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Goblin Valley State Park wilderness guide
State Park · UT

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is renowned for its unique sandstone formations known as hoodoos, providing a surreal landscape perfect for exploration and photography.

State Park3,6544+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,654

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is renowned for its unique sandstone formations known as hoodoos, providing a surreal landscape perfect for exploration and photography.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Goblin Valley State Park is located in southeastern Utah, enveloped by a vast landscape of dramatic sandstone formations locally known as hoodoos. These mysterious geological features, shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years, resemble a congregation of mystical goblins, offering an otherworldly experience. The park's terrain is predominantly desert, punctuated by the reddish hues of Entrada sandstone, creating dramatic sightlines against clear skies. Historically, the area was once inhabited by the Fremont culture, with intriguing remnants of their presence still evident in scattered petroglyphs. Goblin Valley is a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts who can explore its trails, enjoy stargazing under one of the darkest skies in the country, or pitch tents in designated campsites. Despite its arid environment, the park supports diverse wildlife, including kit foxes, jackrabbits, and various bird species. Its appeal lies in both its geological wonders and the serene, vast open spaces that offer ample opportunities for adventure and reflection.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Goblin Valley State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Enchanting Goblin Valley: A Martian Playground★ 8.8⌖ 0 miHiking
Goblin Valley State Park

Enchanting Goblin Valley: A Martian Playground

Explore the mesmerizing rock formations of Goblin Valley State Park near Green River, Utah. Ideal for hiking, photography, and stargazing, this location offers an otherworldly adventure. Best visited in spring and fall to avoid extreme heat.

Slot Canyon Adventure at Crack Canyon, Utah★ 7.6⌖ 2 miHiking
Crack Canyon

Slot Canyon Adventure at Crack Canyon, Utah

Explore Crack Canyon, a remote slot canyon in southern Utah featuring narrow sandy corridors and challenging boulder sections. Best visited in spring and fall, it offers a quiet, adventurous experience through rugged Navajo Sandstone formations for hikers and climbers.

Scenic Canyon Vistas at Salt Wash View Area, Utah★ 7.8⌖ 28 miSightseeing
Salt Wash View Area

Scenic Canyon Vistas at Salt Wash View Area, Utah

Salt Wash View Area off I-70 near Green River, Utah, offers accessible roadside views of colorful canyon landscapes. Ideal for sightseeing, photography, and short hikes nearby. Best visited in spring and fall for comfortable weather and excellent light.

SightseeingView Details→
Grand Wash Trailhead: The Splendor of Capitol Reef★ 8.8⌖ 33 miHiking
Grand Wash Trailhead

Grand Wash Trailhead: The Splendor of Capitol Reef

Explore the Grand Wash Trailhead in Capitol Reef National Park, located near Torrey, Utah. This 5-mile round trip is considered an easy hike with stunning canyon views. Perfect for families and best visited in spring or fall.

Hiking the Wonders of Capitol Reef★ 8.8⌖ 34 miHiking
Hickman Bridge, Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs Trailhead

Hiking the Wonders of Capitol Reef

Explore the diverse trails near Torrey, Utah, featuring the Hickman Bridge, Rim Overlook, and Navajo Knobs. Ranging from easy to challenging, these hikes offer stunning views of Capitol Reef's unique geological landscapes and wildlife.

Discover Cassidy Arch in Capitol Reef★ 8.7⌖ 35 miHiking
Cassidy Arch Trailhead

Discover Cassidy Arch in Capitol Reef

Explore Cassidy Arch Trail in Capitol Reef National Park near Torrey, Utah. This 3.4-mile round-trip hike is rated moderate, offering stunning views of sandstone formations and canyons. Perfect for adventure seekers, best visited in spring or fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Valley of Goblins with thousands of hoodoos✦ Dark Sky Park designation for prime stargazing✦ Nearby Little Wild Horse Canyon for slot canyon hiking✦ Goblin's Lair, a cave-like formation accessible by a short hike
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Goblin Valley State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Goblin Valley State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Goblin Valley State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Goblin Valley State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Goblin Valley State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Goblin Valley State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required; no permits needed for day use.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Goblin Valley State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Goblin Valley Campground

Located near the Valley of Goblins, offering basic amenities with stunning views of the sandstone formations.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Goblin Valley State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Hanksville
⌖ 13.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hanksville, Utah

A remote desert gateway offering rugged landscapes and vast open skies, perfect for adventurous travelers seeking solitude and exploration in Utah's red rock country.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Emery
⌖ 37.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Emery, Utah

A rugged gateway to vast red rock landscapes, Emery offers authentic outdoor experiences with few crowds and opportunities for multi-sport adventures year-round.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Green River
⌖ 41.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Green River, Utah

A desert adventure hub with access to stunning canyons, river activities, and dramatic landscapes.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Castle Dale
⌖ 47.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Castle Dale, Utah

A peaceful gateway to Eastern Utah’s rugged desert landscapes and mountainous backcountry, offering a mix of quiet adventure and natural exploration.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Huntington
⌖ 54.01 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Huntington, Utah

A quiet gateway town offering access to rugged canyons, wide-open desert landscapes, and abundant river-based adventures in central Utah.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Moab
⌖ 62.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Moab, Utah

A vibrant desert town renowned for its stunning red rock landscapes, perfect for adrenaline-fueled adventures and serene exploration.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Goblin Valley State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.