Goblin Valley State Park wilderness guide
State Park · UT
Wildlife Viewing Guide

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is renowned for its unique sandstone formations known as hoodoos, providing a surreal landscape perfect for exploration and photography.

State Park3,6544+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,654

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is renowned for its unique sandstone formations known as hoodoos, providing a surreal landscape perfect for exploration and photography.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Goblin Valley State Park is located in southeastern Utah, enveloped by a vast landscape of dramatic sandstone formations locally known as hoodoos. These mysterious geological features, shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years, resemble a congregation of mystical goblins, offering an otherworldly experience. The park's terrain is predominantly desert, punctuated by the reddish hues of Entrada sandstone, creating dramatic sightlines against clear skies. Historically, the area was once inhabited by the Fremont culture, with intriguing remnants of their presence still evident in scattered petroglyphs. Goblin Valley is a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts who can explore its trails, enjoy stargazing under one of the darkest skies in the country, or pitch tents in designated campsites. Despite its arid environment, the park supports diverse wildlife, including kit foxes, jackrabbits, and various bird species. Its appeal lies in both its geological wonders and the serene, vast open spaces that offer ample opportunities for adventure and reflection.

Field Guide · State Park

Notable Landscape Features

Iconic geological landmarks, alpine vantage points, and distinctive ecosystems in Goblin Valley State Park.

Feature 1

Valley of Goblins

An expansive field filled with thousands of hoodoo rock formations, creating a goblin-like appearance.

Feature 2

Goblin's Lair

A large cave-like chamber accessible by a short hike, offering a secluded spot for exploration.

Feature 3

Little Wild Horse Canyon

A nearby slot canyon that provides an adventurous hiking experience with stunning narrow passages.

Key Wilderness Highlights

The Valley of Goblins with thousands of hoodoosDark Sky Park designation for prime stargazingNearby Little Wild Horse Canyon for slot canyon hikingGoblin's Lair, a cave-like formation accessible by a short hike
Iconic Trails & Natural Landmarks

Top Trails & Sights in Goblin Valley State Park

Discover summit paths, alpine loops, and natural wonders within this protected wilderness.

Moderate3 miles

Goblin's Lair Trail

A scenic trail leading to the impressive Goblin's Lair, a must-see geological feature.

Easy2.5 miles

Entrada Canyon Trail

An easy route offering a closer look at the hoodoos and leads into the main valley.

Moderate1.5 miles

The Carmel Canyon Loop

Offers panoramic views of the park and access to various rock formations.

Easy2 miles

Curtis Bench Trail

Provides views of the San Rafael Swell and the opportunity to view lesser-known areas of the park.

Enchanting Goblin Valley: A Martian Playground8.8
Rock Formation

Enchanting Goblin Valley: A Martian Playground

Explore the mesmerizing rock formations of Goblin Valley State Park near Green River, Utah. Ideal for hiking, photography, and stargazing, this location offers an otherworldly adventure. Best visited in spring and fall to avoid extreme heat.

Green River, UtahExplore Sight
Slot Canyon Adventure at Crack Canyon, Utah7.6
Canyon / Gorge

Slot Canyon Adventure at Crack Canyon, Utah

Explore Crack Canyon, a remote slot canyon in southern Utah featuring narrow sandy corridors and challenging boulder sections. Best visited in spring and fall, it offers a quiet, adventurous experience through rugged Navajo Sandstone formations for hikers and climbers.

Cedar City, UtahExplore Sight
Scenic Canyon Vistas at Salt Wash View Area, Utah7.8
Scenic Viewpoint

Scenic Canyon Vistas at Salt Wash View Area, Utah

Salt Wash View Area off I-70 near Green River, Utah, offers accessible roadside views of colorful canyon landscapes. Ideal for sightseeing, photography, and short hikes nearby. Best visited in spring and fall for comfortable weather and excellent light.

Green River, UtahExplore Sight
Grand Wash Trailhead: The Splendor of Capitol Reef8.8
Canyon / Gorge

Grand Wash Trailhead: The Splendor of Capitol Reef

Explore the Grand Wash Trailhead in Capitol Reef National Park, located near Torrey, Utah. This 5-mile round trip is considered an easy hike with stunning canyon views. Perfect for families and best visited in spring or fall.

Torrey, UtahExplore Sight
Hiking the Wonders of Capitol Reef8.8
Natural Arch / Tunnel

Hiking the Wonders of Capitol Reef

Explore the diverse trails near Torrey, Utah, featuring the Hickman Bridge, Rim Overlook, and Navajo Knobs. Ranging from easy to challenging, these hikes offer stunning views of Capitol Reef's unique geological landscapes and wildlife.

Torrey, UtahExplore Sight
Discover Cassidy Arch in Capitol Reef8.7
Natural Arch / Tunnel

Discover Cassidy Arch in Capitol Reef

Explore Cassidy Arch Trail in Capitol Reef National Park near Torrey, Utah. This 3.4-mile round-trip hike is rated moderate, offering stunning views of sandstone formations and canyons. Perfect for adventure seekers, best visited in spring or fall.

Torrey, UtahExplore Sight
Cohab Canyon: A Hidden Gem of Utah's Scenic Beauty8.5
Canyon / Gorge

Cohab Canyon: A Hidden Gem of Utah's Scenic Beauty

Explore the captivating Cohab Canyon near Torrey, Utah. Popular for its hiking trails, it's part of Capitol Reef National Park. Enjoy stunning red rock formations and spot wildlife in a serene setting. Ideal for adventurous hikers in spring and fall.

Torrey, UtahExplore Sight
Majestic Arches & Rugged Beauty at Cassidy Arch8.9
Natural Arch / Tunnel

Majestic Arches & Rugged Beauty at Cassidy Arch

Explore Cassidy Arch in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. The hike is moderate, revealing stunning reddish arches and unique geology. Perfect for hiking and photography enthusiasts. Trail access is hike-in, best visited in spring and fall for cooler temperatures.

Torrey, UtahExplore Sight
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Goblin Valley State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Spotlight

Wildlife Viewing in Goblin Valley State Park

View Full Park Guide

Goblin Valley State Park offers exceptional terrain and routes for wildlife viewing, featuring established access paths, scenic vistas, and protected wilderness territory.

Other Activities in Goblin Valley State Park:HikingCampingPhotography
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Goblin Valley State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required; no permits needed for day use.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Goblin Valley State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Goblin Valley Campground

Located near the Valley of Goblins, offering basic amenities with stunning views of the sandstone formations.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Goblin Valley State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic desert basecamps surrounding the park.

Green River, Wyoming, UT
Gateway Basecamp

Green River, Wyoming, UT

Green River offers outdoor enthusiasts a gateway to Wyoming's natural wonders. Hike through stunning canyons, paddle the scenic river, and discover diverse wildlife in expansive landscapes.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Hanksville, Utah, UT
Gateway Basecamp

Hanksville, Utah, UT

Hanksville is a quiet desert town serving as the gateway to stunning Utah landscapes like Capitol Reef and the San Rafael Swell. Perfect for hiking, off-roading, and stargazing, it offers remote adventure in unique red rock country.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Moabi, Gabon, UT
Gateway Basecamp

Moabi, Gabon, UT

Moabi in Gabon is a remote gateway to Central African rainforests and the Ogooué River, perfect for hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching. Visitors can camp riverside and explore nearby national parks during the dry season.

Dry season (June to September)Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Goblin Valley State Park

Explore with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and wilderness outfitters.

Four Hours on Horseback Across the Western Water Pocket Fold: Solitude, Sweeping Vistas, and Expert Interpretation
Certified Outfitter

Four Hours on Horseback Across the Western Water Pocket Fold: Solitude, Sweeping Vistas, and Expert Interpretation

A four-hour guided horseback ride out of Torrey with Wilderness Ridge Adventures that covers rarely seen trails, dramatic rock formations and a one-on-one landscape interpretation—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Into the Goblins: A Half‑Day Canyoneering Descent into Goblin Valley’s Cathedral Chamber
Certified Outfitter

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.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Power and Plenty: A 23‑ft Pontoon from Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell
Certified Outfitter

Power and Plenty: A 23‑ft Pontoon from Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell

A practical guide to renting a 23‑ft, 150‑hp pontoon from Bullfrog Marina for Full‑Day or Multi‑Day cruising—suitable for sightseeing, towing water‑sport gear, and lakeside evenings.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Hours, Llamas, and Capitol Reef: A Short Trek That Feels Wild
Certified Outfitter

Two Hours, Llamas, and Capitol Reef: A Short Trek That Feels Wild

A guided, llama-supported two-hour hike through Capitol Reef that pairs close-up landscapes and expert geological storytelling — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Hours Across the Water Pocket Fold: A Torrey Horseback Traverse
Certified Outfitter

Two Hours Across the Water Pocket Fold: A Torrey Horseback Traverse

A 2-hour guided horseback ride from Torrey that crosses Fishlake National Park to the Water Pocket Fold, Red Bluff and Petrified Forest; this guide distills the route, scenery, and practical essentials.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Hours on Horseback Across Fishlake’s Red Bluffs and Petrified Forest
Certified Outfitter

Two Hours on Horseback Across Fishlake’s Red Bluffs and Petrified Forest

A 2-hour guided horseback ride operated by Wilderness Ridge Adventures that traverses Fishlake National Park’s Water Pocket Fold, Red Bluff, and the Petrified Forest — this guide explains what the route covers and who it suits.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
An Hour on Horseback Across Fishlake: Riding the Water Pocket Fold from Torrey
Certified Outfitter

An Hour on Horseback Across Fishlake: Riding the Water Pocket Fold from Torrey

A one-hour guided horse ride operated by Wilderness Ridge Adventures that takes riders through Fishlake National Park scenery — including the Water Pocket Fold, Red Bluff, and the Petrified Forest — useful as a concise, on-the-ground guide for first-time riders.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
An Hour in the Saddle Along the Water Pocket Fold: Torrey’s Red Bluffs and Petrified Forest by Horse
Certified Outfitter

An Hour in the Saddle Along the Water Pocket Fold: Torrey’s Red Bluffs and Petrified Forest by Horse

A one-hour guided ride from Capitol Reef Resort takes you through Fishlake National Park scenery—Red Bluff, the Windgate Tunnel and the Petrified Forest—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Hours Among Redrock and Llamas: A Short, Singular Loop in Capitol Reef
Certified Outfitter

Two Hours Among Redrock and Llamas: A Short, Singular Loop in Capitol Reef

A two-hour, llama-supported loop around Capitol Reef that delivers geology and history interpretation, exclusive trail access, and strong photo opportunities for families and time‑pressed travelers.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
A Four‑Hour Llama Trek Through Torrey’s Wildflower Ridges
Certified Outfitter

A Four‑Hour Llama Trek Through Torrey’s Wildflower Ridges

A 4‑hour, half‑day hike in Torrey, Utah, led by Wilderness Ridge Adventures in which a llama carries your gear and a guide provides personalized insights.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Half‑Day with a Llama: Quiet Trails and Wide Sky Above Torrey’s Fold
Certified Outfitter

Half‑Day with a Llama: Quiet Trails and Wide Sky Above Torrey’s Fold

A four‑hour, guide‑led hike through a remote portion of the Western Water Pocket Fold with a llama that carries your gear — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and how the route flows.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Dawn and Dusk Wildlife Safaris: Sunrise & Sunset Safaris (Winter) — Jackson Hole
Certified Outfitter

Dawn and Dusk Wildlife Safaris: Sunrise & Sunset Safaris (Winter) — Jackson Hole

Morning and evening winter tours that put you in a heated Backcountry Safaris van with HD optics to catch animals at their most active.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Torrey at the Edge of Day: Biologist‑Led Sunrise and Sunset Wildlife Safaris
Certified Outfitter

Torrey at the Edge of Day: Biologist‑Led Sunrise and Sunset Wildlife Safaris

A roughly four‑hour, biologist‑guided outing—run May 1 through November 30—timed for the low light that brings wildlife into view.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Hours on Horseback Through Torrey’s Water Pocket Fold and Petrified Forest
Certified Outfitter

Two Hours on Horseback Through Torrey’s Water Pocket Fold and Petrified Forest

A 2-hour guided ride from Wilderness Ridge Adventures that traverses the Water Pocket Fold, Red Bluff and the Petrified Forest around Torrey, Utah—this guide distills what to expect on the route and who the ride suits.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Hours in the Saddle: Riding the Water Pocket Fold from Torrey
Certified Outfitter

Two Hours in the Saddle: Riding the Water Pocket Fold from Torrey

A 2-hour guided horseback ride with Wilderness Ridge Adventures that threads Fishlake’s washes, Red Bluff, Windgate Tunnel and the Petrified Forest—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience