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Scores of intricately eroded creatures greet visitors to Goblin Valley. Hike among intricately eroded rock formations in haunting coves in this photographers' paradise.
Adjacent to the park, off-highway vehicle enthusiasts will find hundreds of miles of dirt roads to explore. Goblin Valley State Park is in Emery County between Green River and Hanksville off State Route 24.
The visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, during winter months (Nov - Feb), the visitor center may be closed for short periods of time while staff is away at lunch or on park business and occasionally may be closed all day if no staff is available.
Goblin Valley Camping
The campground at Goblin Valley State Park consists of 25 sites and two yurts. The campsites are divided into ten walk-in tent pads, fourteen RV spaces, and one group site able to accommodate up to 35 people. Showers and flush toilets, as well as a communal water and dump station are all available free of charge. All sites contain a picnic table, metal fire ring, and shade shelter.
Hiking in the Park:
The Goblin’s Lair
Distance: 1.5 miles one way.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Hidden away on the park’s eastern boundary, beyond the cliffs that form the far wall of the Valley of Goblins, is a massive cavernous formation known as The Goblin’s Lair. Not truly a cavern, the “lair” is actually a beautiful slot canyon, the entrance of which has been sealed by rock fall. Depending on time of day, light may pour in through ceiling vents more than 100 feet above the chamber floor. Once a secret gem known only to a few, a marked trail now guides visitors to the “hiker’s entrance” of the lair. The trail begins at the observation point, and follows the Carmel Canyon loop before splitting off after 1/2 mile. Some moderate scrambling up scree slopes and over boulders is required. Caution is advised.
The Carmel Canyon Loop
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
While most visitors venture down the Carmel Canyon Loop only to access the Goblin’s Lair Trail, it is a beautiful hike in its own right. Especially scenic in the evening hours, this trail grants sweeping vistas of the Carmel goblin formation, the Molly’s Castle outcrop, the Three Sisters, and on clear days, even the La Sal Mountains far to the east. For those who lack the time to explore Little Wild Horse Canyon, Carmel Canyon does contain a short section of colorful narrows. Completing the entire loop requires some minor scrambling. Caution is advised.
Entrada Canyon
Distance: 1.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
The Entrada Canyon Trail begins at the group campsite and ends at the Valley of Goblins observation point parking lot. The canyon is named for the same layer of sand and silt stone that makes up the Valley of Goblins. For those spending the night in the park, it serves as a scenic alternative to driving. Along the way, hikers will pass by a number of interesting goblin formations that cannot be easily seen from any other vantage point. Please note that while there are toilet facilities at the observation point, there is no water available. Make sure to bring plenty with you!
Curtis Bench Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
The Curtis Bench Trail is accessed alongside the Entrada Canyon Trail and runs parallel to it, but at a higher elevation. It is named for the grey-green Curtis layer of sand and silt stone that covers many of the upland regions of the park. From this vantage point, hikers are awarded sweeping vistas of the Henry Mountains to the south, as well as the Valley of Goblins to the east. A marked cutoff trail leads down into the First Valley, allowing for a potential loop hike with the Entrada Canyon Trail. Doing so would amount to a trek of approximately four miles.
The Three Sisters
Distance: 250 yards, one way
Difficulty: Easy
The Three Sisters is the most iconic of all goblin formations within the park, and is found on many of the souvenir items available in the visitor center. Most visitors snap a photograph of it as they drive toward the observation point. For those wishing for a closer look, an unmarked but easy-to-follow trail does exist. Simply pull off into one of the nearby parking spots along the road and start walking. In addition to the Three Sisters, the trail also grants views of the Carmel Canyon drainage system, 100 feet below.
Driving Directions:
Approximately 216 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. – 24 miles south of I-70 on Highway 24, turn at Temple Mountain junction, follow signs 12 miles to park. – 20 miles north of the town of Hanksville on Highway 24, turn at Temple Mountain junction, follow signs 12 miles to park.
More Information:
Goblin Valley State Park
P.O. Box 637
Green River, Utah 84525-0637
Phone: (435) 564-3633
Goblin Valley Visitor Brochure
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