Goblin Valley State Park is one of Utah’s 43 state parks, yes that’s right there are 43 of them. Endless places to explore scattered all around the state. This park is named after the rock formations you can find in abundance here.
While visiting please be cautious and courteous in your actions to best preserve the park for others to enjoy. Use designated restroom areas, pack out your trash from the trails, clean up after your pets and don’t destroy or alter the goblins. Hopefully this park will be around for decades to come for our kids to enjoy.
This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.
Helpful Info for Visiting Goblin Valley
There is a $15 entry fee per car to get into the park. The park is open all year round.
Goblin Valley State Park is about 3 1/2 hours from Salt Lake City, (only 3 hours from Provo) which is great for a short weekend trip or even a day trip if you leave early enough. The park is also only 1 and 1/2 hours from Moab so definitely add this to your Moab itinerary while you’re there.
Along with hiking there are also mountain biking trails you can use.
The best news is the trails and the whole park is dog friendly as long as they are leashed. We took Copper and he had a blast. Just be sure to bring a bowl so they can get plenty of water.
When To Visit
The park is open all year round but there are some things to keep in mind.
Goblin Valley Weather: Temperatures can get over 100 F in the Summer. It is also a dessert so hot days and cold nights are the forte. The park also gets thunder storms suddenly and hail. In the Winter there can be snow and ice making the trails slick.
Seasons: Summer can be busy because kids are out of school. Spring and Fall are good times to visit for the perfect hiking temperatures. Like I mentioned above the winter can be snowy and icy but that can also mean reduced crowds, just be really careful.
Other Utah Destinations:
- 2 Days in Arches National Park
- One Day in St. George, Utah
- Visiting Sand Dunes in Utah at Little Sahara
- Relaxing Day Trip to Park City, UT
Hikes in Goblin Valley State Park
- Valley of the Goblins – This valley is definitely the most iconic part of the park. Named after the hundreds of goblin rock formations that fill the valley (more technically known as hoodoos). This area is open for free exploration rather than a set trail. It is a super fun area for climbing and exploring with endless opportunities to discover new things.
We spent all our time here because it is a huge area that can keep everyone entertained for hours.
- Carmel Canyon – A 1.5 mile loop trail classified as moderately strenuous.
- Curtis Bench – A 2.1 mile out and back trail that is classified as easy with great views.
- Goblin’s Lair – A 3 mile out and back trail classified as moderately strenuous and leads down to a cave.
- Entrada Canyon – A 1.3 mile one way trail classified as moderately strenuous that leads from the campgrounds to the Valley of the Goblins.
Camping in Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley is a certified dark sky park because it has one of the darkest skies with the least light pollution in the world. That makes it the perfect place to camp out and really take in the milky way.
There are 24 campsites and 2 yurts available that can be reserved 2 days to 16 weeks ahead of time. Group reservations can be made even further in advance, up to 11 months! You can make reservations at the Utah state parks website.
Helpful Tip: They do sell firewood at the entrance to the park so you don’t have to bring your own.
What to Bring
Tennis Shoes or Hiking Shoes
The Valley of the Goblins is an easy area where tennis shoes will work just fine. You are still going to want good shoes to hike in that are comfortable, have good traction, and you are ok walking in all day long. Hiking boots are going to give you added ankle support which can be helpful and would be especially nice on the more difficult trails in the park.
Water
Be sure to bring plenty of water for everyone to drink. They recommend a gallon per person per day especially in the summer when it gets really hot. We love using water bottles that will keep the water cool and fresh all day long.
Pet Supplies
If you choose to bring your pup (which I highly recommend) be sure to bring water for them as well. These collapsible bowls take up next to no space and make giving them water super easy. At Goblin Valley dogs do have to be leashed, an retractable leash is good to let them explore while still following the rules.
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley was so fun to explore and get off the beaten path. I especially loved that you really get to feel like you’re exploring without a trail and get to experience the park for yourself. So wether you’re coming from Salt Lake City or Moab make sure you stop here while you’re in Utah.
It is fun for the whole family! Make sure you follow along on Instagram @rachelscraftedlife to stay updated on all future travels and adventures!
