere throughout the valley (for the most part). More to do.... - Three Sisters Column - short walk to an iconic part of Goblin Valley featuring "3 Sisters" heads aligned on top of a sandstone formation. Good for a picture. It's located on the drive towards the parking lot. - Carmel Canyon Loop - 1.5 mile loop which is located at the opposite end of the parking lot away from the Valley Floor. The hike starts out with views of goblin heads from high above before entering down to the floor leading to Goblin's Lair. I read Goblin's Lair is a dimly lit slot canyon that requires scrambling and repelling. You may need a permit at the Visitor Center for it. They suggest experienced canyoneers attempt it. I opted to continue along Carmel Canyon Loop which twisted its way through its own slot canyon adding an adventurous element to the hike. Other short hikes at the park (but I didn't hike them)... - Entrada Canyon - 1.5 miles each way - Curtis Bench Trail - 1.5 miles each way too In my opinion, none of these hikes will match being at the Valley Floor for closeup views of the goblin heads. Extra notes... - You can climb on the goblins, but it's discouraged against because of the slippery nature of them leading to possibly falling. - It's $20 entrance fee. Unfortunately they don't accept National Park Yearly Passes. Goblin Valley is a separate state park. - The Welcome to Goblin Valley Sign sits 6 miles before the entrance gate. You can stop for a picture there. Then, at the entrance gate is the Visitor Center. You can enter the VC for souvenirs, restrooms and stamping your Parks Passport. - There's a campground here. There's barely any cell reception. The parking lot beside the Valley Floor has an awning with tables and benches overlooking the surroundings. In the end, Goblin Valley was a much more low key kind of state park visit. Since it doesn't get the awareness compared to its national park neighbors, it can be suitable for those folks trying to steer clear of the crowds.
Goblin Valley State Park is a hidden gem amongst over six million acres of spectacular canyon country wilderness that surrounds the park. There are endless exploration opportunities for those that take a little time to research these lesser explored areas. Be sure to check out the Goblin's Lair Canyoneering Adventure at the park. One of the most unique and exciting experiences in Southern Utah. https://getinthewild.com/adventure/half-day-goblins-lair-canyoneering-adventure/
Very unique formations. It's like stepping onto another planet! It was the middle of June and very very hot at Goblin Valley. We were appreciative of the shade structure with picnic tables overlooking the valley. It was a short walk down to the structures to explore. There were clean flushing toilets on site at the parking lot.
20 dollars to enter park but the pass lasts a full 24 hours. It was without a doubt one of the coolest Utah cities experiences I've had and I'm a tried and true local. Will be coming back to explore the endless areas.
This state park is about 1.5 hours from Moab, and so worth it to venture out here. I did arches, canyonlands, all the typical activities, but Goblin Valley ended up being a highlight of my trip! The fee is $25 for a car and it's a short drive from the little visitors center to valley of the goblins. There's a little hike you can do behind the toilets that is just magnificent. Only about 2 miles, but such a unique experience. There's desert sand all over and in some parts you're walking on it! Beautiful rock formations everywhere and as you make your way in, you're surrounded by these big goblin looking rocks! You can climb on them, walk all around them, picnic, whatever you want. It was just breathtaking and unlike anywhere I've ever been before. If you're in the area, this is an experience you won't want to miss.
Southern Utah is such a beautiful place filled with National Parks and inserted in between are just as awe inspiring state parks. Goblin Valley State Park is one of those. This was a great stop and I enjoyed my visit so very much! It's a $20 entrance fee and then you can proceed to the Three Sisters rock formations and then the Goblin Valley areas. There are three Valleys where the main parking lot is. I am not sure how many I made it to but I went out quite a ways. Such beautiful formations and I can see why they may call some of them "Goblins". The lairs are really cool over by some cliffs and it was so much fun "getting lost" in the environment here. Wildlife I spotted were adorable little lizards skittering along the ground. Definitely bring water. I live in low elevations and I am not used to desert heat anymore and gave myself a hot flash. There are nearby slot canyons to explore but I believe those are on a gravel road and didn't really want to take my little car on there especially since I was recovering from being overheated. Definitely an awesome place to visit but I cannot emphasize enough to bring water and sun block even if it is early Autumn.
Goblin Valley State Park is nothing short of spectacular! It's hard to describe the unique landscape without saying otherworldly. Wandering through the Goblin's Garden is as close to visiting another planet as any of us will experience. Our kids loved exploring the goblin or hoodoo formations. For the more adventurous and prepared, rappelling into the Goblin's Lair is an incredible experience! The 90-foot free-hanging rappel takes you into an enormous underground cavern that's spectacular. You can also access the Goblin's Lair on foot, and it's only a short hike. But rappelling is a lot more fun! Whether you're just passing through or camping nearby for a few days, exploring Goblin Valley is worth your time. It's a great Utah State Park and well managed by the friendly staff.
It's out of this world amazing. The rock formations are unique and looks like.. well use your imagination. I didn't make it to one of the trails because it was getting dark, but I can't wait to come back one day. Highly recommend this place. Stay for sunset!! And bring tons of water.
We had a blast getting lost in the valley. Bring plenty of water and remember where you are in relation to the parking lot. We went on a Friday afternoon and we only saw one other group the entire 4 hours we explored goblin valley.
Goblin Valley might pale in comparison to other state parks, but it can still stand on its own as an excellent spot of nature's beauty. I mean, you can walk amongst hoodoos for goodness sake! The reasons one might find disappointment at Goblin Valley are as follows: It is small, there is limited hiking, and the appearance is quite barren, however these are also reasons to love it! When I visited, I saw maybe 15 other cars, and granted, it was in late January, but still! To go to a state park and encounter so few fellow visitors is a dream. If you are seeking hiking only, a stop at Goblin Valley is still worth your time (you MUST do Goblin's Lair, more on that below), but just add Little Wild Horse Canyon Trail, located a few miles outside the park, to your to-do list and you should be satisfied. And not everyone wants to hike anyways. A drive through GV is quick and easy, and if you are simply seeking relaxation amongst nature. you can just park at various spots and explore the hoodoos at your leisure. Lastly, while you may not see many trees or large bushes, you will instead find scrubby plant specimens and wildflowers that add a surprising amount of green and contrast to the otherworldly beauty of the sandy multicolored rock formations. Now, Goblin's Lair is a short out and back hike of 2 1/2 miles. The trailhead is located at the observation point, right next to the restrooms. It is easy peasy with almost no elevation gain, however actually getting inside the lair requires some rock scrambling. Totally doable, though! The entrance just looks like a pile of rocks from the trail, belying what awaits. As we hiked up and finally looked into the dark interior....whew, it truly gave me chills. A little creepy at first, then once my eyes adjusted to the light, and we climbed down inside, it is breathtaking. The space is over 100 feet tall, and with no one else about, it felt like I was on another planet or in some story where a dragon might appear at any moment. Without solitude, the experience would not feel quite so magical, so I recommend making an effort to hike it at off-times; though make your way here no matter what. Park entrance fee is $15, and worth it for the experience of Goblin's Lair alone. Camping is available ($30 fee) within the park, but only in designated spots (you will see loads of visitors sidle their RVs next to rock walls outside the park, though). They even have two yurts! Sadly, those book out months in advance, but are worth researching. GV is dark sky certified, meaning you will see the most glorious display of glittering stars. Seriously, you can admire the Milky Way with your own unassisted eyes! If you opt not to camp, the closest city in which to spend the night is Hanksville, offering a few questionable motels and like two restaurants (none open in the off season). I would travel an hour west into Torrey for superior lodging.
Talk about solitude. Visited right after the Thanksgiving day and place was empty, void of crowd. Ran into 3 couples. I kept hearing very low key, rarely visited state park. Perfect place to hike, check out different formation and enjoy the nature. Didn't get a chance to check out the camp sites but did see yute on the way out, situated just below to bluff. Clean bathroom at the ranger station with friendly employee and about 5 miles to the Little Wild Horse Canyon to check out the slot canyon.
If anyone knows me, I am not a movie watcher. That being said, on our road trip up to a Capitol Reef, my friend said were going to watch Galaxy Quest to get us ready for our side trip to Goblin Valley. I'd never even heard of this movie. So halfway through the movie is the part where they filmed here at Goblin. Side note, I thought the movie was actually pretty funny. Any who, when we arrived at the park, all I wanted to do was to get a group of people together and chant, ROCK ROCK ROCK. In hopes that the rock people would come out. Didn't happen. We went late July and it was hotter than sh*t. Luckily I still had a liter of water in my camelback, there is no way I would've hiked without it. The red rock holds so much heat and when you're down on the trails, you can feel the heat coming off the rocks. This place was so cool. Tons and tons of hoodoos. It's pretty amazing what time and water can form into the earth. Prior to last year, I honestly hadn't heard of this state park, but when the Boy Scout leader made national headlines for knocking one I the hoodoos over, think we all knew about it. Luckily he didn't ruin it for the rest of us. I'm really surprised that they didn't close the area and force you to enjoy the hoodoos from a distance. There are 3 trails through here. We didn't really follow any, we just followed what looked like a dry stream bed. The different formations were so amazing. This is a great trip if you're in the area. A couple hours here should cover it. read more
Goblin Valley State Park, Utah is off of route 24 about 20 miles north of Hanksville, Utah. The signs are very well marked. All roads into the park are paved. This landscape features thousands of hoodoos and hoodoo rocks, referred to as "goblins", which are formations of mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles. The distinct shapes of these rocks came from an erosion-resistant layer of rock atop softer sandstone. This place was pretty unique. Tons and tons of hoodoos.There are several hiking trails in the park, but the majority of it is un-pathed. It's not as big park as others, you could only spend 2 hours wandering through the goblin valleys. This park is good for kids than serious hiker types, but it's fun for photo-ops, and easy hike. There are also nearby trails including one through a slot canyon which is supposed to be one of the best in Utah but sadly I did not have time to check that out. I hope you all make it out there. It was a great weather today, summer will be very hot! read more
10 years ago
This is a really unique park. My family and I have been to Zion, Wasatch, and arches. Comparatively? This place is really little and there is nothing significant within an hour. The cool thing is that this is very accessible for the average person. It was much safer to let my kiddos run free a bit and not worry they'll run off the edge of the mountain. I think the only thing disappointing to us was that you can spend a few hours here, and that's really about it. It's not like all the various trails and such at the bigger parks. Plan on bringing your own food, drinks, etc. There's no grocery anywhere near. They do have bathrooms which is nice, but there's only a couple burger shacks about 30 minutes away. My kids loved it. They climbed, got all muddy, ran, jumped and worked out a bunch of energy. Definitely something cool to see at least once. Not sure we'd go back a second time unless we were taking family read more
6 years ago
10 years ago
We camped here for one night when the weather at sunset was 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If it were not for this place's unique beauty and awesome hiking options (carve your own trail through the goblins) we would have headed to the air-conditioned hotel an hour down the road and relegated this State Park to the "meh" category. The nighttime cooled down to the perfect temperature and the stars were an astronomer's dream! The visitor's center even has a small display on how they work hard to preserve a "light's out" philosophy around the park just for the stars as well as how this park is completely off-grid which gets an extra star from me just for that. The sunrise was breath taking and not to be missed. That alone will make the trip worth it. Hiking through goblin valley is so special because unlike other parks where you follow well-worn trails crowded with other visitors, you are free to make your own path here. Our children loved doing the Junior Ranger program here and it was fun hearing them talking about protecting the animals and the "goblins." Note that unlike other parks, this one actually charged 50 cents for the Junior Ranger book. That's a small price to pay for the great lessons these books provide. Make it a priority to hit the valley early in the morning when the sun is low in the East and you'll get some fantastic photos. There are windows, slot canyons, balanced rocks, and more right there. As State Parks go, this one is awesome! read more
4 years ago
GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK is located, by automobile, about an hour west of Arches National Park. The closest provisions can be found at a large grocery store at nearby Hanksville. Goblin Valley is a world-class destination all of its own. Although I spent only a couple of hours touring the many hoodoos, the park really invites repeated visits. The geological formations include hoodoos in the shape of spires, mushrooms, ducks, and gnome-faces. On the plus side, tourists are permitted to mingle among the hoodoos and to explore the entire park on foot. Also on the plus side, is that thousands of hoodoos are visible from the parking lot, and are located within a ten minute walk of the parking area. Thus, there is no chance of getting lost, for example, during efforts in trying to find a satisfactory number of hoodoos -- the elevated level of the ground at the parking lot reveals that they are all there, right before your eyes. BISTI BADLANDS. Another park in the United States, namely, Bisti Badlands, contains similar hoodoos. The hoodoos at Bisti Badlands are actually more artistically interesting, more bizarre, and of greater variety than those at Goblin Valley. Please note that Bisti is pronounced "bisteye," not "bistee." But then, Bisti Badlands is a bit out of the way, in contrast to Goblin Valley, which is near Arches National Park. GALAXY QUEST. Goblin Valley is prominently featured in the sci-fi movie Galaxy Quest, starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman. In Galaxy Quest, we see a 50-foot man made of boulders. The boulder-man chases Tim Allen around part of Goblin Valley. Also, Galaxy Quest shows a strange 2-legged pig-like creature in Goblin Valley. The movie also shows hundreds of sharp-toothed green alien creatures who work in a mine. However, tourists should not be concerned about 50-foot boulder men, alien pigs, or sharp-toothed green men, because all of these things are fictional and were created by computer graphics. So don't worry. PHOTOGRAPHS. My photos show some of the hoodoos taking the form of spires and mushrooms. If I had the opportunity to live in Utah, there is no question that I would have done a thorough job at taking landscape photographs at Goblin Valley. But as fate would have it, instead I lived in Orange County for three years, and used this time to make about 40 trips to Joshua Tree National Park and to Mesquite Dunes in Death Valley. read more
Where do I start with this place. Man it's an adventure and I felt like a kid again, I wanted to stay forever! We made it out here on Christmas day on our way out from Capital Reed NP and on to Las Vegas. There was maybe one other person in the entire park and I had the time of my life. Like others have said, the landscape is like being on Mars...or even Turkey for that matter. It's a terrain I've never experienced before. If you're visiting my advice is to head straight to the back to the outer rims and enjoy. There are lots of tunnels, places to climb and great views from above. The pictures truly don't do this place justice. I'm glad we made the pitstop. read more
15 years ago
A trip to Goblin Valley State Park is unlike any other national parks in Utah. It is surrounded by sandstones that has eroded into interesting shapes, resembling goblins. The rock formations produce a maze-like playground that allows us to explore and roam around freely! It is definitely one of my favorite national park! read more
8 years ago
EMPTY! & beautiful! Do yourself a favor & stop here, if only for 10 minutes. It is a small fee to enter. Unique structures without the tourists. We are planning a trip back to see the stars! With an extra hour, you can at least walk around & see the goblin structures. read more
Amazing state park located about 3.5 hours from downtown SLC! While in Southern Utah, it is a great State Park to get lost in for a few days! It is unlike Arches or Canyonlands-so you get a whole different perspective of the area! Make sure to bring lots of water, great shoes and a huge hat to stay unburnt and hydrated! Make sure to visit end of May to see all the gorgeous wild flowers on the Curtis Bench Trail! It's an amazing treasure to see! read more
15 years ago
10 years ago
Sunset or sunrise is probably the best time to come here for the light, less crowds, and more dramatic photographs. If you come during the winter time, you are really lucky if they're dusted in snow. The silence is deafening, if there's no one else around, because the sandstone absorbs the sounds. It's worth the detour if you're visiting nearby Capitol Reef NP. read more
12 years ago
11 years ago
Such an amazing and unique state park! We stopped by today on our way from Moab to Capitol Reef. We walked amongst the goblins and couldn't get over how cool this park really is - amazing what mother nature creates! read more
This place is bizarrely shaped from what use to be covered by an ocean at one time or another. You can read more about that at the park pavilion. Here you'll find a maze of unique sculpted rock that is a true sight to see. Make sure to visit when it is only dry, otherwise you'll be sending me emoji's of yourself crying. read more
12 years ago
Daunting diversity of self hike options but sadly most don't go very far and some merely get a postcard or take photos and leave. It is remote so the drive is to be thought about in terms of gas in the tank as twice a month AAA comes here to "save people." Nice shop for tourist trinkets, reasonable price for entrance, and easily can spend a couple hours or more here if going deep into the third valley and climbing up into the canyons. Bring lots of water and food as you're in the boonies here for sure. read more
7 years ago
11 years ago
Got here late, just before sunset so I didn't get to explore much or spend the time I would have liked too. Will have to come back here one day. read more
8 years ago
8 years ago
8 years ago
13 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
Page 2 of 2
More info about Goblin Valley State Park
Ask the Community - Goblin Valley State Park
Review Highlights - Goblin Valley State Park
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
1 review that is not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
Goblin Valley State Park - parks - Updated August 2026
Best of Green River
People found Goblin Valley State Park by searching for…
Things to Do in Green River, UT
Campgrounds in Green River, UT
Public Shower in Green River, UT
Water Parks in Green River, UT
Hot Springs in Green River, UT
Watch Sunset in Green River, UT
Places to Swim in Green River, UT
Attractions in Green River, UT
Playgrounds in Green River, UT
Visitor Centers in Green River, UT
Dog Friendly Trails in Green River, UT
Hiking Trails in Green River, UT
Places to Take Pictures in Green River, UT
Running Trails in Green River, UT
Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Green River, UT
Kids Attractions in Green River, UT
Trending Searches in Green River, UT
Boat Tours near Goblin Valley State Park
Cliff Jumping near Goblin Valley State Park
Kayak Rental near Goblin Valley State Park
Lakes near Goblin Valley State Park
Parks near Goblin Valley State Park
Playgrounds near Goblin Valley State Park
Star Gazing near Goblin Valley State Park
Swimming Holes near Goblin Valley State Park
Browse Articles
Browse Nearby
Browse Brands
Related Searches in Green River, UT
Affordable Kayak Rental Services in Green River, Utah
Best Dog Hiking Trails Around Green River, Utah
Best Lookout Points to Visit in Green River, Utah
Best Nature Trails for Hiking in Green River, Utah
Best Places for Horseback Riding in Green River, Utah
Best Spots for Star Gazing in Green River, Utah
Best Water Parks for Kids in Green River, Utah
Best Waterfalls and Swimming Holes in Green River, Utah
Check Out Great Playgrounds in Green River, Utah
Check Out Off Road Trails in Green River, Utah
Discover Dog Friendly Trails to Explore in Green River, Utah
Discover Lakes & Ponds to Explore in Green River, Utah
Discover Popular Bike Trails in Green River, Utah
Discover Popular Photo Spots in Green River, Utah
Discover Scenic Mountain Bike Trails Near Green River, Utah
Discover Top Boat Tours in Green River, Utah for All Ages
Discover Top Nature Parks to Visit in Green River, Utah
Discover a Hiking Trail in Green River, Utah
Discover the Best Night Hike Trails in Green River, Utah
Dog-Friendly Hikes With Dogs in Green River, Utah
Enjoy Arts & Entertainment in Green River, Utah
Enjoy Exciting Mountain Biking Adventures in Green River, Utah
Enjoy Hiking Adventures in Green River, Utah
Enjoy Kayaking Adventures in Green River, Utah
Enjoy Off Leash Dog Hikes in Green River, Utah
Enjoy Scenic Night View Experiences in Green River, Utah
Enjoy Tent Camping Spots Around Green River, Utah
Enjoy the Best Night View Spots in Green River, Utah
Enjoy the Best Picnic Spots and Ideas in Green River, Utah
Enjoy the Best Tubing Experiences in Green River, Utah
Enjoy the Best Walking Trails in Green River, Utah
Experience Stunning Sunset Views in Green River, Utah
Explore Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces in Green River, Utah
Explore Bike Rentals Throughout Green River, Utah
Explore Easy Hikes Perfect for All in Green River, Utah
Explore Free Picnic Areas Around Green River, Utah
Explore Picnic Parks Near Green River, Utah
Explore Popular Campgrounds Near Green River, Utah
Explore Popular Picnic Areas Around Green River, Utah
Explore Popular RV Parks Around Green River, Utah
Explore Popular Scenic Overlook Points in Green River, Utah
Explore Popular Scenic Views Near Green River, Utah
Explore Popular View Points Around Green River, Utah
Explore Scenic Lakes to Visit in Green River, Utah
Explore Secret Spots Worth Visiting in Green River, Utah
Explore Top Gyms in Green River, Utah Now
Explore Venues & Event Spaces in Green River, Utah
