Things to Do in Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Things to Do in Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Goblin Valley?
This small state park in central Utah is famous for thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations called goblins, packed into a valley that looks like another planet. Unlike most parks, you can walk right in among them.
The park sits in the remote San Rafael Swell, about an hour from Green River and 40 minutes from Hanksville, so plan ahead for gas, food, and water. Spring and fall are the best times to go, and after dark, Goblin Valley's certified Dark Sky Park status puts the Milky Way right over your head.
Top Things to Do
1. Take the Goblin Valley Mars On Earth Driving Tour—A self-guided audio tour from Utah Highway 24 to the Goblin Overlook, with stops at ancient rock art, a uranium ghost town, and the park's best viewpoints.
2. Walk the Valley of Goblins—Wander freely among thousands of sandstone hoodoos, one of the few parks where you can do that.
3. Photograph the Three Sisters—Visit the park's most famous trio of goblins.
4. See the Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel—Walk a few minutes to giant red figures painted on a canyon wall more than a thousand years ago.
5. Hike Carmel Canyon or Curtis Bench—Try a 1.5-mile loop through the formations, or a 2.1-mile trail with views over the valley and the Henry Mountains.
6. Hike to Wild Horse Window—A 2-mile round-trip trail to a natural arch.
7. Explore Little Wild Horse Canyon—One of Utah's most popular slot canyons, just outside the park on BLM land.
8. Stargaze in a Dark Sky Park—Stay after sunset for some of the darkest skies in the country.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Goblin Valley Mars On Earth Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the junction of Utah Highway 24 and Temple Mountain Road. It follows Temple Mountain Road and Goblin Valley Road past the Temple Mountain pictographs, the old Temple City uranium townsite, Molly's Castle, and Wild Horse Butte, and ends at the Goblin Overlook. The drive takes about 45 minutes without stopping, and most people spend half a day with stops.
Free Things to Do
1. Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel—See ancient rock art on public land outside the park.
2. Molly's Castle—Admire a castle-like sandstone wall from the roadside.
3. Little Wild Horse Canyon—Hike a famous slot canyon on BLM land.
4. Temple City Townsite—See what's left of a Cold War uranium boomtown.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Goblin Valley State Park day use—About $20 per private vehicle.
2. Goblin Valley Campground—Tent and RV sites inside the park, about $45 per night.
3. Goblin Valley yurts—Two yurts with beds, about $150 per night.
4. Goblin's Lair permit—About $4 per person to enter the cave, which takes basic bouldering skills.
5. Temple Mountain BLM campgrounds—Simple campsites near the pictographs, about $15 per night.
Food!
Stan's Burger Shak
A classic roadside stop in Hanksville, known for burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Ray's Tavern
A Green River favorite known for big burgers and steaks, often called the best pit stop on I-70.
Tamarisk Restaurant
A Green River diner with views of the Green River, good for breakfast before the drive.
Where to Stay
Inside the Park
Goblin Valley Campground and yurts—campsites and two yurts right next to the goblins. Roughly 45-150/night.
In Hanksville
Whispering Sands Motel and small local motels—the closest town to the park, about 40 minutes away. Roughly 90-150/night.
In Green River
Comfort Inn Green River, River Terrace Inn—the biggest selection of hotels, about an hour away. Roughly 100-180/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Fill up on gas and breakfast in Green River, then start the Goblin Valley Mars On Earth Driving Tour at Utah Highway 24 and see the Temple Mountain pictographs.
Afternoon: Enter the park, walk among the goblins, photograph the Three Sisters, and hike Carmel Canyon.
Evening: Watch the sunset from Goblin Overlook, then stay for the stars or head to Hanksville for dinner.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Hike Little Wild Horse Canyon in the morning, then try Curtis Bench or Wild Horse Window in the afternoon.
Extra Time: Continue on to Capitol Reef National Park, a little over an hour away, or get a permit and explore Goblin's Lair.
FAQ's
1. What is Goblin Valley best known for?
Goblin Valley is best known for thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone formations called goblins, and for letting visitors walk right among them.
2. How much time do I need in Goblin Valley?
Half a day covers the driving tour, the main viewpoints, and a walk among the goblins. A full day or overnight stay lets you add hikes and stargazing.
3. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes. Campsites and yurts open for reservations four months ahead and fill fast in spring and fall. You can also buy your day-use pass online before you go.
4. Where should I park?
There are parking lots at the Goblin Overlook, the Three Sisters, and the trailheads. Lots can fill up on spring and holiday weekends, so arrive early.
5. What should I bring?
Lots of water, sun protection, snacks, and a full tank of gas. Services are far apart out here. Bring a headlamp if you're staying after dark.
6. When is the best time to visit Goblin Valley?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot, and winter nights get very cold.
7. Is Goblin Valley safe to hike in the rain?
Be careful. Slot canyons like Little Wild Horse can flash flood, so check the weather and stay out if rain is possible.
8. Is there cell service?
It's limited. Download your audio tour and maps before you leave Green River or Hanksville.
9. Is Goblin Valley family-friendly?
Very. Kids love climbing between the goblins and playing hide-and-seek in the valley. Just remind them not to climb on the fragile formations.
10. Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet. Remember that the desert ground gets very hot in summer.
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