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Goblin Valley
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Goblin Valley, Utah, combines fantastical sandstone hoodoos, dark skies, desert hiking and geological wonders in a remote state-park setting.

Goblin Valley lies in the high desert of central Utah, where weathered Entrada Sandstone has been shaped into thousands of rounded rock formations known as goblins. The landscape is part of the Colorado Plateau, a dry region of broad mesas, shallow washes and vividly layered cliffs. Rather than being a conventional town or administrative district, Goblin Valley is centred on Goblin Valley State Park and the surrounding desert accessed from Utah State Route 24.
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The park’s defining experience is close exploration on foot. In the Valley of the Goblins, visitors can wander among dense clusters of sandstone figures, following informal routes through narrow passages and open hollows. The formations change character with the angle of the sun: some resemble crouching creatures, while others form balanced towers, fins and mushroom-like shapes. There are few barriers between visitor and landscape, so the freedom to walk among the rocks is central to the appeal, as is the responsibility to avoid climbing fragile formations or creating new tracks.
Goblin Valley is a landscape of silence and distance rather than a destination built around urban attractions. The park’s visitor centre explains its geology and natural history, while designated camping areas provide a base for experiencing the desert after the day visitors have departed. The developed area is compact, but the surrounding terrain opens towards the San Rafael Reef and wide expanses of public desert managed beyond the state park boundary. Nearby Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon offer a well-known slot-canyon walk outside the park, subject to changing conditions and flash-flood risk.
The region’s human history reaches back thousands of years, with evidence of ancestral Indigenous presence across the wider San Rafael country, including rock art and archaeological remains. Later exploration, ranching and road-building brought the formations to wider attention, and Goblin Valley became a Utah state park in the 1960s. Today, its appeal lies in the direct encounter between geology and open space: short walks reveal intricate sandstone shapes, while darker skies and broad horizons reward visitors who stay overnight. Green River and Hanksville are the principal service towns, both outside the park and separated from it by long, sparsely settled roads.

Getting to and around Goblin Valley

How to get there

Goblin Valley State Park is reached by road from Utah State Route 24 via the signed Goblin Valley turn-off and Goblin Valley Road. The park is remote: Green River, northeast of the park, and Hanksville, south-west of it, are the nearest established service towns, while larger airports and extensive rail connections are outside the area. Most international visitors fly to a major Utah or neighbouring-state airport and continue by hire car; no commercial airport or railway station serves Goblin Valley directly. Check road and weather conditions before setting out, particularly in winter or during storms.

Transportation

A private or hire car is the practical way to reach and explore Goblin Valley because public transport is extremely limited and the park’s attractions are dispersed across a remote desert setting. Roads inside the developed park area are suitable for ordinary vehicles, but visitors should remain alert to rough shoulders, livestock, wildlife and changing weather on rural approaches. Walking is the principal way to experience the Valley of the Goblins, while nearby canyon routes require proper footwear, water and comfort with route-finding. Bicycle touring is possible on regional roads but demands careful planning because distances, heat and services are considerable.

Best attractions in Goblin Valley

Goblin Valley State Park’s principal attraction is the Valley of the Goblins, an open sandstone maze where visitors can walk among dense groups of hoodoos without following a single prescribed route. Three Sisters is a prominent formation visible from the park’s roads and viewpoints, while the park’s visitor centre provides a useful introduction to the geology, ecology and human history of the area. Designated trails and overlooks offer shorter outings, and the Goblin’s Lair area provides a more adventurous objective for visitors prepared for rugged terrain and any applicable access requirements. Camping adds another dimension, particularly in the early morning and after sunset when the formations are quieter and the desert sky becomes a major feature. Outside the state-park boundary, the surrounding San Rafael landscape offers additional hiking, canyon exploration and scenic driving on public lands; Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon are nearby but separate from Goblin Valley and must be assessed for weather and route conditions. The attraction landscape is therefore less about a long list of facilities than about geology, open space, photography, walking and careful exploration.

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Best landmarks in Goblin Valley

The Valley of the Goblins is Goblin Valley’s defining natural landmark, with thousands of Entrada Sandstone hoodoos forming one of Utah’s most recognisable desert scenes. The closely grouped Three Sisters is another widely recognised formation, its sculpted profiles visible from established park viewpoints. The park’s surrounding mesas and eroded sandstone walls belong to the wider San Rafael landscape, where layers of rock reveal the long geological history of the Colorado Plateau. The dark, open sky above the valley is also an important environmental feature, although it is experienced rather than built. Nearby Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon are notable geological landmarks outside Goblin Valley State Park, and should not be confused with features within the park itself. Together, these places show the region’s distinctive contrast between isolated rock figures, broad desert horizons and deeply cut canyon country.

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Best bars in Goblin Valley

Goblin Valley has no nightclub district and little conventional late-night entertainment. Evenings centre on quiet campsites, stargazing and the changing colours of the formations rather than on bars or live venues. Green River and Hanksville, outside the park, have the most likely access to casual restaurants, small-town bars or drinks with a meal, but nightlife is limited and opening arrangements can vary. Alcohol must be handled in accordance with Utah and park regulations, and visitors should never drive after drinking on long, isolated roads. The region’s strongest evening experience is natural: after dark, reduced artificial light can make the sky a major attraction, provided campers use low lighting, respect quiet hours and avoid disturbing neighbouring sites.

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Best shops in Goblin Valley

Shopping in Goblin Valley is limited and practical rather than a principal travel activity. The park visitor centre may offer interpretive material and souvenirs, subject to current arrangements, but visitors should not expect a large retail selection. More useful purchases are made before arrival in Green River or Hanksville, outside the park, where travellers can obtain groceries, drinks, fuel and basic outdoor supplies. Regional souvenirs may include geology books, maps, photography, locally made craftwork and food products from central Utah, although availability varies. Respectable keepsakes are preferable to collecting rocks, fossils, plants or archaeological objects from the landscape, all of which should remain where they are. For a broader range of galleries, specialist crafts or retail goods, visitors need to add a separate stop in a larger Utah community rather than treating Goblin Valley as a shopping destination.

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Goblin Valley essentials

Currency and Payment
Goblin Valley uses the United States dollar (USD), as does the rest of Utah. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted at established visitor facilities and service businesses, but the remote setting means visitors should carry some cash and should not rely on continuous connectivity for every transaction. Fuel, food and cash services are more readily available in Green River or Hanksville outside the park than in the immediate Goblin Valley area. International visitors should inform their card provider about travel and retain a reserve payment method.
Safety
The principal risks are environmental rather than urban: extreme sun and heat, dehydration, cold nights, uneven ground, falling on rocky surfaces and becoming disorientated among the formations. Summer temperatures can be severe, while winter weather may bring freezing conditions or icy roads. Flash floods are a serious concern in canyons, including nearby routes outside the state park, so never enter a canyon when storms threaten upstream. Keep vehicles fuelled, carry more water than the planned walk requires, protect children near drop-offs and check official park notices before setting out.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies in Utah, including incidents at Goblin Valley. Tell the operator that you are in or near Goblin Valley State Park and provide a trail, campsite, road position or visible landmark if possible. Mobile coverage can be unreliable, and response times may be longer than in towns, so tell someone your route and expected return time. For a non-urgent problem, contact park staff when available; do not assume that a phone or roadside service will work throughout the surrounding desert.
Do's and Don'ts
Do stay on established routes where requested, pack out rubbish, keep dogs under control according to park rules and respect quiet hours and other campers. Do not climb fragile formations, touch or mark rock art, remove stones or archaeological material, or drive off designated roads. In the United States, tipping is customary for table service, but it is not a special Goblin Valley tradition and is not generally expected for ordinary self-service transactions. Treat the desert as a living environment: avoid disturbing wildlife and never leave food or waste behind.
Local Tips
Use Green River or Hanksville for substantial supplies, fuel and a wider choice of accommodation before entering the park. Sunrise and sunset provide the most comfortable light for photography, while a clear night can reveal an impressive star field away from urban illumination. Download maps and park information in advance, as reception may disappear between towns. If planning the nearby Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon route, check current conditions and flood forecasts; it lies outside the state park and has a different, more demanding canyon environment.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[haʊdi]
GoodbyeSee ya[siː jə]
YesYep[jɛp]
NoNah[nɑ]
Please/You're welcomeNo problem[noʊ ˈprɒbləm]
Thank youThanks a lot[θæŋks ə lɑt]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[ˈsɔri baʊt ðæt]
How are you?How's it going?[haʊz ɪt ˈɡoʊɪŋ]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[ɡʊd ju]
Do you speak English?You speakin' English?[ju ˈspiːkɪn ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandI ain't got it[aɪ eɪnt ɡɒt ɪt]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[kæn aɪ siː ðə ˈmɛnju]
I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian[aɪm ə ˌvɛdʒɪˈtɛriən]
Cheers!Cheers![ʧɪrz]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[kæn aɪ ɡɛt ðə ʧɛk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Beat it![biːt ɪt]
Call the Police!Call the cops![kɔl ðə kɒps]
Call a doctor!Get a doc![ɡɛt ə dɒk]
I'm lostI’m turned around[aɪm tɜrnd əˈraʊnd]
I'm illI'm not feeling good[aɪm nɑt ˈfiːlɪŋ ɡʊd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[aɪ ˈwɒnə baɪ]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[dʒʌst ˈbraʊzɪŋ]
How much is it?What’s the price?[wʌts ðə praɪs]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[ðæts ə bɪt ˈpraɪsi]
Can you lower the price?Can ya drop the price?[kæn jə drɒp ðə praɪs]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[wʌt taɪm jə ɡɒt]
It's one o'clockIt's 1 o'clock[ɪts wʌn əˈklɒk]
Half past (10)Half past ten[hæf pæst tɛn]
MorningMorning[ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
AfternoonAfternoon[ˌæftərˈnun]
EveningEvening[ˈivnɪŋ]
YesterdayYesterday[ˈjɛstərdeɪ]
TodayToday[təˈdeɪ]
TomorrowTomorrow[təˈmɔroʊ]
1One[wʌn]
2Two[tu]
3Three[θri]
4Four[fɔr]
5Five[faɪv]
6Six[sɪks]
7Seven[ˈsɛvən]
8Eight[eɪt]
9Nine[naɪn]
10Ten[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[wɛrz ðə]
What's the address?What's the address?[wʌts ði ˈædrɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?[kæn jə pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[wɛn's ðə nɛkst bʌs]
A ticket (to ....)One ticket to...[wʌn ˈtɪkɪt tu]

History of Goblin Valley

Fremont and Earlier Indigenous Presence

The wider San Rafael country has been occupied and travelled by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence, including rock imagery and sites associated with the Fremont tradition, records communities who farmed, hunted and moved through the river valleys, mesas and canyons of central Utah. These traces are part of a broader cultural landscape rather than attractions created for tourism. Visitors should treat rock art, structures and artefacts as protected heritage, never touching, defacing or removing them.

Entrada Sandstone and the Making of the Goblins

Goblin Valley’s formations are the result of long geological change rather than a single historical event. The Entrada Sandstone was deposited in the Jurassic period, when ancient environments laid down extensive layers of sand. Later uplift of the Colorado Plateau, followed by erosion from water, wind, frost and temperature changes, carved softer layers into rounded hoodoos and narrow fins. The different resistance of the rock produced the clustered shapes that gave the valley its modern name.

Exploration and the Name Mushroom Valley

The formations became known beyond local communities during early twentieth-century exploration of central Utah. In the 1920s, a group associated with local explorer Arthur Chaffin encountered the area while searching for routes and surveying the San Rafael Reef. The shapes were first widely referred to as Mushroom Valley, a name reflecting their cap-like profiles. Improved roads and growing interest in Utah’s desert scenery eventually made the remote valley more accessible to visitors.

From Remote Desert to State Park

Utah established Goblin Valley State Park in 1964, recognising the geological and scenic importance of the formation field. Protection brought a more durable framework for managing roads, camping, interpretation and visitor access while preserving the unusual sandstone landscape. The park remains smaller and less urbanised than many major American destinations, and its facilities are deliberately limited. That relative simplicity is part of its character, but it also means visitors must arrive prepared for a remote environment.

Modern Conservation and Outdoor Recreation

In recent decades, Goblin Valley has become part of Utah’s wider network of desert parks and public lands, attracting walkers, photographers, campers and geologists. The growth of outdoor recreation has increased the importance of managing informal trails, erosion, waste, night-sky impacts and damage to fragile formations. Conservation today involves both state-park stewardship and responsible behaviour across neighbouring public lands, where canyon routes and archaeological resources can be especially vulnerable to heavy use.

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Evendo - Your Comprehensive Travel Guide to Goblin Valley

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Explore Goblin Valley like never before with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Discover attractions, book experiences, and enjoy local tips for a memorable trip.

  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
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Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Goblin Valley, Utah, with Evendo, the premier travel guide app that ensures you make the most of your trip. Known for its enchanting hoodoo formations, Goblin Valley State Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and explorers. With Evendo, you can seamlessly navigate through this mesmerizing landscape, uncovering hidden gems and popular attractions alike.

Discover the Valley of the Goblins and navigate through the mesmerizing Martian-like terrain. Capture the breathtaking views at the Three Sisters and embark on a hiking adventure on the Carmel Canyon Loop. For those interested in history and geology, Evendo provides insightful stories and information about the formation of these unique structures.

After a day of exploration, relax and refuel at local dining spots such as Ray's Tavern in nearby Green River, known for its hearty meals and friendly atmosphere. Evendo offers a curated list of dining options and provides user reviews, ensuring you find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings.

With Evendo, you can also book tours and experiences directly through the app, making it easy to plan activities such as guided hiking tours and stargazing events. The app’s 'Near me' feature ensures you’re always aware of nearby attractions, restaurants, and accommodations, enhancing your adventure at every step.

Download Evendo today and transform your Goblin Valley experience into an extraordinary journey, all from the convenience of your mobile device.

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