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The campground at Goblin Valley State Park consists of 25 sites and two yurts. Goblin Valley camping is divided into ten walk-in tent pads, fourteen RV spaces, and one group site able to accommodate up to 35 people. Showers and flush toilets, as well as a communal water and dump station are all available free of charge. All sites contain a picnic table, metal fire ring, and shade shelter.
Cowboys searching for cattle first discovered secluded Goblin Valley. Then in the late 1920s, Arthur Chaffin, owner/operator of the Hite ferry, and two companions were searching for an alternative route between Green River and Caineville. They came to a vantage point about a mile west of Goblin Valley and were awed by what they saw, five buttes and a valley of strange-shaped rock formations surrounded by a wall of eroded cliffs.
In 1949, Chaffin returned to the area he called Mushroom Valley. He spent several days exploring the mysterious valley and photographing its scores of intricately eroded creatures. The area was acquired by the state of Utah and in 1964 was officially designated a state park.
Goblin Valley State Park is a showcase of geologic history. Exposed cliffs reveal parallel layers of rock bared by erosion. Because of the uneven hardness of sandstone, some patches resist erosion much better than others. The softer material is removed by wind and water, leaving thousands of unique, geologic goblins. Water erosion and the smoothing action of windblown dust work together to shape the goblins.
Bedrock is exposed because of the thin soil and lack of vegetation. When rain does fall, there are few plant roots and little soil to capture and hold the water, which quickly disappears, in muddy streams without penetrating the bedrock.
About 30 minute detour each way from I-70, but we'll wort it. Small $20 entry fee for state park with nice roads, parking an rest area. You will have to spend at least an hour, more if you have kids and naming all the thousands of rock formations
Goblin Valley State Park is such a cool place to visit. Although it is relatively small in size, it's a place of immense and otherworldly beauty that feels like stepping onto a different planet. Nestled in Utah's vast wilderness, this unique park is a treasure trove of geological wonders and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
The park's main attraction is its remarkable hoodoo rock formations, whimsically referred to as "goblins." These naturally sculpted shapes create a surreal landscape that captivates visitors of all ages. Wandering among these formations feels like exploring an alien terrain, with each turn offering a new and fascinating view. The experience is especially magical during sunrise and sunset when the play of light and shadows brings the landscape to life in a spectrum of colors.
Beyond the confines of the park, the surrounding area is an explorer's paradise. There are numerous spots for boondock camping just outside the park boundaries, offering a sense of solitude and connection with nature. These areas are perfect for those who enjoy off-the-grid adventures and starlit nights.
It’s important to note that Goblin Valley is quite remote. Visitors should come well-prepared with plenty of fuel and food supplies, as the nearest amenities are a significant distance away. This remoteness adds to the park's charm, allowing for an unspoiled and immersive natural experience.
In terms of activities, besides hiking and photography, the park is also a fantastic spot for night sky observation. The lack of light pollution means the stars and Milky Way are visible in all their glory, making for unforgettable stargazing moments.
If you're looking for a really unique, and not very popular get-away, Goblin Valley State Park is a great adventurous escape. Whether you're a hiker, camper, photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, this park is definitely worth the journey.
Absolutely incredible place to go at night. We got that picture with the stars a couple years ago and it’s one of my favorites. It’s a good place to play night games and it’s always pretty warm. I would recommend if you’re camping nearby to go on the BLM land. There are a lot of hikes nearby that you can do as well. Clean up after yourself and don’t leave trash around. There are bathrooms there, pavilions, and plenty of other places to go. I think there’s one place called the goblins lair in the back of the park. That is a cool thing to visit. There are things to climb, play on, and explore in the back. Just don’t knock over a bunch of rocks. It’s a pretty big place and I guess it just depends on your audience for you wanna do there. There are plenty of ways to interact and have fun with it.
This place rocks, literally. Let's just say, hypothetically, that your nephew decided to jump down to a big dirt tower that was impossible to get down from, I bet there would be some really patient and skilled forest park rangers named Drew and Hallie that would be able to bring him safely down with ropes, and finesse. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, you're probably me...and if you're me, who am I? A clone? You can check by seeing if there are three small dots behind my left ear.
Just visited here for the first time yesterday and love it. Weather was absolutely perfect! Ended up hiking several different trails but the Goblins lair was definitely my favorite. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for something off the beaten path!
