Where the Goblins Gather: A Practical Ode to Goblin Valley State Park
Wander among sculpted stone forms and learn to read the desert’s erosional language.
On a low, wind-scrubbed plateau in central Utah the sandstone stands up like a crowd—bunched, bulbous, and improbably human in silhouette. Dawn drapes an orange ribbon across the courtyard of rock and the goblins come alive. They are not mythical creatures but the park’s nickname for the thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos—short, rounded towers of Entrada sandstone that seem to be caught mid-mutter or mid-dance. You walk among them and the world rearranges itself into a scale that shrinks the map in your pocket and makes your feet feel like an instrument for reading the landscape.
Trail Wisdom
Go at sunrise or sunset
Light is everything here—soft morning and late-afternoon sun reveal texture and color while crowds thin out.
Book a guided canyoneering session
Local guides know safe routes and teach ropework and scrambling techniques tailored to the park’s sandstone terrain.
Carry extra water and a shade layer
Summer heat is intense; aim for 3–4 liters per person for half-day outings and wear sun-protective clothing.
Respect fragile formations
Don’t climb on thin pedestals or chisel the stone—walk only on durable surfaces and follow marked areas.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Chimney Rock overlook—short diversion for a panoramic view across the goblin field
- •The lesser-used upper benches on the valley rim where morning light hits the formations differently
Wildlife
desert cottontail, western rattlesnake (observe from a distance)
Conservation Note
The park emphasizes visitor education and Leave No Trace practices to protect fragile sandstone; guided groups often include stewardship briefings.
The area sits on the Colorado Plateau and contains Jurassic Entrada Sandstone; ranching and later recreational development shaped its modern access as a state park.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower displays, mild hiking, photography at golden hour
Challenges: occasional spring storms, mud in washes
Spring offers cool temperatures and occasional wildflowers; watch for variable weather and slick sandstone after rains.
summer
Best for: extended daylight, camping, stargazing after sunset
Challenges: high daytime heat, scarce shade
Summer brings long days and excellent nights for stars but requires strict hydration and early starts to avoid heat.
fall
Best for: comfortable hiking, color contrasts, fewer crowds
Challenges: cooler nights, potential for sudden storms
Fall is the sweet spot—cool days, brilliant light, and comfortable temps for canyoneering and photography.
winter
Best for: snow-dusted landscapes, quiet solitude
Challenges: cold temperatures, possible icy patches on sandstone
Winter can be peaceful with dramatic contrasts; bring insulated layers and be cautious of icy surfaces on ledges.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoes with grippy solesEssential
Provides traction on sandstone and protection from sharp rocks.
3–4 liters hydration systemEssential
Keeps you hydrated in dry, hot conditions where water sources don’t exist.
Sun hat and UV-protective layersEssential
Protects skin during long exposure to desert sun and helps regulate temperature.
Compact camera with wide-angle lens
Wide lenses capture the scale and clustered shapes of the hoodoos best.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to hike in Goblin Valley State Park?
Day-use requires an entry fee at the park entrance; no special permit is required for general hiking, but commercial guided activities should be booked through licensed operators.
How long should I plan to spend at Goblin Valley?
A quick visit can be 1–2 hours; to explore more trails, boulder among the goblins, and take a guided canyoneering trip, plan half a day to a full day.
Is the park family-friendly?
Yes—many hoodoos are accessible for kids; however, supervise scrambling and keep children off fragile pedestals.
When is the best time to visit for photography?
Golden hour—early morning and late afternoon—offers the best light and fewer visitors for unobstructed shots.
Are guided canyoneering trips suitable for beginners?
Yes—local 4-hour guided canyoneering trips are often tailored to beginners while teaching basic rope and safety skills.
What should I know about camping at the park?
The park has a campground with tent and RV sites; services are basic, so arrive prepared and check the park website for reservations and seasonal availability.
What to Pack
Sturdy hiking shoes, 3–4L water reservoir, sun hat and sunscreen, compact first-aid kit—covering traction, hydration, sun protection, and basic emergency care.
Did You Know
The hoodoos in Goblin Valley are carved from Jurassic Entrada Sandstone deposited about 170 million years ago; portions of the valley were used as a filming location for the movie Galaxy Quest (1999).
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive early to avoid heat and crowds; fuel up in Hanksville or Green River—services are limited; check weather before heading into washes; book guided canyoneering in advance during peak season.
Local Flavor
Nearby Hanksville and Green River offer small-town diners, a ranching legacy, and local guide services—their hospitality matches the region’s low-key, do-it-yourself ethos.
Logistics Snapshot
Drive time: ~3.5–4 hours from Salt Lake City, ~1.5–2 hours from Moab. Park fee required; campground available; limited cell service; guided canyoneering typically 4 hours.
Sustainability Note
Stay on durable surfaces, avoid climbing fragile pedestals, pack out all trash, and follow guide instructions—small actions protect formations that took millions of years to form.