National park
State park · Eastern Utah
Goblin Valley State Park
A valley filled with thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos, called goblins, that you can wander among freely. A playground for kids and adults alike.
Photo: Patrick Hendry · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Goblin Valley looks like another planet, and has stood in for one in film. Thousands of rounded, chocolate-brown goblins of Entrada Sandstone fill a shallow basin, and unlike most parks there are no set trails among them. You walk down from the overlook and explore wherever you like.
Short trails lead to the Goblin’s Lair, a big cave-like slot reached by a scramble, and to Carmel Canyon. Nearby, outside the park, Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most accessible slot canyons in Utah. The park is an International Dark Sky Park, and its campground and yurts make an excellent base.
Don't miss
- Valley of GoblinsWander freely among thousands of hoodoos below the main overlook.
- Goblin’s LairA large chamber reached by a short hike and an easy scramble.
- Little Wild Horse CanyonA narrow, accessible slot canyon a few miles outside the park.
- Night skiesAn International Dark Sky Park with excellent stargazing.
Good to know
- There is very little shade. Visit early or late in summer.
- Check the flash flood forecast before entering Little Wild Horse or other slots.
- Combine with Capitol Reef or Lake Powell via Highway 24 and Highway 95.