_
_
_
Goblin Valley State Park is a state park located in southeastern Utah, United States. The park is known for its unusual rock formations, which are shaped like goblins or mushrooms. The park covers an area of about 3.5 square miles and is situated in the San Rafael Desert.
The park has several trails, ranging from easy to moderate, that allow visitors to explore the unique rock formations up close.
Goblin Valley State Park is located near the town of Hanksville
• Moab: 100 miles away.
• Hanksville: 32 miles away.
• Capitol Reef: 80 miles away
• Salt Lake City: 216 miles southeast.
•Day Use:
$10 per motorcycle
$5 per person
•Camping: $35
•Annual Pass In State: $100
•Annual Pass Senior In State: $50
•Annual Pass all out-of-state (including seniors): $150
The USA National Parks Pass 'America is Beautiful' won't work here!
Open year round. No holiday closures.
The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. However, during winter months (Nov - Feb), the Visitor Center may be closed for short periods while the staff is away at lunch or on park business, and occasionally may be closed all day if no staff is available.
Hanksville - Whispering Sand Motel
We loved our stay here. It is in a great location, rooms were clean and spacious.
•Price: $166.39 per night.
The best time to visit Goblin Valley State Park is during the spring and fall seasons, which run from March to May and September to November, respectively. During these times, the weather is mild with cooler temperatures, making it comfortable to explore the park and hike its trails.
Summer, which runs from June to August, can be very hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not the best time to visit for outdoor activities, but if you choose to visit during the summer months, it is recommended to go early in the day and carry plenty of water to stay hydrated.
The length of time you should stay at Goblin Valley State Park depends on your interests and what you would like to see and do in the park. Generally, most visitors spend a few hours to a full day exploring the park.
If you're interested in hiking, the park has several trails, ranging from easy to moderate, that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to complete, depending on your pace and the distance of the trail.
You won’t be bored in Goblin Valley State Park. There is so much to do.
•Observation Point: The Observation Point is a parking lot turned observation point, where you can see the vastness of Goblin State Park from this vantage point.
•Goblin's Lair Trail: The Goblin’s Lair is one of the park’s most popular spots. The trail is approximately 3.5 miles round-trip and is rated as moderate to difficult due to its steep incline and rugged terrain.
The trail begins at the Little Wild Horse Canyon trailhead and takes hikers through a scenic canyon with towering rock formations and sandstone cliffs. After about 1.5 miles, the trail splits off to the left, leading hikers up a steep and rocky incline toward the Goblin's Lair.
•Three Sisters Trail: The Three Sisters of Goblin State Park is one of the most iconic goblin formations in the location. The trail is an easy 1 mile. The Three Sisters is iconic for it's very peculiar stone formation in the middle of the desert field.
•Curtis Bench Trail: This is an easy 2-mile trail that follows the Curtis formation. The trail offers a unique overview of Goblin Valley as well as spectacular views of the Henry Mountains.
•Stargazing: The park's remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal place for stargazing. Visitors can enjoy a clear view of the night sky and see constellations and shooting stars.
•Picnicking: The park has several picnic areas equipped with tables and shade structures. You can enjoy a meal while taking in the park's unique scenery.
•Bring plenty of water: The park is located in the desert, and temperatures can be high, especially during the summer months.
•Be prepared: The park is located in a remote area, and there are limited services available.
•Respect the park's unique features: The park's rock formations are fragile and should be treated with care. You should avoid climbing on or touching the formations to prevent damage.