Goblin Valley State Park lies in the desert west of Green River, roughly an hour and three-quarters from Moab, and it is famous for a basin crowded with thousands of knobbly, mushroom-shaped rock formations nicknamed goblins. Unlike many parks where rock is off-limits, Goblin Valley invites you to leave the overlook and scramble down among the hoodoos, weaving through narrow alleys and playing hide-and-seek around the formations. The goblins formed from soft Entrada sandstone that eroded unevenly, leaving harder caps on slender stalks. The state park has an overlook, a hiking network, a campground with yurts and a short drive from other attractions such as nearby slot canyons. It is the sort of place that children love and adults rediscover their inner child in, and it makes an excellent long day trip when you have seen Arches and Canyonlands.
The park has grown in recent years, adding more land and trails beyond the original goblin basin, so there are more hikes to choose from than the old valley floor alone. Even so, most visitors spend their time in the main valley, where a short walk from the overlook leads to the densest cluster of formations. Allow at least a couple of hours to wander, and more if you also hike one of the longer trails. A state park day-use fee applies per vehicle, and the visitor facilities are modest, so bring water and snacks.
Make the day trip work by planning the drive. From Moab you head north on Highway 191 and then west on Interstate 70 and a highway to the park, with a stretch of empty desert where fuel and food are sparse, so fill the tank and pack lunch.
Most visitors leave early, spend the middle of the day among the goblins and return in the afternoon. In summer, the valley floor is hot with almost no shade, so aim for morning or late afternoon, and in winter cold nights and short days mean you should check conditions before you go.
Combine it with nearby highlights if you want a longer day or a night's camp. The park's campground and yurts allow a stay under dark skies, and the surrounding region has slot canyons and other attractions that suit confident hikers. Take care in the canyons, since flash floods are a real hazard when storms threaten, and heed any warnings. Keep to the rule that applies in all desert parks: do not climb on or break formations, leave natural features as you found them and pack out all your trash.
What to expect
The experience
A long drive from Moab, then free-roaming scrambles among mushroom-shaped hoodoos in the valley, plus optional longer hikes elsewhere in the park.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon; summer middays are very hot with no shade.
How long
A full day including about three and a half hours of driving round trip.
Tips
Fill your fuel tank in Moab, carry plenty of water and snacks, wear sturdy shoes and watch the weather before entering any slot canyon nearby.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and curious travelers who want something different from the arches and mesas.
- Families
- Children love the freedom to wander among the goblins; watch for heat and keep everyone hydrated.
- Couples
- Visit in the golden hour for photographs, then drive back under big skies.
- Pair with
- A quiet evening in Moab; the drive makes it hard to combine with a second major sight.
- Time needed
- A full day for the round trip.
Good questions
How far is Goblin Valley from Moab?+
It is roughly an hour and three-quarters each way, so plan on a full day trip.
Can I walk among the hoodoos?+
Yes. Visitors are free to leave the overlook and explore among the goblins, but should not climb or damage the formations.
How much time should I allow?+
At least two hours in the park, longer if you hike the longer trails, plus the drive.
Is there shade or water?+
Shade is scarce, so bring a hat and plenty of water. Facilities are modest, so bring snacks too.
Is it open in winter?+
The state park is open year-round, but winter days are short and nights are cold. Check current conditions before you set out.
