Complete Guide to Goblin Valley State Park: Utah’s Otherworldly Playground
Goblin Valley State Park is one of Utah’s most unique and underrated landscapes — thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos scattered across a broad desert basin. Unlike most parks, you’re free to wander anywhere here: climb, explore, and weave through the “goblins.” It’s a photographer’s dream, a kid’s fantasy world, and one of the easiest ways to experience Utah’s wild desert beauty without the crowds.
Quick Reference
- Location: Central Utah, 45 min north of Hanksville, 30 min from Little Wild Horse Canyon
- Fees: $20 per vehicle (Utah State Park entry)
- Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM (day use); campground open 24/7
- Best Seasons: March–May and September–October for mild temps
- Time Needed: 2–3 hours minimum; full day or overnight for sunrise/sunset
- Difficulty: Easy wandering on sand and rock; minimal elevation
- Best for: Families, photographers, and anyone seeking an easy desert adventure
When to Visit
Spring (Mar–May): 15–25°C (60–75°F) and wildflowers bloom at lower elevations. April is the sweet spot. Nights are cold but days are perfect for hiking and photography before the heat sets in.
Fall (Sep–Oct): Similar temps with golden light for photography. More crowded than spring (October weekends fill up fast, especially Halloween). Still peaceful compared to national parks.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Extremely hot—35°C+ (95°F) with zero shade in the valleys. If you visit in summer, explore only early morning (before 9 AM) or after 5 PM. Bring 4+ liters of water per person. The yurt campground stays cooler than tents.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Crisp and empty. Occasional snow adds magic but nights drop well below freezing. Excellent for solitude and sunrise photography if you have cold-weather camping gear.
Crowds: Midday (10 AM – 2 PM) sees the most visitors but it’s never overwhelming. For best light and near-solitude, go at sunrise or late afternoon.
Getting There & Services
From Highway 24 near Hanksville, turn east on Temple Mountain Road and follow signs for Goblin Valley — about 12 miles paved, then 5 miles on a well-graded dirt road.
Last services: Hanksville (45 minutes north) has the nearest gas, groceries, and basic supplies. Fill up there. There’s no cell service at the park or anywhere along Temple Mountain Road. The visitor center has WiFi during operating hours (typically 8 AM – 6 PM) — download maps, trail info, and check weather before you explore.
Exploring the Valleys
Goblin Valley has three main basins filled with hoodoos, each a little different in density and solitude.
Valley 1 – The Classic: The main valley you see from the overlook. Easy 5-minute descent from the parking area, densely packed with formations. Great for families and photographers. Spend 2–3 hours here if it’s your only stop. Most visitors stick to Valley 1 and never regret it.
Valley 2 – Quieter: North of Valley 1, accessible via a short ridge walk or Carmel Canyon Trail (about 20–30 minutes from Valley 1). Fewer crowds, slightly wider spacing between goblins. Good if you’ve explored Valley 1 and want more.
Valley 3 – Solitude: South of the main area, accessible via trails from the overlook. Less dense formations but gorgeous in morning light. You might have it entirely to yourself. Add 1–2 hours if you’re doing a full day.
There are no defined trails in the valleys, so just wander. The cliffs and ridges form natural boundaries — you can’t get seriously lost. Note distinctive formations to help navigate back.
Hiking Highlights
Goblin Valley Trail (Valleys 1–3 Loop) — 5.2 miles, 177 ft elevation gain, 3–4 hours. Connects all main valleys with great ridge views. If you want to see everything in one hike, this is it. Go early or late for best light and cooler temps.
Goblin’s Lair — 2.3 miles round trip, 203 ft elevation gain, 1.5–2 hours. Leads to a hidden chamber where sunlight beams through a natural skylight. The scramble into the chamber requires some rock climbing (nothing technical but you’ll use your hands). Midday gives the best light effect when the sun is directly overhead. Popular but worth it.
Carmel Canyon Trail — 1.5 miles one-way from campground to Valley 2. Nice if you’re camping and want morning access to the valleys without driving.
Curtis Bench Trail — 2.1 miles each way with panoramic views over the valleys and surrounding desert. Less about goblins, more about the bigger landscape. Good for photographers wanting elevated perspectives.
Camping at Goblin Valley
The campground sits about 1 mile from the main overlook — close enough for easy sunrise access. 24 campsites plus 2 yurts. Sites have drinking water, flush toilets, fire rings, and covered picnic tables (the only shade). No hookups, no showers. Compact sites but adequate spacing. You can book HERE.
The Yurts: Canvas-covered structures that sleep up to 6 people. Inside you’ll find bunk beds, table and chairs, heating, lighting, and a lockable door. You bring sleeping bags, pillows, food, and cooking gear. Cost is around $80–100/night (verify current rates). The yurts are fantastic in spring/fall/winter — the heating makes cold nights comfortable, and they stay much cooler than tents in summer. They book months ahead for peak weekends, so reserve early.
Weather notes: Wind is common. Extra tent stakes recommended. Nights get cold even when days are warm (near freezing in spring/fall). The covered picnic tables provide wind protection for cooking.
Dispersed camping: Free BLM camping is available along Temple Mountain Road outside the park. No facilities, no water, completely primitive. Fine if the campground is full, but being in the park is better for sunrise access.
Photography Tips
Sunrise at the overlook: Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunrise. The warm light sweeps across the goblins and reveals layers of orange, pink, and gold. This was genuinely one of the best sunrises I’ve ever photographed. If you’re camping, it’s less than 10 minutes from your site. Early risers often have the overlook to themselves.
Sunset in the valleys: Go down into Valley 1 and position yourself so goblins are backlit. Silhouettes and rim lighting create dramatic compositions. Evenings are busier than sunrise but equally magical.
Midday: Focus on details, textures, and erosion patterns in the rock. This is also the best time to shoot Goblin’s Lair when the light beam cuts through the chamber (around 11 AM – 1 PM).
Gear: Wide angle (16–35mm) for sweeping valley views, 24–70mm for mid-range compositions and details. Tripod essential for sunrise/sunset. Shoot RAW for maximum editing flexibility in post.
Visiting with Kids
Goblin Valley is one of Utah’s best family destinations. Kids love the freedom to roam and climb — no “stay on the trail” rules, just open exploration. The goblins are perfect for hide-and-seek, climbing (most are 5–15 feet tall and sturdy), and letting imagination run wild.
Valley 1 is accessible even for young kids (age 4+). The yurt makes camping easier for families — no tent setup, heating for cold nights, and more space. Bring way more water than you think (kids running around in desert heat dehydrate fast), sun protection (hats, sunscreen, UV shirts — there’s no shade), and plenty of snacks.
Combining with Nearby Adventures
Little Wild Horse Canyon (30 minutes): One of Utah’s best beginner slot canyons with dramatic narrows, easy access, and family-friendly hiking. The perfect pairing with Goblin Valley for a 2–3 day trip. Camp at Goblin Valley, catch sunrise, then drive to Little Wild Horse for a morning slot canyon hike.
Capitol Reef National Park (1 hour west): Scenic drives, fruit orchards in Fruita, and hikes through red rock canyons. Excellent 3–4 day itinerary: Capitol Reef (2 days) + Goblin Valley + Little Wild Horse.
Hanksville area: Factory Butte, Moonscape Overlook, and bentonite hills are all within 45 minutes for those seeking more remote desert landscapes.
What to Bring
- Water: 3–4 liters per person for a full day (more in summer)
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, long sleeves
- Layers: Desert temps swing dramatically (cold mornings, warm afternoons)
- Comfortable shoes: Trail runners work fine (you’re walking on sand and rock)
- Camera gear: Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards
- Snacks and lunch
For camping: Sleeping bag rated for freezing temps (spring/fall), warm pad, extra stakes for wind, all your food and water, firewood if you want a fire.
Final Thoughts
Goblin Valley might not have the grandeur of Zion or Arches, but that’s exactly its charm. It’s strange, playful, and endlessly fun — a park where you can explore freely and feel like a kid again. The sunrise I saw here was genuinely one of the best in all of Utah. Stay for sunset, camp overnight in the yurt, and wake up early to watch the light roll over the goblins. You’ll never forget it.
