Rappel into the Goblin’s Lair: A 4‑Hour Canyoneering Adventure at Goblin Valley State Park
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate — able to hike uneven terrain, manage short scrambles, and descend/ascend using ropes with instruction
Overview
Step beyond the hoodoos and rappel into a gothic sandstone chamber on this 4‑hour guided canyoneering trip at Goblin Valley State Park. Learn rope skills, explore narrow slots, and experience desert geology up close with expert guides.
Rappel into the Goblin’s Lair: A 4‑Hour Canyoneering Adventure at Goblin Valley State Park
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The first step off the sandstone lip is a small negotiation with gravity — the rock leans back and the canyon mouth narrows until sunlight slices through like a stage spotlight. Guides clip you in, offer a few calm, clear commands, and the canyon accepts you. Inside Goblin Valley’s slot canyons the world compresses: walls bruise from ochre to deep sienna, natural skylights throw shafts of light onto the sand, and the air cools as if the stone itself inhales.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring extra water
Carry at least 1–2 liters per person; the valley is exposed and summer heat can spike quickly.
Wear grippy shoes
Closed-toe hiking shoes with good tread and ankle support improve footing on slickrock and sandy slopes.
Protect camera gear
Low-light slots demand slower shutter speeds—use a tripod or stabilize the camera against a rock and secure straps in tight sections.
Listen to guides on rope etiquette
Follow instructions for rappelling and knot checks; hardware is there for safety and must not be altered.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Lizards such as the zebra-tailed lizard
History
The valley’s hoodoos formed from Entrada sandstone millions of years ago; later, Paiute peoples traveled the region and 19th-century explorers mapped the nearby routes.
Conservation
Stay on established paths to protect fragile cryptobiotic soil; guides emphasize Leave No Trace practices to preserve the desert’s slow-recovering surfaces.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking shoes (sturdy, grippy)
Good traction and ankle support matter on slickrock and sandy slopes.
2 liters of water (hydration system or bottles)
Desert exposure and physical activity demand reliable hydration.
summer specific
Lightweight gloves
Protect hands during rappels and rope work, and improve grip on dusty rope.
spring specific
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
UV exposure is high on open trails and at the trailhead.
summer specific