HANKSVILLE HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Into the Goblins: A Half‑Day Canyoneering Descent into Goblin Valley’s Cathedral Chamber
A guided, half‑day canyoneering route through Goblin Valley State Park that combines scrambling among hoodoos with a 90‑ft rappel into the gothic Goblin’s Lair—this guide explains what to expect and how the outing runs.
Into the Goblins: A Half‑Day Canyoneering Descent into Goblin Valley’s Cathedral Chamber.
Hidden among the hoodoos and mesas of Goblin Valley State Park, the Goblin’s Lair Canyoneering Adventure threads a short scramble through the Valley of the Goblins before donning ropes and descending into a cathedral‑like subterranean chamber—an outing that mixes dramatic geology with technical thrill in a family‑friendly format.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Otherworldly hoodoos and sweeping mesas
The route winds through the surreal hoodoo formations and mesas that define Goblin Valley State Park, placing participants amid the park’s most distinctive geology before the technical section begins.
A short, hands‑on scramble through the Valley of the Goblins
Before any ropework, the trip includes a brief, fun scramble through the Goblin Valley formations where guides fit participants with canyoneering gear and teach basic safety and rappelling techniques.
A roughly 90‑ft rappel into the Goblin’s Lair
Participants descend approximately 90 feet into a dark, cathedral‑like chamber—the Goblin’s Lair—an atmospheric finale that emphasizes dramatic geology and is presented as memorable for families and beginners.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Over roughly a half‑day, guides meet the group, fit everyone with canyoneering gear, and lead a hike through the hoodoo‑studded Valley of the Goblins; after practice and instruction in rappelling and safety systems, participants scramble into the Canyon of the Goblins and perform an assisted descent of about 90 feet into the Goblin’s Lair and the Chamber of the Basilisk, where the gothic, cavernous atmosphere rewards the effort before the group exits to the trailhead.
THE LANDSCAPE
Otherworldly hoodoos and sweeping mesas
The route winds through the surreal hoodoo formations and mesas that define Goblin Valley State Park, placing participants amid the park’s most distinctive geology before the technical section begins.
THE APPROACH
A short, hands‑on scramble through the Valley of the Goblins
Before any ropework, the trip includes a brief, fun scramble through the Goblin Valley formations where guides fit participants with canyoneering gear and teach basic safety and rappelling techniques.
THE TECHNICAL
A roughly 90‑ft rappel into the Goblin’s Lair
Participants descend approximately 90 feet into a dark, cathedral‑like chamber—the Goblin’s Lair—an atmospheric finale that emphasizes dramatic geology and is presented as memorable for families and beginners.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip works for—and why.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guides fit participants with canyoneering gear and provide instruction in rappelling technique and safety systems prior to the technical section.
Canyoneering hardware and rope systems are provided and sized to participants during the pre‑departure fitting.
The itinerary includes a dedicated skills‑practice segment where participants rehearse rappelling technique and safety protocols before entering the slot canyon.
Expect to change into comfortable, active clothing suitable for scrambling and ropework; guides will handle technical gear fitting and instruction.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Goblin’s Lair Canyoneering Adventure?
The outing is a half‑day tour with a duration of approximately 4 to 4.5 hours.
Where do we meet for the trip?
The group meets at the Goblin Valley State Park Visitor's Center for gear fitting and briefing.
How technical is the route—will I need prior canyoneering experience?
The route is presented as beginner‑ and family‑friendly: guides fit gear, teach and practice rappelling techniques, and lead participants through the technical descent.
How big is the rappel into the Goblin’s Lair?
Participants descend approximately 90 feet into the Goblin’s Lair.
What landscapes and features will we see?
The outing traverses the Valley of the Goblins’ hoodoos and mesas and culminates in a cathedral‑like subterranean chamber known as the Goblin’s Lair and the Chamber of the Basilisk.
Who operates the trip?
The Goblin’s Lair Canyoneering Adventure is run by Get In The Wild Adventures in Goblin Valley State Park, Utah.