Explore Goblin Valley State Park and Hike to the Goblin's Lair
Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is a place where giant blobs of rock protrude up from the earth’s surface like some strange sci-fi movie. I’m pretty sure we saw a few ETs while we were there! This is a lesser known Utah destination, so you won’t have to deal with any crowds. In this blog post, I’ll show you this strange and beautiful place exploring Goblin’s Overlook and the hike to “Goblin’s Lair.”
To Get There
A day-use entry fee is required, you can purchase this in-person or online. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry.
Free parking once inside the park at Goblin Overlook Parking Lot
You can purchase a drone permit at the park entrance, around $20
There are bathrooms in the Goblin Overlook Parking Lot
When to go
Head here in the Spring or Fall. Temperature get high in the summer and there isn’t much shade. In the winter, it can snow.
Goblin Overlook
The number one thing to do in Goblin Valley is to explore the three-square-mile area covered in hoodoos. These hoodoos are odd shapes, made from Entrada sandstone Jurassic period deposits. They look more like mushrooms then goblins to me. I also found one that looked like an elephant head, trunk and all. Wander around and see what shapes you can find!
What is a hoodoo? A column or pinnacle of weathered rock.
Hike to Goblin’s Lair
This short hike to the Goblin’s Lair is worth the trip taking in some of the other sights this park have to offer like the towering cliffs, a sandy trail, and ultimately a massive cavernous formation.
Trailhead location: Goblin Overlook Parking Lot
Out and back 2.3 miles
Rated: Easy
Elevation change: 164 ft
Dogs allowed
Follow the signs down the river wash, the cliffs should be on the right side the entire way.
There are some taller more standard looking hoodoos along the way.
Keep an eye out for these little brown signs to guide you.
It wasn’t super clear to us which way the final ascent was to get to the lair. There are some openings in the rock here and there so we first climbed into the wrong one. It was still pretty cool!
Below is not the Goblin’s Lair, but another cavern close to it.
This image below is the much larger “Goblin’s Lair.” If you want to descend all the way in wear shoes with good grip. It’s not an easy route. Alternatively you can peek in from above.
I hope this helps you plan your trip! Do you have any more insights on things to do in Goblin Valley? Please leave them in the comments below.
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