Heres everything you better know before visiting Goblin Valley State Park in Utah.
The scenery constantly changes, and theres so much to see and explore lifetimes of exploration out here.
Hes explored the area for many years.
Hiker taking photos in Goblin Valley State Park.Credit:Dermot Conlan/Getty Images
Jason Willard owns theWaterpocket Adventure Companyguide service and is a military veteran.
He began guiding in Utahs national parks after retirement in 2017 and launched his own guide service in 2020.
Willard now guides in the Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley areas.
Road entering Goblin Valley State Park.Alpan Esen/Getty Images
How to Get There
Alpan Esen/Getty Images
Goblin Valley is remote.
So you need a vehicle, be it your own or a rental.
Goblin Valley is usually visited in conjunction with the other national parks.
Landscape of Goblin Valley State Park.Dermot Conlan/Getty Images
Its right between Arches and Capitol Reef, about halfway.
People typically fly in, rent cars, and do the whole loop, seeing all five national parks.
Its a lot of fun, you just need to be prepared for it, Sprafke says.
Hoodoo sandstone rock formations in Goblin Valley State Park.Diana Robinson Photography/Getty Images
The area also has little cell service, so secure a physical map.
We do have Wi-Fi at our visitor center, but a lot of people lose their mapping.
We do a lot of search and rescues in the surrounding area, Sprafke warns.
Hiker among rock formations in Goblin Valley State Park.Dermot Conlan/Getty Images
However, both experts recommend a whole afternoon to get the most out of the park and surrounding area.
Goblin Valley is dog-friendly, so leashed four-legged friends can hike the valley and trails alongside you.
The park is also great for small children.
Kids love it more than their parents do, Sprafke says.
Note that there are some accessibility limitations.
We have monsoon seasons that can cause flooding, Willard warns.
However, he likes how quiet the park is in the off-season.
Best Things to Do
Diana Robinson Photography/Getty Images
Explore the Valley of the Goblins.
Meandering across all three valleys is especially fun if youre accustomed to parks that restrict you to a trail.
There are unofficial trails, like theGoblin Valley Trail, but the fun is in having no agenda.
Willard puts it best: Wander wherever your eye takes you, he says.
Stargaze and spot the Milky Way.
Were acertified Dark Sky Parkwith one of the darkest skies around.
Experiencing that can be magical, Sprafke says.
Willard agrees: The Milky Way views are unparalleled, he says.
Take a backroads trip.
If you have seven to nine hours, book a4X4 vehicle tour.
You see a lot of cool scenery, Willard says.
Most people miss this because they dont have the time or know its an option.
Keep your eyes peeled for pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and foxes.
Be adventurous.
If youre a thrill-seeker, the area in and around Goblin Valley is rich in adrenaline-pumping activities.
Some outfitters docanyoneeringin Goblins Lair, where they provide training and equipment for rappelling, Willard says.
It takes you behind the valley through a cave feature with a couple of windows to the sky.
Its a popular hike but requires some scrambling and is a little strenuous, says Sprafke.
Dont be fooled by the short distance the 1.2 rocky miles can be tough if youre not in shape.
The Three Sisters
Perhaps the most iconic of all the goblin rock formations is the Three Sisters.
Its the only named goblin we have, and its on the way to the Valley of the Goblins.
Its a great photo spot and a super short hike if youre not feeling energetic.
Its only about 250 yards, so its a great place to get your selfie, Sprafke says.
This massive area is fantastic for outdoor activities, like riding off-highway vehicles, hiking, and canyoneering.
Our campground is very popular but very small.
The key to snagging a spot?
Plan well in advance.
Not everyone has months to plan, though and thats where dispersed camping comes in.
Goblin Valley State Park and the surrounding areas are home to dispersed camping sites on state and federal lands.
If youre prepared for self-contained camping, its a great option, says Sprafke.
you might find a few indoor accommodation options, though theyll require a bit of a drive.
The nearest hotel,Whispering Sands Motel, is in Hanksville, about 30-45 minutes away.
There are a few cabins and an RV park in Hanksville, too, Willard says.
Its popular with the Lake Powell crowd, Sprafke says.
Just keep an eye out for limited hours during the off-season.
Youre there for the goblins, not for the grub.
