Goblin Valley State Park, located in southeastern Utah, is known for its unique landscape. This place is filled with mushroom-shaped hoodoo rock formations (goblins) made of sandstone dating back to the Jurassic period. Goblin Valley State Park hiking is like stepping onto another planet.
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Goblin Valley State Park Hiking Trails
Below are the Goblin State Park hiking trails. There are some other very short “hikes” that are more like viewpoints, so not included in here.
Valley of the Goblins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: Varies (self-guided exploration)
- Highlights: This is the park’s main attraction, featuring three distinct valleys filled with goblin (hoodoo) formations. It’s a hiker’s playground with no set trails, allowing for free exploration.
Goblins Lair Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance 2.5 miles round trip
- Highlights: leads to a large cavern known as the “Chamber of the Basilisk”. For the adventurous guided rappelling tours are available.
Carmel Canyon Loop
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
- Highlights: Offers a mix of slot canyon experiences and panoramic views of the park
Curtis Bench Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.1 miles round trip
- Highlights: Provides excellent overlook views for the entire Valley of Goblins
Little Wild Horse Canyon
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 8 miles full loop
- Highlights: Located just outside the park, this slot canyon offers an adventure for those seeking a longer hike.
This is a great trip to add on if you are exploring other areas.
- Capitol Reef National Park to Goblin Valley is 57 miles (about an hour’s drive).
- Moab to Goblin Valley is 98 miles (about an hour and a half drive)
- Hanksville to Goblin Valley is 29 miles (about a 30-minute drive)
Goblin Valley State Park Entrance Fees and Hours
How much does it cost to get into Goblin Valley State Park? Day use is $20.00 per vehicle and an annual pass is $75 (good for entrance to all Utah state parks).
Goblin Valley is open year-round, every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Camping and Yurt Information for Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley Campground
The campground at Goblin Valley has 25 sites (10 walk-in tent sites, 14 RV spaces, and 1 group campsite for up to 40 people. All campsites include a fire ring, picnic table, and shade shelter. The reservations work on a four-month rolling basis. Reserve here.
Goblin Valley Yurts
There are also 2 Yurts for rent. They are equipped with heat and air-conditioning, beds, table and chairs, and an outdoor grill for cooking. The Goblin Valley State Park Yurts are very popular so reservations fill up quickly. These reservations work on a four-month rolling basis. Reserve here.
Campground Fees:
- Standard Campsite ( Tent or RV): $45.00 (includes a pass for 1 vehicle)
- Yurt: $150 (includes a pass for 1 vehicle)
Hotels Near Goblin Valley State Park
- Hanksville is the closest town to Goblin Valley about 32 miles away
- Torrey if you are heading to Capitol Reef ( about 79 miles away)
Nearby Attractions
- Capitol Reef National Park to Goblin Valley is 60 miles (a little over an hour’s drive).
- Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park to Goblin Valley is 100 miles (about an hour and forty-minute drive)
- Hanksville, Utah to Goblin Valley is 32 miles (about a 40-minute drive)
Final Thoughts
Goblin Valley State Park offers a unique hiking experience that combines out-of-this-world landscapes with the raw beauty of the Utah desert. Whether you’re hiking among the hoodoos, exploring the slot canyons, or stargazing from your yurt. this park promises an adventure you won’t soon forget. Plan your adventure for some Goblin Valley State Park hiking!
You may also like below articles:
Capitol Reef National Park Guide: Top Photography, Hiking Spots, and Travel Tips
Arches National Park: Your Complete Travel, Hiking, and Photography Guide
Canyonlands National Park Guide: Island in the Sky Top Photography, Hiking Spots, and Travel Tips
