Nestled in the heart of Utah lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored: Goblin Valley State Park. This unique landscape, known for its eerie rock formations called hoodoos, offers a surreal experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This is my favorite State Park in Utah! In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of planning a trip to Goblin Valley, securing campsite reservations, exploring the mesmerizing hoodoos, and venturing into the enchanting Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyons. We also threw in a technical canyon in the North Wash on this trip. I’ll give details on that as well even though that probably won’t be for most people.
Planning Your Trip to Goblin Valley
Before embarking on this adventure, it’s essential to plan ahead for a seamless experience. Here are some key points to consider:
- Season and Weather: Goblin Valley is best explored in the spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Avoid the scorching summer months and chilly winters.
- Accommodations: Decide whether you’ll camp in the park, stay in nearby accommodations (there aren’t many options with Green River and Hanksville being the nearest towns), or opt for a combination of both.
- Permits and Fees: Check for any necessary permits or entrance fees. These can vary depending on your activities, so it’s best to confirm beforehand.
- Day-use fees (valid until 10pm day after purchase):
- $20 private vehicle
- $10 motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian
- $5 per-person commercial vehicle fee
- Camping fees:
- Main Campground (no electrical hookups): $45, includes pass for one vehicle ($20 extra vehicle fee)
- Yurts: $150 + tax. A maximum of two pets (dogs only) may stay in a yurt for an extra fee of $20 each.
- Dump & water station fees for non-registered campers: $15 (not covered by the annual pass)
- Day-use fees (valid until 10pm day after purchase):
Securing Campsite Reservations
Camping in Goblin Valley State Park offers a unique chance to be enveloped by the desert’s beauty, amplified by its status as an International Dark Sky Park. With minimal light pollution, it’s a haven for stargazers. Bring binoculars or a telescope, use stargazing apps, and join ranger-led programs for an enhanced celestial experience. Follow these steps to secure your campsite:
- Online Reservations: Visit the official Utah State Parks website – https://utahstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ – and navigate to Goblin Valley’s page. Here, you can check availability and make reservations online.
- Choose Your Campsite: Review the different campsites available, considering factors like proximity to trails, amenities, and scenic views. The campsite isn’t too big so the options are limited.
- Booking Tips:
- Campsite reservations can fill up quickly, so be sure to book in advance. All campsites and yurts are available for reservation on a four-month rolling basis. For example, on January 10 individual sites are available for reservation through May 10. You can book a maximum of 13 days beyond the last date of the reservation window.
- Check for any specific rules or restrictions regarding camping equipment and campfires.
Exploring the Hoodoos of Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley is renowned for its otherworldly hoodoos, creating a surreal landscape that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
- Hiking Trails: You can embark on the Goblin’s Lair or Carmel Canyon trails for a closer look at the hoodoos. Or if you are like me, I personal prefer to not follow a trail and explore the hoodoos on my own, each time I find new places to explore. The park’s primary draws are its three valleys, spanning three square miles and teeming with thousands of hoodoos. Visitors are welcome to freely explore this expanse on foot. Keep in mind that these valleys are primarily wild and lack established trails. It’s crucial to tread carefully, avoiding climbing on delicate hoodoos or disrupting cryptobiotic soil and vegetation. Familiarize yourself with backcountry navigation techniques, and ensure you inform someone of your whereabouts while you leisurely explore. The map I provide below starts from the main parking lot and goes to the third valley. As I stated above there is no established trail, you will need to route find on your own.
- Photography Tips:
- Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the mesmerizing formations.
- Visit during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best lighting.
- Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the unique shapes.
- Respect and Preservation: Remember to tread lightly and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect this fragile environment for future generations. It is frustrating as a visitor to see names etched in the rock. The park does a pretty good job of protecting the area and enforcing penalties for vandalism, but there are still people out there that think it is ok to vandalize these areas.
- Tips for Hiking Goblin Valley:
- Wear Sturdy Footwear: The terrain in Goblin Valley can be uneven and rocky, so wearing sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes or boots is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
- Carry Ample Water: Utah’s desert climate can be deceptively dry. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated throughout your hike.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the intense desert sun.
- Trail Maps and Markings: Familiarize yourself with the trail maps and markers available at the park. These will guide you through the hoodoos and ensure you don’t get lost.
- Respect Wildlife and Plants: Take care to leave the natural environment undisturbed. Avoid touching or disturbing any wildlife or plant life you encounter.
Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyons
After immersing yourself in the Goblin Valley, I recommend exploring the nearby Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyons which are about a 20 minute drive from the Goblin Valley parking lot.
- Trailhead Information: The trailheads for both canyons are easily accessible from Goblin Valley. Little Wild Horse Canyon is a popular slot canyon known for its narrow passages and stunning rock formations. Do not expect to have the canyon to yourself. The full loop for Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon is approximately 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) long. Keep in mind that this distance includes both canyons, as they are often hiked together due to their proximity. If you plan to explore only Little Wild Horse Canyon without venturing into Bell Canyon, the round trip distance is about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers). Always be prepared with enough water, appropriate footwear, and other essential supplies for the hike. I’ve provided a route map below for these canyons as well.
- Difficulty and Duration: These canyons offer a relatively easy hike, making them suitable for families and adventurers of all levels. Plan for a half-day adventure to thoroughly explore both canyons.
- Safety Precautions:
- Be mindful of potential flash floods, even in dry weather. Always check the weather before entering a slot canyon.
- Be aware there are rattle snakes in the desert, check out my video below to see my encounter with a rattle snake.
- Carry plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear for rocky terrain.
Visiting Goblin Valley State Park, exploring the hoodoos, and venturing into Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyons promises a memorable adventure in Utah’s desert wonderland. Remember to plan ahead, secure your campsite, and always practice responsible outdoor ethics. Embrace the magic of this unique landscape, and let the surreal beauty of the desert captivate your senses.
Visiting The North Wash
As we found ourselves in the vicinity, the allure of North Wash beckoned us for an adventure. Opting for a leisurely approach, we settled in for the night at the Sandthrax campground. The peaceful evening afforded us a chance to unwind and relish the tranquility of our surroundings. With no rush to greet the morning, we anticipated our upcoming descent into Morocco Canyon. This unhurried start set the tone for a day filled with exploration of the natural wonders that awaited us.
Morocco Canyon turned out to be a delightful surprise. It serves as an excellent choice for beginners or as a quick follow-up canyon that can be done in an afternoon. The approach is generally easy-going with some mild exposure, which may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights. My children, the youngest being 8, and dog had no problems.
The trailhead can be found at mile post 32.2 on highway 95, approximately 32.2 miles south of Hanksville, and just about 4 miles south of the Sandthrax camping area. There’s a convenient pullout next to the road, which also offers decent camping possibilities. There were 15 tents set up in this area when we parked for our decent of the canyon.
For the ~30 minute approach, head south over the culvert, then make your way east to the slickrock. You should never cross the road. Ascend the slickrock you’ll be traversing to the right to get on top of the vertical cliff wall. The scrambling is about a class 3/4 endeavor. Once you are cliffed out, an exposed yet manageable ledge continues to the right. Follow this ledge, then social trails should start appearing which will take you to the head of the canyon.
The canyon has 4-6 rappels up to 50 ft., the first rappel is the most significant at about 50 feet. There are a couple small and fun downclimbs and stemming options if you’d like to try your skill. We encountered one short unavoidable knee-deep wade. Some individuals have reported full-on swimming after heavy rains in this canyon, so be ready for that possibility. From the final rappel which is around 35 feet in height, it’s a brief descent to the highway. Turn right and head back to your car. It was a great canyon!
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the Martian-like landscape of Goblin Valley, I find myself in awe of the natural wonders that grace this corner of Utah. Every step taken there is a testament to the Earth’s remarkable artistry. The memories forged here, under the canvas of a star-studded sky, will forever bond us as a family. I hope you too will take a chance to visit this amazing place!
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