Set deep in the heart of Utah’s famed Castle Country is the astounding Goblin Valley State Park. Thousands of years worth of wind and water have contributed to the natural formation of hundreds of astounding and incredible rock sculptures.

The entire park is like a playground for the imaginative. These beautiful rock formations and coves are guaranteed to keep you busy for hours on end.

Discovering Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley was originally discovered in the early 1900’s by some lost cowboys looking for cattle. The location of the valley wasn’t documented until the late 1920’s when it was again discovered by Arthur Chaffin. Arthur Chaffin was one of the owners of the Hite Ferry, a boat that ran up and down the Colorado River. He discovered the valley while looking for an alternate route to use when traveling between Cainsville and Green River. About a mile away from the valley, Chaffin and his crew caught a glimpse of some of the strange rock formations located within the park.

Chaffin didn’t return to what he referred to as Mushroom Valley until 1949. It wasn’t until then that he was able to explore the rock formations and begin photographing his findings. His discovery drew tons of public attention and finally, in 1954, the state of Utah decided to protect the area from vandalism by creating the Goblin Valley State Reserve. The reserve became a state park in 1964.

Where is Goblin Valley State Park Located?

Goblin Valley state park is located in Emery County, Utah. The park is located about 45 miles away from Green River and can be accessed by traveling west on I-70 to exit 147 and then heading south to the Temple Mountain/Goblin Valley Junction. After traveling west on that road for about 5 miles you will be faced with some of the most beautiful rock mushroom formations you’ve ever seen in your life.

What to do in Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is a great vacation destination for anyone who wants to spend some time enjoying some of the most intricate work Mother Nature has to offer. The park features paved roads and a campground with 25 units.

The campground features, paved roads, a water system, hot showers, modern rest rooms, picnic areas, and a barbecue grill. The campground also features an amazing observation deck from which visitors can view the valley and beyond. Not into camping? There are plenty of nearby hotels in Green River, Utah.

Aside from exploring the structures within Goblin Valley State Park, visitors will enjoy hiking the Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon loop, located only 5 miles away from Goblin Valley. The loop is one of the most popular hiking destinations in all of Utah, featuring tight, narrow trails throughout the canyon. Do not take this hike if there is any threat of rain or you will be in danger of getting caught in a flash flood.

While hiking is allowed, off-road vehicles, ATV’s, and bicycles are not allowed inside of Goblin Valley State Park.

A Photographer’s Paradise

Goblin Valley State Park has long been a sought after destination for both amateur and professional photographers alike. Within the park visitors will find not only incredible rock statues and sculptures but collections of rock art created by the ancient Indian tribes that once inhabited the area. You’ll also find ruins of some of the structures originally built by ranchers, miners, and prospectors as they discovered the region.

Goblin Valley State park is an astounding destination for anyone who’d like to enjoy one of Utah’s most prized treasures. Visit for yourself and you’ll be amazed at just how astonishing these formations really are.

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