Utah is known for its excellent ski resorts, scenic drives, magical National and state parks, and natural wonders. Every year, the state welcomes more than 10 million visitors who come to witness the beauty of its national parks. Moreover, more than 6 million people flock to the state parks in Utah every year, and 5 million skiers visit the state. Some of the most famous national parks in Utah include the Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.

However, in the middle of those 3 parks is located a magnificent state park, the Goblin Valley. The latter is known for the vast number of Orange-brown hoodoos that it boasts. A hoodoo starts out as a plateau and is transformed to its final formation due to water and rain, which whisk the rock away grain by grain. And what makes Goblin Valley State Park so special is the unique shape of its hoodoos and several other marvels.

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Why The Goblin Valley State Park Is So Special, And How To Reach It

Depending on the region, hoodoo formations can vary in color, shape, and size. For instance, at the Goblin Valley State Park, hoodoos look like goblins and take the form of mushrooms. The valley has a surface area of 3-square miles and can be explored as one wishes to. People have the chance to climb the valley’s top from several spots and snap photos of the picturesque landscape.

Visiting the Goblin Valley State Park is a must when spending a vacation in southeast Utah. To reach the Goblin Valley State Park, it is best to fly into the magnificent Salk Lake City. The next step is to rent a car and head directly to the Goblin Valley State Park, located between Moab and the Capitol Reef National Park.

  • Duration: Exploring the Goblin Valley State Park can be done in a couple of hours.
  • Time to reach: Goblin Valley State Park is 224 miles away from Salt Lake City and needs 3 hours and 45 minutes to get by car from that location. Moreover, the park is 61 miles or 1 hour and 11 minutes away from Capitol Reef National Park. As for Moab, Goblin Valley State Park is 102 miles or 1 hour and 45 minutes away from that location.
  • Weather: The most popular time to visit the Goblin Valley State Park is during the spring season when temperatures are mild. During summer, temperatures are high, and the sun is scorching, making it a challenge to wander the park. Visiting in the fall is lovely because the area will not be crowded and the weather is nice. During winter, there are almost no crowds, but there’s a risk of snow falling.

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How To Experience The Charm Of Goblin Valley State Park

The best thing to see at Goblin Valley State Park are the thousands of beautiful hoodoos that lie there with different shapes and sizes. People can sit on and snap some photos of themselves with those bits of goblins. The valley also has some eroding plateaus that will be turned into hoodoos in the future.

Moreover, there are giant and very tall hoodoos also. People enjoy climbing goblins to behold the beautiful views of the whole park from the top, with the hoodoos there. However, it’s not that easy to find a way to climb to the top, and it might seem tricky. One will feel like a kid at a playground when exploring the unique features of this state park.

  • Opening times: The Goblin Valley State Park opens all year round from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Where To Stay And What To Pack When Visiting The Goblin Valley State Park

Since the temperatures are exceptionally high at the Goblin Valley State Park in Utah during the summer season, one must bring sunscreen to prevent accidental skin burns. Moreover, hiking boots or shoes and hiking socks are essential there. Of course, people visiting the park must get water with them and a refillable water bottle. For hiking, it is better to get some snacks, such as nuts and energy bars. An advanced camera is a must to ensure to take the best shots possible.

Accidents can happen on hiking trips, and this is why a First Aid Kit is required when going on such trips. When hiking the Goblin Valley State Park, other packing items that one must bring include good hiking pants or shorts, breathable sweat-wicking shirts, sports bra, jacket, tripod, and headlamp. Camping is possible on Goblin Valley State Park. People who wish to do that must bring a tent, sleeping pad, spork, pillows, sleeping bag, sandals, printed camping reservations, toothbrush, toiletries, medicine, toothpaste, stove, and a cookware set. People will not find hotels near Goblin Valley State Park. This is why camping might seem the best idea. Those who insist on booking accommodation can stay at a hotel in Moab or near Capitol Reef National Park.

  • Recommended: The Red Cliffs Lodge is an excellent place to stay in Moab. Another option is the modern Red Sands Hotel located near Capitol Reef National Park.

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