Goblin Valley
Southern Swell
Overview
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Sun 44 | 24 |
Mon 48 | 25 |
Tue 43 | 24 |
Wed 44 | 24 |
Thu 40 | 22 |
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Sun 44 | 24 |
Mon 48 | 25 |
Tue 43 | 24 |
Wed 44 | 24 |
Thu 40 | 22 |
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Big view of Molly Castle - Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley has to be one of the most family friendly and fun state parks in Utah. Goblin Valley is a large Entrada sandstone valley that has eroded into hundreds or thousands of hoodoos that take all sorts of Goblin shapes. The area was initially discovered by "modern man" in the 1920's while searching for an alternate route between Hite and Green River. By the 1950's, publicity had spread of this strange place in the desert, and many visitors began flocking to it. In 1964, it was officially made a state park to protect it from vandalism.
The park offers very easy access to Goblin Valley. Young and old can easily visit the main valley. More motivated hikers can explore down the valley, or visit Molly's Castle, rounding out a good day of hiking. The park also has camping, showers, and a yurt for rent. This is an absolute must do if in the area.
I first visited Goblin Valley in the late 1990's and have been back many times since that first visit. For a truly memorable experience, visit during a full moon. Wandering through the goblins via the light of a full moon is a lot of fun and very different character than the usual daytime visit. I'd also recommend a winter visit. The park is typically empty of visitors in the winter, and very peaceful and quiet.
Lucy Posing - Goblin Valley
Getting There
South of I-70 about 25 miles on Highway 24 (about 25 miles north of Hanksville), a signed road goes off to the west signed Goblin Valley. Follow this paved road 5.1 miles to a junction. Go south (left) on the signed road toward Goblin Valley, resetting your odometer. Just before Goblin Valley, 6.0 miles, another junction occurs. Go left here, entering Goblin Valley.
Goblin Valley
Route
The best initial hike is to simply wander down into the valley from the parking area/viewpoint. Motivated hikers can hike south down the valley an hour or so until the hoodoos begin to relent to more standard desert scenery.
The park offers a few short trails. After visiting Goblin Valley proper, I would recommend the Molly's Castle trail. This offers different scenery than the valley and is a nice short hike. Again, motivated hikers can continue past the Molly's Castle trails end and wander south along the Entrada cliff that hides Goblin Valley from the east for a more vigorous hike.
Photos
Maps
| Trailhead |
12S 525819mE 4268485mN N38° 33' 52" W110° 42' 13" |
| Last Goblins |
12S 524934mE 4264778mN N38° 31' 52" W110° 42' 50" |
| Great Area |
12S 526063mE 4266618mN N38° 32' 51" W110° 42' 03" |
| Mollys Castle Viewpoint |
12S 526693mE 4268922mN N38° 34' 06" W110° 41' 37" |