Utah, known as “The Mighty 5” – home to 5 magnificent national parks, has long been a dream destination for travel and adventure enthusiasts. Beyond iconic natural wonders like Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands, it harbors hidden lands, captivating visitors with unique and otherworldly beauty. Among these is Goblin Valley, a valley of stone “goblins,” promising an unforgettable camping experience.
Goblin Valley State Park, a hidden gem in the heart of Utah, is unlike anywhere you’ve ever seen. Instead of towering mountains or deep canyons, Goblin Valley welcomes you with an army of sandstone “goblin” formations, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion. This is the perfect backdrop for a unique camping trip, where you can immerse yourself in magnificent nature and discover the wonders bestowed by creation.
Goblin Valley: Land of the Stone Goblins
Goblin Valley State Park is located about 216 miles (348 km) southwest of Moab. This area is famous for thousands of bizarrely shaped sandstone pillars, known as “hoodoos” or “goblins.” These formations vary in size, from a few feet to dozens of feet tall, and come in diverse shapes, reminiscent of strange creatures and goblins from fairy tales.
This unique landscape was formed over millions of years of erosion. Entrada sandstone, a soft sedimentary rock, is easily affected by wind and water. Over time, these forces have created the distinctive shapes we see today.
Camping in Goblin Valley: An Unforgettable Experience
Camping in Goblin Valley is a fantastic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of this land. The park offers various campgrounds to suit every need and preference.
- Main Campground: This area has 25 individual campsites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and parking space. Restrooms and hot showers are also available in this area.
- Yurts: For a more comfortable camping experience, consider renting one of the park’s two yurts. Each yurt is equipped with beds, tables, chairs, and a heater.
- Backcountry Camping: For adventurous individuals, Goblin Valley also permits backcountry camping. However, you must obtain a permit and adhere to strict regulations to protect the environment.
Goblin Valley from above, showcasing thousands of uniquely shaped hoodoo rock formations
When camping in Goblin Valley, you’ll have the opportunity to gaze at the starry night sky, explore hiking trails, and engage in activities like rock climbing, photography, and simply relaxing amidst pristine nature.
Activities to Explore Goblin Valley
Besides camping, Goblin Valley offers many other exciting activities for you to explore:
- Hiking: There are various hiking trails in the park, from easy trails suitable for families to challenging trails for experienced hikers.
- Rock Climbing: Goblin Valley is a great place for rock climbing. However, remember that Entrada sandstone is quite soft, so be careful and use appropriate gear.
- Photography: With its unique scenery and stunning light, Goblin Valley is a paradise for photographers. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best shots.
- ATV Exploration: The area surrounding Goblin Valley has numerous ATV trails, allowing you to explore remote areas and admire breathtaking landscapes.
- Stargazing: With dark night skies and no light pollution, Goblin Valley is an excellent location for stargazing. You can see countless stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.
Tips for Camping in Goblin Valley
For a smooth and memorable camping trip to Goblin Valley, keep the following in mind:
- Book in Advance: Campsites at Goblin Valley are very popular, especially during peak season. Therefore, book in advance to ensure accommodation.
- Prepare Adequately: Goblin Valley is a wilderness area, so prepare plenty of drinking water, food, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- Pack Appropriate Clothing: Weather in Goblin Valley can be unpredictable, so bring warm clothes, waterproof clothing, and comfortable hiking shoes.
- Follow Regulations: Adhere to park regulations, such as no littering, no campfires outside designated areas, and no disturbing wildlife.
- Respect the Environment: Help protect the natural beauty of Goblin Valley by leaving no trace behind.
Explore the Surrounding Area
Goblin Valley is located near many other attractions, which you can combine to create a complete trip:
- Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon: These two slot canyons are excellent places for hiking and exploring unique geological wonders.
- San Rafael Swell: This area features numerous canyons, cliffs, and Native American historical sites.
- Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park: These two national parks are famous for their natural arches and majestic canyons.
Conclusion
Camping in Goblin Valley is a unique and unforgettable experience, offering you the chance to explore one of the strangest lands on Earth. With surreal scenery, starry night skies, and numerous exciting activities, Goblin Valley is sure to be a fantastic destination for nature and adventure lovers. Plan your trip today and discover the wonders that Goblin Valley has to offer!