Living up to its name, Goblin Valley State Park has unique, goblin-like sculptures that were carved by centuries of wind and water. Inspiring the imagination of children and adults, this park is an outdoor playground with numerous rocks and coves. There are unlimited opportunities for exploring. A hike through the area is full of desert beauty and the magnificent goblin forms. The goblins are made of soft sandstone, constantly eroding, and changing their shapes. The movie Galaxy Quest was filmed at Goblin Valley State Park because of its unusual scenery.
Goblin Valley is a dry barren desert. There are no trees, and therefore no shade. It is very hot during the summer and yet the nights can be cold. Fall is the perfect time to visit with cool nights and warm days. The area is ideal for camping, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities.
This area is a photographer's dream. There is rock art left by ancient Indians and ruins left by early prospectors, miners, and ranchers in the park. You will also find a couple of great slot canyons for a little more adventurous hike.
Little Wild Horse-Bell Canyon loop trailhead is about five miles down a dirt road from Goblin Valley. There is a parking area and outhouse at the trailhead, but no water. This slot canyon is famous in Utah and worth a day hike. Flash flood danger is extreme in slot canyons so avoid this hike if rain threatens.
Goblin Valley State Park is located in Emery County between the towns of Green River and Hanksville. To reach the park from Green River travel west on I-70 for twelve miles until you reach exit 147 and go south. After thirty miles, turn right at the Temple Mountain/Goblin Valley Junction. The road leading into the park is surfaced and improved. Travel west on the road for about five miles and turn left, continuing to the park entrance.
Goblin Valley State Park statistics:
Acres - 3.654
Fees - yes, day and camping
Campground - yes, 25 units
RV's - yes, campsites have picnic table, paved pad and barbecue grill
Paved roads - yes
Culinary water - yes
Modern restrooms - yes
Hot water showers - yes
Sanitary dump station - yes
August 2009 reviewer said, "This unusual depression in the surrounding hills has some of the most unique and unusual formations in the world. What's fun is that you can walk amongst and climb on the otherworldly figures that fill the park. It reminds me a little of the Terracotta Army in China except that it's completely natural. And if the park looks familiar to you, it may be due to the fact that parts of the movie Galaxy Quest were filmed here. Not only can you walk around the strange and grotesquely shaped figures in the park, but you can climb the sides of the valley for a great view both inside and outside the valley. No hiking is required to access Goblin Valley. You can drive right up to the entrance and park in a paved lot. I would plan on half a day to explore Goblin Valley, but you could also enjoy it in one hour or take the entire day to explore and play.''
April 2009 reviewer said, "I've been to Goblin Valley 3 times and I always love going back. I recently took my family and we had a blast hiking and playing among the goblins. We hiked almost a whole day with kids aged 7, 4, 2, and 4 months and they were sad to leave. We had to help the 2 year old navigate many of the goblins, but it was a lot of fun for all of us. We plan to go back next year and camp so we can spend more time in the park. As a side note, I've taken my scout group here before and it was the favorite campout of the year!''
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