Discover the otherworldly beauty of Goblin Valley State Park: A unique road trip experience in south central Utah

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is a unique and special place to visit. The park’s most distinctive feature is its thousands of hoodoos, or mushroom-shaped rock formations, that are scattered throughout the park. These hoodoos are formed by the erosion of softer layers of rock, leaving behind the harder, more resistant layers that make up the hoodoos.

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah

One of the most striking things about the hoodoos at Goblin Valley State Park is their size. Many of the hoodoos are several feet tall, and they are all unique in shape and size. This makes for a truly unique and otherworldly landscape that is unlike anything else on Earth.

Another unique aspect of Goblin Valley State Park is its location in the middle of the desert. The park is located in the San Rafael Desert, which is a remote and isolated area that is not easily accessible. This adds to the sense of adventure and exploration that visitors feel when they visit the park.

Goblin Park

The park also offers visitors a chance to experience the great outdoors in a completely different way. The park is home to a variety of different plant and animal species that are adapted to living in the desert environment. This makes for a great opportunity to see and learn about the unique flora and fauna that call the desert home.

The park also has a number of hiking trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the park’s unique landscape. These trails vary in difficulty and length, so there is something for everyone. The trails are also great for bird watching and wildlife viewing.

Goblin Valley State Park is also a fantastic place for stargazing due to the extreme dark skies. The park’s remote location, far from light pollution, makes it an ideal spot for looking at the night sky. Visitors can enjoy a clear view of the stars and planets, and even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way galaxy if the conditions are right.

Goblin Valley State Park at night

In addition to its natural beauty, Goblin Valley State Park also offers visitors a chance to learn about the area’s cultural history. The park is home to ancient petroglyphs, or rock carvings, that are thought to be thousands of years old. These petroglyphs provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the area long before the park was established.

If you visit Goblin State Park, don’t miss exploring outside of its gates down Temple Mt. Road and North Temple Wash, both roads are near the entrance and take you in different directions of the park, which you’ll find showcases a stunning and different landscape.

Outside of Goblin Valley State Park in Utah

CAMPING AT GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK

Camping at Goblin Valley State Park offers visitors the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the park’s unique landscape and natural beauty. The park has a campground with 27 individual sites and group site that can accommodate up to 50 people. The campground has amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings and toilets, but no water or electricity. However, visitors can find potable water at the park’s Visitor Center.

For those looking for a more rugged camping experience, there are also several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping areas in the surrounding San Rafael Desert. These sites are primitive and have no amenities, but they offer visitors the chance to truly get away from it all and experience the desert wilderness.

Butte in San Rafael Swell Utah

Camping at Goblin Valley State Park or the surrounding BLM areas is a great way to experience the park’s unique landscape and natural beauty. It also allows visitors to explore the park at their own pace, and to take in the stunning scenery and night sky.

CONCLUSION

Overall, Goblin Valley State Park is a truly unique and special place to visit. The park’s hoodoos, desert environment, and remote location make it a truly otherworldly destination. The park’s hiking trails, wildlife, stargazing opportunities, and cultural history add to the park’s appeal, making it a must-see destination for road trippers, nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is a place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature, where one can take a step back in time and appreciate the beauty of the earth’s natural wonders.

Goblin Valley State Park road trip in Utah - photo by Mike Shubic

If you have any questions about visiting Goblin State Park, leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.
[crp]