Experience the Extraordinary at this State Park, featuring Thrilling Hiking Trails and Unique Yurt Camping Expeditions
Exploring Goblin Valley State Park: A Versatile Base for Outdoor Adventures
Goblin Valley State Park, nestled in the heart of Utah, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and stargazers alike. Known for its unique sandstone goblin-like rock formations that resemble the desert planet Mars, the park is a star attraction in Utah's 46 state parks.
The park offers a variety of activities, making it an ideal base for exploring Utah's unique landscapes and recreational offerings. For hikers, the iconic Goblin Valley trails provide a chance to roam freely among the unique sandstone "goblins." Adventurous hikers can also explore nearby slot canyons and hoodoos such as Black Dragon Canyon Trail and Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon Trail.
For those seeking a more adrenaline-pumping experience, Goblin Valley offers opportunities for rappelling and rock climbing. Mountain bikers can enjoy trails suitable for various skill levels, all set amidst dramatic desert landscapes. For a more relaxed pace, a disc golf course is available, providing a recreational variation amid the scenic terrain.
Nature lovers can indulge in wildlife spotting and photography, as the diverse desert ecosystem around Goblin Valley presents numerous opportunities. The park is also an official International Dark Sky Park, recognised for its nighttime skies dark enough for the Milky Way to shine through, making it an excellent spot for stargazing.
Campers will find comfort in the park's campground, surrounded by mesmerising layered sandstone outcroppings. The campground offers amenities such as showers, picnic tables, a dump station, fire rings, and flush toilets. It consists of 14 RV sites, 10 tent camping spaces, one group area for up to 40 campers, and two yurts. The yurts, introduced in 2011, feature an open concept design with a high ceiling and a swamp cooler to keep temperatures comfortable. Each yurt accommodates about four people, but groups can sleep up to eight with sleeping bags. Water refill stations are available for campers and daytrippers alike.
For those seeking a challenge, the Red Canyon Primitive Route is the sole trail crossing through all three sections of Valley of the Goblins. The 6-mile out-and-back trek isn't one to take lightly.
Goblin Valley State Park is located in the small town of Green River, Utah. The drive from Salt Lake City International Airport takes roughly three and a half hours. Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) in Moab, located about an hour away, is the closest airport to the park.
Travelers planning an excursion to Goblin Valley State Park may find better prices by touching down at hubs located further away. Nearby attractions in the general region include the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, Crystal Geyser, and Green River State Park. Notable Utah destinations within a few hours' drive include Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Fillmore and Kanab small towns, and Park City.
With its diverse outdoor activities, cultural sites, and geological attractions, Goblin Valley State Park is a versatile base for exploring Utah's unique landscapes and recreational offerings.
- Embracing sustainable living, campers can enjoy a memorable stay at Goblin Valley State Park, which boasts a campground nestled amidst mesmerizing sandstone outcroppings.
- For travelers seeking adventure beyond the park, Goblin Valley State Park serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby destinations like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Fillmore and Kanab small towns, and Park City.
- The park's serene setting, coupled with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and stargazing, makes it an excellent location for those seeking an authentic outdoor-living and home-and-garden experience.
