Geologists have a saying- Rocks Remember.
-Neil Armstrong
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- Demographics:
- Let’s Go Tour:
- Stop 1- Admission:
- Practice Leave No Trace:
- Packing Your Day Hike Backpack:
- Stop 2:
- Goblin’s Lair Hike:
Demographics:
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/
Address: Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, UT 84525
Coordinates: 38°34′00″N 110°42′36″W / 38.56667°N 110.71000°W Coordinates: 38°34′00″N 110°42′36″W / 38.56667°N 110.71000°W
Wi-Fi (GPS) service is sporadic. Be sure and download directions. It is best to use coordinates for greatest accuracy.
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Admission: A day fee is charged. Prepay your day pass here https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/park-fees/
Day-use fees (valid until 10pm day after purchase):
$20 private vehicle
$25 weekend and holiday rate (Fri-Sun in April, May, September, October).
$10 motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian
$5 per-person commercial vehicle fee
Camping fees:
Main Campground (no electrical hookups): $45 ($20 extra vehicle fee)
Yurts: $150 + tax. A maximum of two pets (dogs only) may stay in a yurt for an extra fee of $20 each.
Dump & water station fees for non-registered campers: $15 (not covered by the annual pass)
Group Overnight Camping:
Group Campground: $200 + tax for up to 40 persons.
Let’s Go Tour:
Goblin State Park is known for its hoodoos (locally called Goblins) that are recognizable by their mushroom shaped pinnacles. Their formation results form a harder, more erosion resistant rock atop of the softer sandstone. Goblin, along with Bryce Canyon, has some of greatest hoodoos in the world.
Stop 1- Admission:
At the gate you will pay or show your prepaid day pass. This is also the place where you can access the bathroom, purchase some cold drinks or a light prepackaged snack. Souvenirs are also available. The trail signs are poorly marked at Goblin- so it is important you collect a map and spend some time talking the the rangers. The goblins are in a desert like environment- so do not venture out without having adequate water supply and sun protection.
Practice Leave No Trace:
Packing Your Day Hike Backpack:
Hiking requires serious preparation to avoid mishaps and other undesirable outcomes. The Boy Scout Motto “Be Prepared” ensures you are ready for any possibility. So here’s what needs to be in your pack!
Navigation Supplies: maps, compass are a must. Helpful are GPS, a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger
Headlamps/Flashlights– plus extra batteries
Sun Protection– sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protective clothing
First Aid– make sure you have moleskin or similar for footcare and insect repellant! Hiking specific kits are a good investment.
Knife– gear repair kit
Fire- matches or lighter
Shelter- emergency heat blankets (foil)
Extra Food– pack more than you will need
Extra Water– pack more than you will need. Consider purchasing a Filtration Straw that can be used if safe drinking water is not available.
Stop 2:
Follow the paved/gravel road to to the main parking area. Here you will find some portable toilets, picnic tables under a canopy. If you go to the far Right end of the parking lot you will find stairs that will take you down into the goblin valley. If you head to the Left- you will have to scramble your way down over sand and some rocks. Pathways have been carved out in the sand- so follow them. Once you are on the valley floor- there are few signs or other indications on trails. The front part of the valley is easy to explore and there is plenty to see and do in that area.
You will find lots of goblins. Some have very distinctive features. Towering rock formations, some with openings that can be climbed up and explored. Look for the “drippings” that you would put on sand castles.
Goblin’s Lair Hike:
Goblin’s Lair hike is 3.5 miles, roundtrip. It takes you through the Goblin Valley, past hundreds of hoodoos, then up a steep slope to a hidden slot canyon. Lair
- Begin at the Carmel Canyon Trail, which winds through the Goblin Valley, then branches off to the Goblin’s Lair Trail.
- The hike begins descending into the valley. After a quarter mile of steep descents, the trail levels and winds through the mysterious hoodoo formations.
- The trail turns to face a cliff wall covered with goblins. The hike showcases wildflowers, various plant species, and an occasional desert animal.
- The final steep section of the hike travels along a well-developed trail through of fallen rock. Once you have scrambled to the top of the trail, look to your right for a large slot canyon. Take time to explore
- Return by retracing your steps.
ancient publeon Casa Riconda Chacoan Great Houses Chaco Culture National Historical Park cliff palace Hugo Pavi isla mujeres Junior Park Ranger program Kivas long house mesa verde Mesa Verde audio tour mug house National Park North Beach petroglyphs Petroglyph trail Pueblo Bonito Pueblo del Arroyo Recreation.gov reviews Square House Tower Supernova tour ultramar Una Vida Wetherill mesa whale shark snorkel
Onward Trip 