Goblin Valley State Park is a unique natural wonder located in Utah, USA. One of the most notable features of Goblin Valley State Park is the dense concentration of hoodoos that dominate the landscape. These formations are the result of millions of years of erosion and weathering, which have sculpted the sandstone into intricate shapes and patterns.
Why “Goblin” Valley?
Goblin Valley State Park got its name from the unusual hoodoo formations . The mushroom-shaped rocks are said to resemble goblins, creatures from folklore and mythology that are often depicted as mischievous and sometimes malevolent. According to local legend, the park’s name was coined by a group of Boy Scouts who visited the area in the 1920s. As they explored the park’s unique landscape, they were struck by the whimsical, otherworldly appearance of the rock formations and began referring to them as “goblins.” The name caught on and eventually became official when the park was designated as a state park in 1964.
How to get to Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley State Park is located in southeastern Utah, USA, and can be accessed by car via several major highways. Here are some general directions for getting to the park from various cities:
From Salt Lake City: Take I-15 South to US-6 East towards Price. In Price, take US-191 South towards Green River.At the junction of UT-24, turn right and continue west for about 25 miles until you reach the park.
From Moab: Take US-191 North for about 50 miles until you reach the junction of UT-24.Turn left and continue west for about 25 miles until you reach the park.
Our experience in Goblin Valley
We got the the park around 9 am on a weekend late November and it was almost empty. There were two other cars on the parking lot. We hiked Goblin Liar trail first, then about 3/4 of Entrada Canyon. Both trails were fairly easy with some rock scrambling. We spent about 3 hours in the park and headed to Wild horse Canyon.
Hikes in Goblin Valley State Park
There are three main hiking trails within the park that allow you to explore the hoodoo formations up close.
The Goblin’s Lair Trail
The trail is 1.5 miles round trip, it takes you through a stunning canyon landscape before arriving at a cave-like formation known as the Goblin’s Lair. We at the Observation Point parking area and descended into a narrow canyon before getting to the Goblin’s Lair, which requires a bit of scrambling. The Lair itself is a large chamber with a hole in the ceiling, allowing sunlight to filter in and illuminate the space. The trail offers amazing views of the surrounding rock formations.
The Entrada Canyon Trail
The trail is approximately 2.4 miles round trip, it goes through a canyon before entering a scenic overlook that offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. The trailhead is located near the campground area in the park and follows a sandy path through the canyon, which is lined with towering rock formations and unusual hoodoo formations. The trail is moderate, with some steep sections.
Carmel Canyon Trail
The Carmel Canyon Trail is rated as moderate by All Trails, it is 5 miles round trip. It also begins at the Observation Point parking. We decided not to hike it to save time for Wild Horse and Bell canyon trail.
Overall, Goblin Valley State Park is a truly unique and captivating destination that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and wonder of the American West. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors, this park is definitely worth a visit.
