Goblin Valley State Park, nestled in the heart of Utah, serves as a striking example of some of the unique natural formations that you can find in this area. This destination paints a picture so surreal, it's as if you've stepped into a landscape from another world.

The park gets its intriguing name from its exceptional geological features - thousands of hoodoos and hoodoo rocks. These peculiar formations, colloquially known as 'goblins', resemble mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles that can reach impressive heights of several feet. These ‘goblins’ are one of the main attraction of this area. They are the result of millions of years of complex geological processes. This includes sedimentation, where particles of soil and rock gradually accumulate over time, uplift, where geological forces push rock layers to the surface, and erosion, where wind and water wore away the rocks over countless millennia. These processes have culminated in the creation of this otherworldly landscape that is Goblin Valley State Park.

Geological History

The geology of Goblin Valley State Park is a great representation of how natural processes shape open landscapes. It is said that the park's 'goblins' began forming about 170 million years ago, during the Jurassic period, when the area was close to sea level and the climate was humid and hot. Deposits of sand, silt, and clay were laid down by rivers, creating a variety of rock layers. Over many years, these layers were buried, compressed, and solidified into rock. Wind and water erosion then shaped these rocks into the surprising formations we see today.

Visiting the Park

Visitors to Goblin Valley State Park can explore the park's three marked trails, each offering different perspectives of the park's unique rock formations. The Carmel Canyon loop provides a moderate hike with varied terrain, while the Goblin's Lair trail leads to a large cavern known for its cool temperatures and echoing acoustics. For a less strenuous experience, the Curtis Bench trail offers stunning views of the park's goblins and the surrounding valley.

Outdoor Activities

Apart from the immersive experience of the park's trails, there's a wide range of other outdoor activities to enjoy at Goblin Valley State Park. One of the most captivating experiences is stargazing. Due to the park's remote location, far from the light pollution of cities, it offers some of the darkest skies in the area, making it an exceptional spot for astronomical observation. In recognition of its unparalleled night skies, it has been designated an International Dark Sky Park, a prestigious title given to areas that provides visitors with an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. Visitors, whether amateur astronomers, photographers, or simply lovers of the night sky, can marvel at the Milky Way's spectacular arc and view celestial bodies and phenomena with amazing clarity.

The park also offers opportunities for picnics. Visitors can enjoy a meal in the great outdoors with several picnic areas dispersed throughout the park, each providing a unique view of the park's extraordinary geological formations. These picnic spots are strategically located to offer breathtaking vistas of the park's 'goblins' and the encompassing valley, making for an unforgettable stop within the space. Whether you're packing a light snack for a mid-hike break or planning a leisurely lunch immersed in the park's otherworldly landscape, picnicking in Goblin Valley State Park is an activity not to be missed.

Conservation Efforts

Like all of Earth's natural wonders, Goblin Valley State Park grapples with the constant challenges related to its conservation and preservation. The park possesses a unique geology, which unfortunately makes it particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of erosion. This erosion can occur naturally, due to the harsh elements and the unstoppable passage of time, but it can also be the result of human activities, whether it is intentional or not.

The task of managing the park is a delicate balancing act, where on one side there is the need to allow visitor access and on the other, the equally if not more important need to protect the park's delicate rock formations from irreversible damage. The management of the park works in pursuit of this balance, employing a variety of strategies and measures aimed at minimizing harm while maximizing enjoyment. Visitors to the park are kindly asked to respect the established rules and regulations, which exist not to restrict enjoyment, but to ensure that this unique landscape can continue to be appreciated by future generations. Each visitor has a role to play in the preservation of the park, and by following these guidelines, they contribute to the conservation of this rare and beautiful landscape.

Goblin Valley State Park offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Its unusual rock formations, countless recreational opportunities, and stunning night skies make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique outdoor adventure. As visitors, we have a responsibility to protect and preserve the park's unique features for future generations.

For travelers planning to visit Goblin Valley State Park in their RV, WillowWind RV Park in Hurricane, UT, offers a convenient and comfortable place to stay to keep exploring all that Southern Utah has to offer. Although it's about a 4-hour drive from the park, its central location makes it an ideal base camp for exploring not only Goblin Valley but also many of the other state and national parks in the area, including the popular Zion National Park. WillowWind RV Park offers guests a range of amenities, including full hookups, laundry facilities, a fitness center, and more. It is a peaceful setting and is close to all of the conveniences you’ll need, which makes it a great choice for RV travelers visiting Southern Utah.

Additional Resources

https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/

https://www.nps.gov/articles/hoodoos.htm

https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/parks/goblin-valley/