The Ulitmate Guide On Hiking Goblin Valley State Park Utah

While doing some research on Utah’s parks, I stumbled upon a state park located in the middle of the three national parks we planned on visiting (Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches). The park is called Goblin Valley State Park. Goblin Valley is a place that completely blows you away when you first set eyes on it. The valley contains thousands of orange-brown hoodoos. They are rare but are located all over the world. A plateau is how a hoodoo initially starts as, but as time goes on, water and rain whisks away the rock, grain by grain creating what we all know and love; Hoodoos. This guide below will help you with hiking Goblin Valley State Park to see the best Hoodoos!

All hoodoo formations come in different shapes, colors, and sizes depending on the region. The hoodoos located at Goblin Valley are shaped like mushrooms that resemble “goblins”. In this 3-square mile valley, you can explore the area at your leisure. Visitors have several spots to climb to the top of the valley and take pictures of the unique landscape. If you are in southeast Utah, I highly recommend making the trek to visit Goblin Valley State Park. Now if you want to know more about this unique and fun state park, then keep reading.

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Where Is Goblin Valley State Park

The easiest way to get to Goblin Valley is to fly into Salt Lake City and rent a car. Goblin Valley is located right in between Capitol Reef National Park and Moab. It is a perfect place to add to your Utah itinerary. You only need a few hours to explore.

• Salt Lake City: 224 miles, 3 hours and 45 minutes
• Capitol Reef National Park: 61 miles, 1 hour and 11 minutes
• Moab: 102 miles, 1 hour and 45 minutes

>>>Rent A Car Here<<<

Goblin Valley State Park Weather

• Spring: This is the most popular time to visit, and temperatures are mild.
• Summer: The summer brings intense heat.
• Fall: This was when we went, and we loved it! There were no crowds; the crisp fall air was perfect at night and during the day.
• Winter: This is the time with the least amount of crowds, but there is a chance of snow.

Things To Pack

1. Sunscreen: Goblin Valley is hot! >Buy some sunscreen, so you don’t accidentally burn!
2. Hiking Boots/Shoes: Hiking shoes or boots would be useful here for good traction.  >Buy my Hiking Shoes
3. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂 >Buy Hiking Socks
4. Refillable water bottle: I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know for a fact they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before. >Check Prices Now
5. Water: Hiking, for sure, requires water.
6. Sunglasses: I usually wear the most fashionable sunglasses when I hike. 🙂 >Check Out These Sunglasses
7. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, energy bars for hiking. >Clif Bars are great for hiking so click HERE.
8. Camera: I have linked the camera I used to take pictures of Capitol Reef. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
9. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started backpacking and camping. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
10. Day Pack: The REI bag I have linked, we have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
11. Good hiking pants or shorts: These are probably the best hiking pants that I have found. If you are hiking in the summer bring some shorts. It will get hot! >Buy my hiking pants here
12. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts
13. Sports Bra: For women.
14. Jacket: This is needed in the Fall and winter. Also, it might be chilly at night. >Buy My Favorite Jacket
15. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the perfect sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
16. Headlamp: Just in case you get stuck hiking at night! >Buy A Headlamp Now

Hotels Near Goblin Valley State Park And Campground

There are no hotels around Goblin Valley, only in cities near Goblin Valley. I recommend staying in either Moab or near Capitol Reef National Park. You only need a couple of hours to explore Goblin Valley. There is also the options of camping near the state park:

• Red Cliffs Lodge(Moab) has the impressive sunset views of the Colorado River, especially with your private patio. The area includes a winery, a western film museum, a horse corral, and an outdoor pool and gym. Yeah, this place has it all. >Check For Prices
• Red Sands Hotel (near Capitol Reef): I love how modern and chic this hotel is. It has this light, airy feel/vibe to it, that is not generally in hotels near national parks. It is only 3 miles away from Capitol Reef! >Book Your Hotel Here 
• Goblin Valley State Park Camping: If you are determined to stay near Goblin Valley State Park, then the Goblin Valley Campground is a great option. Plus, there are Yurts to rent! How cool is that? >Click Here To Book A Campsite

Things To Know About Goblin Valley State Park

• The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm all year round,
• Pets are allowed but must be on a leash,
• Biking is not allowed on the hiking trails. Only on paved roads.
• It is unlawful to mutilate any of the beautiful Hoodoos. Do not write on them, do not break them, do not spray paint please,
• Speed limit is 15mph,
• It officially became a state park August 24, 1964,
• When there are thunderstorms seek shelter. It can become dangerous due to flash floods.
• For more information, click here for a Goblin Valley map and facts.

Hiking Goblin Valley State Park Utah

If You Have Little Time To Explore Goblin Valley Utah

Honestly, you don’t need an itinerary to visit Goblin Valley, State Park. This place is like an adult’s playground. If you don’t have much time then just walk around and explore! Climb around, and take pictures. The park is pretty small so it is difficult to get lost.

I would park at Goblin Overlook and explore around from there.

As you can see, the valley contains “goblins” of all shapes and sizes; massive hoodoos, prominent tall hoodoos, and plateaus that are eroding to become goblins in the future.

It is effortless to take pictures of the hoodoos without any people. The park is usually never crowded and there are an endless amount of hoodoos.

There are opportunities to climb the Goblins and to get to higher ground. From there you will be able to see the entire park and all it’s Goblins. As seen in the pictures above, our friends found a way to climb to the top right away.

I didn’t think Jameson and I were going to make it to the top, because finding a way was proving a little tricky, but after scrambling around and exploring we were able to find an easy way up. I am so glad we didn’t miss this view because it was stunning.

Carmel Canyon

• Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 95 ft.
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide : Link

If you have time to do one official hike in the park then you should do the Caramel Canyon Trail which features the Three Sisters. It is the most popular hike in the park and it is pretty easy. If you are not a hiker you can always drive to the observation point and take a photo of the Three Sisters from there. But if you want a close-up photo you have to do the hike. There is also an option to add in Molly’s Castle.

Goblin’s Lair

• Distance: 2.3 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 164 ft.
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide : Link

If you want to add to the Caramel Canyon Hike then hike to the Goblin’s Lair. This is a fun cave hike where you can scramble and climb around. I love when trails require a bit of climbing! If you want to add to the trail you can hike to Goblette’s lair which is a little further down from the Goblin’s lair,

Entrada Canyon

• Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 150 ft.
• Route Type: Out And Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide : Link

The Entrada Canyon Trail begins at the campsite and ends at the Valley of Goblins observation point parking lot. This is similar to the Curtis Bench hike but at a lower elevation.

Curtis Bench

• Distance: 2.0 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 108 ft.
• Route Type: Out And Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide : Link

Curtis Bench runs parallel to Entrada Canyon. From this trail, there are sweeping vistas of the Henry Mountains to the south, as well as the Valley of Goblins to the east. You can make Curtis Bench and Entrada Canyon into a loop trail that will be around 4 miles round trip.

Final Thoughts On Goblin Valley Utah

Overall Goblin Valley State Park is a must-do if you are in the Moab Area or at Capitol Reef and have an extra day to spare. I felt like I was a kid at a playground, exploring and climbing around. It was a very unique and fun experience, and we were utterly blown away by this park’s beauty! Check out some other posts in Utah:

• The Ultimate Guide To The Delicate Arch Hike in Utah
• Backpacking In Canyonlands National Park
• Best Things To Do In Capitol Reef National Park
• Hiking In Kodachrome Basin
• The 10 Best Hikes In Arches National Park
• Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park
• The Best Hikes In Utah

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