Goblin Valley State Park is a state park located in Utah off of Highway 24. This unique park is full of thousands of oddly shaped hoodoos which were created as a result of sandstone erosion about 170 million years ago. Visitors can walk amongst these goblin formations and admire their various sizes and shapes.
Discover these otherworldly geologic stone gnomes for yourself at Goblin Valley during a road trip through Utah and find out everything you need to know before you go.
Entrance Fees at Goblin Valley State Park
Daily use fees which are valid for 2 days:
- $20 private vehicle
- $10 Utah seniors age 62 and older
- $10 motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian
- $4 per person commercial vehicle fee
Where is Goblin Valley State Park located?
Goblin Valley State Park is located off of Highway 24, 20 miles north of Hanksville. If you plan on visiting Goblin Valley you should also explore Capitol Reef, Factory Butte, Moonscape Overlook and the Bentonite Hills.
The entrance to Goblin Valley State Park is clearly marked with signs located along State Highway 24. Turn off of Highway 24 onto Temple Mountain Road and continue about 12 miles until you reach the park ranger station. You can also type ‘Goblin Overlook’ into your GPS or click on the map below.
What to Do in Goblin Valley State Park
The main highlight of Goblin Valley State Park is the Goblin Overlook viewpoint. Visitors will discover an expansive valley filled with hoodoos, or goblins, of various shapes and sizes. These numerous hoodoos were formed over millions of years through gradual erosion of Entrada sandstone. Walk down in the valley and get a closer look at these uniquely structured rock formations.
Hiking in Goblin Valley
Additionally, there are 5 main hiking trails located within the park. The Goblin’s Lair, The Carmel Canyon Loop, Entrada Canyon, Curtis Bench Trail and the Three Sisters.
The goblin’s lair trail
This 3 mile round trip hike is moderately strenuous and follows the path behind the Goblin Valley. The end of the trail descends into a cave which requires hikers to do some bouldering to climb down into the Lair.
The Carmel Canyon Loop
The Carmel Canyon Loop is a moderately strenuous hike leading hikers on a 1.5 mile loop around Goblin Valley through the desert floor.
Entrada canyon
This is a 1.3 mile one way trail that leads from the campgrounds to Goblin Valley and back. The hike is moderately strenuous with stunning views along the way.
curtis bench trail
One of the easier hikes in Goblin Valley, the Curtis Bench trail is a 2.1 mile out and back path along the Curtis formation. This trail also offers hikers views of Goblin Valley, as well as the Henry Mountains.
The Three sisters
The Three Sisters are one of Goblin Valley’s most recognizable landmark. They are easy to reach just off the side of the road. You can park at one of the pull outs along the main road and walk the easy 250 yards to the Three Sisters.
Goblin Valley State Park Weather
The best times to visit Goblin Valley are in the spring or fall. The temperatures and climate is more mild in the desert then. During these two seasons, visitors will experience warm, sunny days with cooler temperatures at night. There is also less of a chance of thunderstorms and typically no snow.
During the summer months Goblin Valley can reach temperatures over 100°F but still remain cool at night due to low humidity. There are also greater chances of afternoon thunderstorms with lightning strikes and possible flash flooding in the nearby slot canyons. Therefore, if you visit in the summer months you’ll need to be extra careful of the quickly changing weather in this area.
In the winter, Goblin Valley sees a significant drop in temperatures especially during the night. Visitors who plan to camp here during the winter will need to be prepared for below freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall.
Goblin Valley State Park Camping
Surrounded by Goblin Valley’s unusual landscapes and located within the park, visitors can find 25 campgrounds and 2 yurts available for staying overnight. There are limited facilities which include showers and toilets, communal water and dump stations.
Campground fires are permitted unless otherwise stated due to dry weather and fire warnings. Be sure to check with the park ranger and online to see the latest updates.
As with most campsites, Goblin Valley State Park enforces quiet hours between 10PM to 7AM so please make sure you are respectful to other guests staying nearby.
Camping Fees:
- $35 main campground ($20 extra vehicle fee)
- Yurts: $100 + tax
group camping
Group Campground: $100 + tax for up to 40 people and then $3 per person after that. Only 8 vehicles or 6 RVs maximum are allowed
Want to explore Utah’s National and State Parks in a camper van? Discover everything you need to know about renting a camper van for a Utah road trip!
Can You Fly a Drone in Goblin Valley State Park?
Yes, you can fly a drone in Goblin Valley State Park with a permit. Luckily, the permit is very easy to get. All you need to do is fill out a single paper, which you can do on site or download and fill out in advance. You can print the form here.
Once you arrive at Goblin Valley State Park you will pay a $5 USD fee at the Visitor’s center where you will also pay the $20 entrance fee. Keep in mind that there are restrictions to flying your drone which include high visitation, special events or emergencies. The park ranger will confirm with you whether you’ll be able to pay the fee and fly your drone that day or not when you arrive.
Rules and Regulations at Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
If you plan to spend a few hours or even a few days in Goblin Valley please make sure to follow and abide by the park guidelines. It is important to always respect nature and pick up everything that you brought in.
camping
As there is a designated location for camping within Goblin Valley State Park all visitors who plan to stay overnight will need to stay within the campground. There is no free camping within the park and you will need to pay the camping fee to stay the night.
If you are camping within Goblin Valley State Park and need to dump your wastewater then you will need to do so at the proper disposal station. You are not allowed to dump or drain the water from your camper anywhere you want.
Pets
Pets are allowed in Utah’s State Parks but they must be leashed. You are also required to pick up any waste from your pet and dispose of it properly.
rock formations, plants and animals
All rock formations, plants and animals located within Goblin Valley State Park are protected which means that visitors should treat them with care. It is unlawful to destroy, remove or vandalize anything within the park so please be respectful when visiting. Also remember to practice ‘leave no trace’ when visiting any of Utah’s National and State Parks.
bicycles
Visitors to Goblin Valley are allowed to ride their bicycles through the park as long as they remain on public or established roads. Cycling is not permitted on hiking trails, in the Goblin Valley or off road.
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