Visit Goblin Valley Utah: Hoodoos and Hikes
BY JARED DILLINGHAM
Southern Utah is full of amazing geography and landscapes. Goblin Valley State Park and Capitol Reef National Park are close to each other, wildly different in terms of visuals, and well worth a drive to this remote part of Utah.
Goblin Valley State Park
Is Goblin Valley State Park Worth It?
A day trip to Goblin Valley is definitely worth your time, if you find yourself in Salt Lake City or Moab, Utah. The landscape here is truly unique, and it’s accessible to people of all ages and capabilities.
Goblin Valley is home to a famous collection of odd-looking sandstone rock formations, called hoodoos, and also a cave you can hike to called Goblin’s Lair.
Where is Goblin Valley Utah?
Goblin Valley is in the southeastern quadrant of Utah, directly west of Moab and Canyonlands National Park.
The GPS location is: 38.575106149534065, -110.70663693148553
Goblin Valley State Park is REMOTE, but close to the enjoyable little town of Hanksville, Utah. It’s a 32-mile drive from the entrance to Hanksville, which will take you a full half-hour due to the windier roads near the park entrance.
All highways leading to the entrance, along with all roads within the park, are nicely paved. There’s no need for a 4×4 or four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The road inside the park is fairly short, and just leads to a large parking lot at the end.
Goblin Valley’s Costs and Fees
You’ll pay a fee of $20 per vehicle to enter Goblin Valley State Park.
The cost goes up to $25 per vehicle on holidays and peak season weekends, which are Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays in April, May, September, and October.
For motorcyclists, it’s a $10 entrance fee to Goblin Valley.
Also, if you’d like to fly a drone, it’s another $10 fee.
What is There to do in Goblin Valley?
State Park Basics
Goblin Valley is open, with the entry booth staffed, from 6:00am to 10:00pm everyday.
You’ll notice: the park itself isn’t that expansive, and the road ends abruptly in a large parking lot. From there, you can set off on foot… either down a set of steps to explore the hoodoos, or on a hike to the cave known as Goblin’s Lair.
There’s only one road in the park, and it’s only 1.2 miles long, between the booth at the entrance and the large parking lot at the trailhead.
You can take in the expansive view from the parking lot, and bring food to eat under the covered areas, or walk down the steps to explore the hoodoos.
The “Three Sisters”
Three Sisters is barely even a hike, but it’s really something to see! Just driving through Goblin Valley, the Three Sisters formation is visible from the main road.
It’s perhaps the most famous of all of the goblin formations, and there’s a short trail if you’d like to walk over to check it out close-up.
How to get to the Goblin’s Lair Cave
The park is not overly-well marked, so in the parking lot it was confusing to figure out where to wander toward Goblin’s Lair.
Look for the Carmel Canyon Trail, which begins on the north end of the lot. The Goblin’s Lair trailhead begins behind the less-nice bathrooms. You’ll see what I mean 🙂 The stench will lead the way in the summer!
From there, the trail to Goblin’s Lair is fairly well-marked. You’ll have to look for stakes and signs to follow along the way.
The trail isn’t overly traveled, and wind and rain can erase the footsteps of other hikers in spots.
A mile in, you’ll see what looks like a rockslide. Climbing up it will lead to the small entrance to Goblin’s Lair.
In the hot summer sun, you’ll welcome the shade the cave provides!
With some care, most hikers who’ve made it this far will be able to shimmy down the boulders into the massive cavern.
You’ll be impressed by the light shining through holes in the rock roof, 100 feet above the dirt floor.
A Goblin Valley Park Ranger told us – Goblin’s Lair is actually a slot canyon, which was sealed shut by boulders in a rockfall.
You have the option of continuing on to the Goblette’s Lair, which you’ll see on signs. It’s another quarter of a mile.
Can You Rappel into Goblin’s Lair?
If rappelling is your thing, yes, you can rappel down into Goblin’s Lair.
➡️ CLICK HERE to book a canyoneering guide to rappel into Goblin’s Lair.
If you have your own canyoneering equipment, you’re supposed to tell the ranger at the entry booth, and pay an extra $2 permit fee for a rappelling permit.
It’s about 100 feet between the top of the cave and the ground.
Rappelling here requires technical gear and canyoneering skills.
If you’re new to rappelling or don’t want to bring your own gear, you can take a canyoneering tour, which begins right in Goblin Valley State Park, and lasts four hours.
Hiking in Goblin Valley State Park
The most popular trail is the Carmel Canyon Trail, which eventually brings you around to the Goblin’s Lair cave.
The biggest tip I have is to bring extra water and food. There are no concessions at Goblin Valley State Park.
While the large parking area has restrooms, there are no vending machines.
The entry booth has ice to pick up on your way in, but otherwise, you’re on your own.
We’re experienced desert hikers, and we still didn’t bring enough water to get all the way to Goblin’s Lair on a hot summer day. I’d suggest at least two liters of water per person.
If you just want to check out the hoodoos, you can just wander among them. There’s really no marked trail to follow – you’re free to roam!
Cell reception was sketchy, so having a map already pulled up on our phones well before we arrived at the park helped us follow our position as the blue dot.
If you want to hike further beyond the hoodoos, you can ask the ranger how to get to the Third Valley of Goblins, and Goblin Square.
Camping, Yurts & Hotels
You have a variety of options in this remote part of Utah, from hotels to camping … to glamping in a yurt!
Where to Stay Near Goblin Valley Utah
We found the small town of Hanksville to be very charming, and home to friendly people and a variety of hotel and rental options.
You can use this interactive map to search around for what’s available:
➡️ HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Whispering Sands Hanksville, Utah
➡️ RV/Camping RECOMMENDATION: Duke’s Slickrock Hanskville, Utah
We stayed at the Whispering Sands. It’s no-frills, but clean and efficient.
We arrived late, since we were hiking after sunset for photography reasons, and the desk staff taped our key to the door!
The next time, I might consider one of the yurts inside the park’s campground just for the experience!
If you’re driving in an RV, check out Duke’s RV Park in town.
Stay in One of the Goblin Valley Yurts
Goblin Valley has two yurts available to rent in its camping area. The fee is now $150 per night for 2023.
They’re swanky compared to other camping options! The yurts have heat and air conditioning, along with bunk beds and a fold-out couch. They include indoor and outdoor furniture, plus a propane grill which comes with the base fee.
Yurts in Goblin Valley become available to book four months before your desired arrival.
If you’d like to book a yurt June 1st, you can log on and make a reservation as early as February 1st.
The yurts at Goblin Valley are designed to look like nomadic tent dwellings. They’re unique to the Utah State Park system, and were built in 2011.
Each yurt holds a maximum of five people, and dogs are permitted for an extra $20 fee.
The State of Utah posted a series of photos of the yurts:
Goblin Valley Camping
If you’re interested in camping, make sure to reserve a spot in advance, as Goblin Valley’s campground books up during certain weeks of the year.
In addition to the yurts, you they feature 24 campsites for tents and campers, too.
The campground has 10 tent pads, and 14 spots for RV parking.
Pricing for camping in a tent at Goblin Valley is $45 per night in 2023, plus charges for taxes, water hookups, etc.
The campground does not have an electrical hookup, but does include showers, restrooms, a drinking water station, a garbage dump, and more.
Click here to go to the Goblin Valley reservation site.
Kids, Drones, & More
The Drone Policy at Goblin Valley State Park
Drones are allowed, though I can see how during peak months you might be competing with other amateur drone pilots over the hoodoos.
You’ll have to tell the ranger at the entrance booth, and pay an extra $10 fee to fly a drone at Goblin Valley.
Is it worth it?
I’d say it is, because you can fly over the hoodoos, and also fly around the rockslide formations on the outside of Goblin’s Lair.
Is Goblin Valley Family-Friendly & Good for Kids?
I’d definitely take the whole family to Goblin Valley State Park.
There’s a solid, professionally-built set of large, wide steps which lead down from the main parking lot into the valley full of hoodoos.
If you can make it to the bottom of the steps, there really aren’t any inclines or rough parts of the landscape to worry about.
More adventurous kids would love the climb down into Goblin’s Lair.
Again, I’d bring plenty of food and water (more than you think you need!) because there’s nothing to buy in the park. (Not even a vending machine!)
There are several picnic tables under an overhang where you can have lunch.
Nearby Hanksville has a few entertaining dinosaur-themed places to stop for kids, too.
Goblin Valley is Dog-Friendly
Pets are allowed in all of the state parks in Utah, including Goblin Valley, as long as they’re leashed.
Dogs are also welcomed in the campground and Goblin Valley’s yurts, for an extra fee of $20.
What’s the Weather Like in Goblin Valley?
Weather is an important factor to consider when visiting Goblin Valley.
Summers are hot, with temperatures often reaching 100 degrees.
Plus you have to check monsoon activity, even here in the desert.
It’ll often rain each afternoon for days on end, then dry up as the scorching sun returns.
Flash floods will come through Goblin Valley, too, so check their flash flood forecast during the summer monsoon season.
The National Weather Service publishes a daily guide, which ranks flash flood potential as “not expected,” “possible,” and “probable.”
Here’s a sample of what the guide looks like from NOAA and the National Weather Service:
Winter brings snow storms at times, so it goes without saying… to check the forecast before your trip.
Goblin Valley Hoodoos
Why is it called Goblin Valley?
The odd-mushroom-shaped sandstone formations found in Goblin Valley are known as hoodoos, which are also known as “goblins.”
You’ll find dozens (hundreds maybe?) of “goblins” in the valley adjacent to the main parking lot.
How was Goblin Valley Formed?
You can find hoodoos in many places, but I’ve never seen a collection like the one at Goblin Valley!
This part of Utah was a shallow sea 150 million years ago. Remnants remain to this day! As you hike around, you’ll notice some parts of the trails are deep pockets of sand.
As the sea receded, layers of sand and clay were left behind, and eventually. Hardened into shapes of sandstone.
The valley with the hoodoos was a tidal flat. Over time, wind and water eroded the soft silt away, and left the hard sandstone shapes (the “goblins”) behind.
Can You Climb on the Hoodoos in Goblin Valley?
Erosion helped to form the hoodoos, and that erosion continues to this day, so it’s not wise to climb on the hoodoos.
They’re rock, so you’re not likely to push them over, but the rangers ask you to stay on the trails and walk and climb in between the rock formations.
How Much Time Do You Need at Goblin Valley?
Unless you’re camping, half a day is good for a stop at Goblin Valley.
Of course, you could spend days here exploring, and spend your evening stargazing (it’s an official “Dark Sky” spot).
We were in a time crunch, and had to make it to another site by sunset.
After our 4-hour drive from SLC, we spent four hours in Goblin Valley. We hiked to Goblin’s Lair, and flew the drone around for a while on that side of the park.
Then we hiked back to Goblin Valley (near the parking lot) and explored that area for a while, too. I wish we could’ve stayed to see the sun drop, and watch the hoodoos form shadows over the valley.
If you’ve hit a dirt road on your way to Goblin Valley State Park, you made a wrong turn.
What Else is Near Goblin Valley, Utah?
For us, Goblin Valley was part of a road trip. Popular spots within an hour or two include several national parks.
If you drive east toward Moab, Utah, you can hit Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.
Just outside the town of Hanksville, you’ll find several natural wonders, including: Factory Butte, Moonscape Overlook, and Bentonite Hills.
Farther west along Highway 24, you’ll drive right into Capitol Reef National Park.
Goblin Valley State Park to Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park isn’t far from Goblin Valley.
It’s about a 60-mile drive, which will take you an hour. State Highway 24 is nicely paved, and scenic in spots.
I’d recommend a stay overnight in Hanksville if you’re traveling through the area.
Traffic is very light on the state highway between the parks, even during the summer months.
Goblin Valley to Moab, Utah
Moab has become more popular than ever, as millions arrive each year to visit Arches National Park.
If you’re in the region, Goblin Valley is worth a day trip from Moab.
It’s a 100-mile drive (each way) along Highway 191, Interstate 70, and State Route 24.
The drive from Moab to Goblin Valley will take you about 90 minutes.
The Drive from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Goblin Valley
We landed at Salt Lake City (SLC) at 9:00am, were in our rental car by 10:00am, and at the entrance to Goblin Valley State Park by 2:00pm.
The drive from Salt Lake City, south to Goblin Valley, is around 233 miles, and without traffic or lengthy stops, it’ll take around 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Food Options and Restaurants Near Goblin Valley
Again, there are no vending machines or anything in Goblin Valley, so you’ll have to bring all of your food and water in with you.
Depending on your timing, you can stop by the nearby town of Hanksville, Utah. It’s full of friendly people, and a few places to eat.
I’d recommend Duke’s Slick Rock Grill for their burgers, and also their friendly staff who were full of advice on exploring the area.
Goblin Valley Extras: Movies & Astronomy
Several Movies were Filmed in Goblin Valley Utah
A few movies you’ve heard of, and several you probably haven’t, have been filmed partially in Goblin Valley State Park.
City Slicker’s II : The Legend of Curly’s Gold featured Goblin Valley.
Also on the list: The Tree of Life, Galaxy Quest, Red Canyon, Tracker, The Princess and the Pea, and Space to Roam were all partially filmed on location in the park.
Photography Tips for Goblin Valley and Goblin’s Lair
I do regret that we weren’t in Goblin Valley at sunset. Our schedule wouldn’t allow it, but that would be ideal for photography!
You’ll notice – all of our photos were taken in the bright summer sunshine. The colors in the rocks definitely come out more in the shadows and changing light around sunset.
Goblin’s Lair presented a special challenge, because harsh light shines down through the holes or vents in the rock above.
In person, it’s stunning, but from a photography standpoint, it creates lighting problems. With iPhone cameras, you’re often left with a blast of light and unidentifiably dark surroundings.
Photographer Matt Ehnes used a tripod and a composite of several photos to piece this together.
Astronomy in Goblin Valley & the Dark Sky Forecast
Goblin Valley is listed as a “Dark Sky Park” by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). It’s a great spot for stargazing and astronomers because it’s truly remote.
There’s no light pollution for many miles around, so you’ll just have to hope for clear skies.
You can check the Goblin Valley Clear Sky Chart for forecasts of everything, from cloud cover to water vapor (called transparency on the chart). The chart predicts smoke, humidity, and also the wind.
The darker the blue on the chart, the more clear the skies will be. As the chart turns green, it means cloud cover. Grey blocks on the forecast chart mean poor weather for astronomers, and near complete cloud cover.
Rangers will offer moonlit hikes and telescope tours, largely geared toward astronomers and photographers eager to capture the Milky Way and other astronomical wonders in the undisturbed dark night sky.
Goblin Valley Wrap: The Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall months are ideal, but it’s an interesting spot worth visiting (unless there’s a huge storm or flash flood) any time of year.
April and May, and September and October, are considered peak season at Goblin Valley State Park.
We enjoyed our hot visit in July. Temperatures were up in the 90s, so we had to bring extra water. But the parking lot was empty! We had Goblin Valley to ourselves.
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