Goblin Valley State Park
Where the Desert Comes to Life
Wander through a strange and playful landscape filled with thousands of sandstone figures known as “goblins.” Shaped by wind, water, and time, this natural maze invites explorers to choose their own path through one of Utah’s most imaginative landscapes.
Follow the Land. Find the Story.
Goblin Valley
at a Glance
Location:
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Central Utah, near Hanksville and Green River
Known for:
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Thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone hoodoos
Landscape:
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Open valleys, sculpted formations and desert canyons
Dark Sky Park:
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Yes ☾✦
Open:
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Year-round
Let curiosity lead you into the strange.
Three Ways to Explore Goblin Valley
Valley of Goblins
Step directly into nearly three square miles of whimsical formations and wander freely among the goblins.
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Experience: Open exploration
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Best for: Families, photography and creative wandering
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Important: Remember your route—the formations can make navigation confusing
The Three Sisters
Take a short walk to the park’s most recognizable trio of goblin formations.
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Distance: Approximately 250 yards
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Difficulty: Easy
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Best for: A quick adventure and iconic photographs
Goblin’s Lair
Follow a rugged desert trail behind the goblin valleys to a dramatic sandstone chamber.
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Distance: 3 miles round trip
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Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
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Best for: Adventurous hikers
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Important: Exposed, sandy terrain with basic bouldering required to enter the chamber
From Daylight to Starlight
As sunset softens the goblins into shadowy figures, one of Utah’s darkest skies begins to shine. Far from major cities, the Milky Way may appear brilliantly above the valley on a clear, moonless night.
Goblin Valley became an International Dark Sky Park in 2016.
When darkness awakens the goblins, the stars illuminate their world.
☾✦
Explore Responsibly
Walk carefully among the formations, avoid climbing fragile hoodoos, protect living biological soil crust, and leave every rock and goblin exactly as you found it.
Wander with wonder.
Leave the goblins untouched.
Before You Go
The valley offers little shade, and desert temperatures, wind, and flash-flood conditions can change quickly.
Bring plenty of water and check current conditions before exploring.
Wander among the goblins. Follow where curiosity leads. Stay until the strange valley meets the stars.
