The otherworldly landscape of Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
True to its name, the Goblin Valley State Park is not an average park at all. The unique desert landscape resembles a scene from a sci-fi movie. In fact, Goblin Valley was once used as a set for Galaxy Quest.
The Mars-like landscape is littered by dozens of “hoodoos”, which are what the rock structures are called. These are also known as the “goblins” of Goblin Valley. Besides the otherworldly atmosphere, the state park has a few unique attractions that make it a hidden gem for most travellers.
Goblin Valley is a hiker’s paradise, with various rocky trails to explore freely. The horizon is lined up with various shapes and sizes of hoodoos to admire and navigate through. The state park has about six miles of marked hiking trails, for visitors to explore.
There are also various other fun and adventurous outdoor activities. Experts in canyoneering can explore the Goblin’s Lair: a natural sandstone cave that’s just waiting to be explored. Mountain bikers enjoy the designated trails across the park. Other activities include disc golf, which can be played for a fee.
Spend the entire day at the park and wait for nightfall for more magnificent views. The Goblin Valley State Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park. So, it is the perfect place for stargazing. You rarely see such a clear night sky full of stars, above breathtaking desert canyons like in Goblin Valley. Make sure to bring the appropriate camera equipment for night time photography, in order to capture amazing shots.
Photo by Douglas Pulsipher
Goblin Valley State Park is located in south-east Utah, at the San Rafael Desert. It’s just about a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City and is open all year round. It’s an obscure hidden gem, so don’t worry about overcrowding.
Goblin Valley is a perfect place to visit for all, whether you’re an adventurous thrillseeker travelling solo, a couple of traveller friends or a family with young children: there are activities across the park appropriate for all age groups and skill levels.
Photo by teig
Photo by fate atc/Flickr
Photo by Johnny Adolphson
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Goblin Valley State Park, Utah, USA (park reference)
- Coordinates
- 38.56109, -110.71043
- Access
- Public fee area at Goblin Valley State Park; expect queues at busy times. Utah State Parks recommends arriving in the morning or later afternoon, especially on busy weekends and spring-break periods. Avoid canyons and washes when rain is possible because flash flooding can occur; check the park's current conditions and weather alerts before setting out.
- Admission
- Day use: $20 private vehicle; $10 motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian; valid until 22:00 the following day
- Time needed
- There is no single standard duration for the park. Utah State Parks describes the nearly three-square-mile Valley of Goblins as free-roaming and explored at visitors’ pace; hiking to Third Valley or Goblin Square is an all-day excursion. Marked route lengths and difficulty vary, and the park cautions that unmarked areas require desert-navigation experience.
- Best season
- The 2026 Utah State Parks brochure recommends spring and autumn; summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, and late-summer storms can bring lightning and flash-flood danger in washes and slot canyons. Check the forecast and avoid canyons or washes when rain is possible.
- Opening hours
- Park: daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Visitor Center: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; hours may vary with staffing or emergencies. Day-use fee is valid until 10 p.m. the day after purchase. Check the park's current conditions before visiting.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-24
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-26
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