Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park
4.5
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
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. Opened to the public as a state park in 1964. Park Elevation - 5,000 feet
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area

Address
Hwy 24 Apx 12 Miles West of Hwy 24, Green River, UT 84525
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See what travelers are saying

  • Glenn W
    10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Goblin Valley Yurt 1
    3 nights in Yurt 1. Coolest yurt location of any we’ve stayed in previously. Beautiful canyon. Heater worked well. There are a couple electrical receptacles. BBQ works well. Fire pit and picnic table are great. The park office has ice and firewood. Everything was great about our stay, EXCEPT… mice. The yurt management should either let guests know this in advance, or set some traps and take care of the problem. Make sure and only store food in mice proof containers, otherwise they will infiltrate.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 5, 2023
  • kevan j
    Norman, Oklahoma1,503 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden gem for sure!
    Marvelous park! Highly recommended! The "goblins" are spectacular, much larger than I thought. Hike down into the valley and see for yourself. The park is also much larger than I thought. With only a couple of hours, I recommend the following: 1. Hike among the goblins. (We also hiked out to the Goblin's Lair...about 3 miles total...awesome!) 2. Take the scenic drive out to the Little Wildhorse Canyon Trailhead. (We hiked up a little ways toward the slot canyon...very interesting and beautiful.) 3. Drive up the West Temple Junction Road (the paved part) into the canyon to the really cool pictographs.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 3, 2024
  • Jason Hennig
    Renton, Washington417 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Camping Spot
    We went yurt camping here for two nights. The yurt was comfortable, the campground was navigable, and it was easy to get to all the different trails and the goblin valleys. We went at the end of January, and the sun was bright and kept us quite warm; obviously, make sure you have plenty of water no matter what time of year it is. The visitor's station is open a bit sporadically, but it has most things you would need, unless you're needing proper food, in which case you'll need to drive an hour to the grocery store in Green River.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 6, 2024
  • Funlife4ever
    Salem, Oregon232 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So unique and stunning!
    Hours!!! You could walk for hours in the unique park. Mother Nature is amazing! It’s kind of small, but find the sign for the devils lair. It’s so beautiful with the sun shining down into it. We want to visit again!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 24, 2024
  • BeachBumHiker
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This park is 100% charming
    One of the most charming and fascinating natural spots in the country, absolutely amazing! A bit off the beaten path, totally worth it, really great place to kick back, slow down and have some fun. Only caveat - if you go at a busy entrance time you will sit in a car line at the gate as the inner lot isn't huge and you have to wait til someone leaves. So have a back-up plan, little wild horse canyon is right by there.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written May 13, 2024
  • WestPalmBeachDgp
    Jupiter, Florida74 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing park to explore
    What an amazing park. We spent about 3 hours exploring the valley area of the park and only saw a portion. It was very hot so bring lots of water and sun cover. We even carried umbrellas for extra shade. It was a bit disorienting being down in the valley - I wish we had a better way to track where we were and where we wanted to go but there was no cell coverage.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 6, 2024
  • K B
    Lafayette, California487 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Goblin "hoodoos" in profusion
    A really amazing place. We came here as part of a tour with Waterpocket Adventures who do 4x4 tours at Capitol Reef. This park is accessible by regular road. The Goblin formations are a type of Hoodoo and the number of them is amazing. Very much enjoyed the place and would return for further exploring.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 2, 2024
  • Kai C
    Half Moon Bay, California1,290 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    amazing
    This is a remarkable place, well worth repeating visits. The main 'goblin' site doesn't have trails, you are free to walk in and meander about. I'd highly recommend hiking though - I combined Curtis, Entrada and Goblin Valley trails (the latter unremarkable walk through mounds of earth piled on both sides). Stick to the trails, i initially veered off and was sucked into one after another goblin-filched gulch (there are many invisible ones beyond the main site). Incredible views, reminded me of parts of AZ. Bring lots of water.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written July 8, 2024
  • William L
    Sandown, New Hampshire1,029 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Spooky Goblins.....
    We slept in Yurt #2 at Goblin Valley State Park. One thing to note, if you stay here, keep the e-mail from the state park because it has the key code number. There is no cell coverage here and the office was closed when we arrived. It's a stunning location and got quite windy at night but we were happy to be in our Yurt. Upon sunrise, my wife and I hiked up one of the hoodoos to the top and walked along the spine for a little ways. It was an incredible place and I can't put it into words. Spooky thing happened when I was sitting on the outhouse toilet. It was so windy that gusts were blowing up from the bottom. Quite unsettling
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 15, 2024
  • Heather M
    177 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great state park near some of the Utah Big 5 National Parks
    We went here on our way between Capitol Reef National Park and Arches National Park on the advice of a fellow traveler. It was a pretty cool state park. If it hadn't been so hot that day and we hadn't booked ourselves elsewhere later in the day, we might have taken a short hike through the hoodoos. There is no shade in this park aside from the shade of the taller hoodoos so come prepared for that. There are bathroom facilities in a few locations near parking lots. There are also plenty of shaded picnic tables next to the parking lots if you want to have a little picnic here. All in all, we enjoyed this unique state park.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 16, 2024
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Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,013 reviews
Excellent
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39
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Harold H
Anaheim, CA363 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Goblin Valley State Park is a 48 minute drive from Green River. The one day entry fee is $20. Internet connection was nonexistent. GPS was not working. We used the Park brochure map to reverse our direction to return to I-70. It is breezy on top but we went down easy steps to the valley. The valley is hot. Bring water. There are many formations. After an hour, they started to look alike though. You can refer them as valley of mushrooms although I heard reference to body parts. There were only 5 cars in the small parking lot. Keep the cars and covered area in sight to know which direction to walk back. This place is worth one visit.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

naturetack
Dallas, TX747 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
One of the most unbelievable places I've ever been. It's very quiet and secluded but worth the couple hours of driving. The landscape is like nothing else you've ever seen (except in Galaxy Quest) with oddly shaped hoodoos lurking at each turn. You can spend hours wandering around the valley, no two hoodoos are alike. We stayed in a yurt for 2 nights and had an amazing and unforgettable experience! Highly recommend going during full moon, you don't need flashlights to hike around in the dark! The rangers were all extremely knowledgeable about the geology and the area. I can't wait to go back.
Written May 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wirttravelers
West Virginia565 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
This park has a large number of hoodoos---fascinating rock formations. There are 3 Valleys of them, so you could spend ages just wandering among them. They are easy to access for anyone who can do a set of stairs.

The downside was that any noise really carries through this area and there were both teens and smaller children who felt the need to shreik or make noises just to hear themselves. Also, be aware that the entrance fee to the park goes up on weekends. We had seen a $15 price on their website. The entrance sign said $20, but the gate attendant charged us $25 because it was a weekend in October. Apparently, any time the weather is nice or there's a holiday you have to pay extra to get in.
Written November 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Randy S
Northern Virginia, VA144 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
UT States Parks charge $20 for entry - whether for an hour or a day....so it was nice that you could park and visit the visitor center and gift shop prior to the entry area if you decided the cost was too much. However - once inside if you decided to pay the fee and enter.....the main attraction of the Goblins (hoodoos) was a surprise when seen. Almost like a colony of them had gathered together. Large parking area and a roofed area to block the sun for picnic lunches which was nice. Steps led you down to the valley floor where you could amble through the goblins at leisure for as long as you wanted. They stretched out in all directions. Lots of photo opportunities. Once back up to the parking lot there were additional trails we did not have time for and the wind at this visit seemed to be collecting hats. The scene was worth the $20 and if you have kids they could run around the goblins all day if given the chance.
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ItchyFeet
Camarillo, CA11,387 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
This is a very different and unique Utah state park that is kind of in the middle of nowhere. It is definitely worth the stop. There were lots of campers and people that were hiking, biking, off roading and camping.

We stopped here since it was on the highway leading to Capitol Reef National Park. We were here in late October and had to wait to get into the park because there was limited capacity and it was full. One car out and then one car in. A very small visitor center at the entrance was closed due to Covid however there were Informational signs in the park that explained the Goblins.

The parking lot next to the Goblins was large, had clean bathrooms and a small food truck.

We would definitely recommend stopping here even if just for a couple hours like we did on your way to and from your destination. Or if you have a camper, it were many places to set up your camper and spend a few days in the park.

Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fivestroke
Newburgh, NY75 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
If you are driving route 24 between route 70 and Capitol Reef National Park, I highly recommend a stop here. $20 per car to enter, but to me, it is worth it to explore the otherworldly landscape that is Goblin Valley. It is one of the few places that you can walk around freely and explore the very strange shapes up close. It’s an easy walk and lots of fun. The kids would love it.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shaked007
Hod Hasharon, Israel1,869 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
While visiting the less famous parks of Utah, a friend recommended Goblin Valley to us, so off we went.
We were extremely thankful to this friend because Goblin Valley turned out to be a highlight of our tour.
It is a bit off the beaten track and therefore isn't crowded even on weekends (We were there on a weekend). The valley is amazing and was for us a great discovery.
The whole valley is spread out in front of you, filled with naturally sculpted (by wind and water) "Goblins". You walk down into the valley and cannot stop smiling.
The Goblins are all around, in different shapes and there are hundreds of them.
Your imagination runs wild al the time, attaching names to the different shapes.
If you are in Utah, take the detour and don't miss it!!
Amazing Little Park!! You'll love It!!
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter K
Hurricane, UT862 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
This is a little visited gem of a park. The Hoodoo's are found through out the park and you can easily wander among them for several hours. The park was used in the filming of Galaxy Quest and looks otherworldly.

We were staying in Torry, UT (Capital Reef NP) and spent a day visiting Goblin.
It's a 2 to 2.5 hour (one way) drive from the Broken Spur hotel to Goblin. In part, because there is currently construction on Rte 24 between Torrey and the park Visitor Center which is scheduled to go through Nov. 2022. We found it took between 20 to 40 min. to get from the Broken Spur hotel to the VC and there is also construction between CRNP and Hanksville which can result in a 20 to 30 min. delay.
Normally it is a 1.5 hour drive.
If you are coming from Green River (about 45 min) or Moab (1.5 hours) it will take less time to get there.
The park has picnic and camping areas, flush toilets near the main overlook and small VC and gift shop attached to the entry station.
The nearest gas stations and restaurants are in either Green River or Hanksville.
Be sure and bring plenty of water and sunblock.
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

2012natty
Las Vegas, NV109 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2020 • Family
The drive to this State Park seemed interminable! The fee is $15, which seemed a bit steep for day use. There are camping, yurts and RV facilities. The “goblins” themselves are worth a visit, and like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Apparently there are also slot canyons, but we were warned off by the ranger due to a flash flood watch. It’s a bit out of the way. I’d consider going back in cooler months to see the slot canyons
Written June 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Annie M
Sheffield208 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Couples
Great fun for kids and big kids alike. It's a fair drive from the 24 but if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife like foxes and pronghorn.

It's worth the $20 entry fee and you can spend as long as you like exploring the valley. There's a nice, sheltered seating area by the car park with toilets. You then walk down into the valley which is a maze of amusing characters.

Well worth the detour
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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