| Goblin Valley has fantastic shapes that children from seven to 70 can enjoy. The shapes are even more fantastic at night. |
Goblin Valley
Scores of intricately eroded creatures greet visitors to Goblin Valley. The Goblin Valley State Park is located in Emery County between the city of Green River and Hanksville, just off of Utah state route 24.
What can be done and seen?
Outdoor enthusiasts venturing into Goblin Valley will enjoy hiking among the rock formations and exploring the haunting coves in an area avid camera bugs classify as a photographer’s paradise.
Located in areas adjacent to the Goblin Valley State Park, dedicated off-highway vehicle recreationists will find hundreds of miles of dirt roads and designated trails to explore.
The facilities provided at Goblin State Park include a 21-unit campground, modern restrooms, hot showers for travelers and a sanitary disposal station along with a visitor observation shelter.
Goblin Valley encompasses 3,014 acres of public lands.
The view along the route is dominated by the San Rafael Reef, which rises abruptly to dissect the surrounding desert. Temple Mountain, named for its resemblance to the LDS temple in Salt Lake City, is the highest point along the reef. The mountain was also the sight of extensive uranium mining during the 1950’s. To the south, the Henry Mountains rise above lower buttes.
The state park is open all year and reservations are accepted from March 15 to Oct. 15. In addition to camping units, the park is equipped with 22 trailer sites.
Day Tripping Map |
Camping and day-use fees are required for people planning to visit the park. Goblin Valley has picnicking areas for travelers and a group pavilion.
Purchasing a pass allows people day-use entrance to most Utah state parks for five consecutive days.
How to get there.
Driving from Price, visitors should take SR-6 to I-70 just a couple miles west of Green River. Turn right and drive about 10 miles west. Then, turn off on SR-24 and drive towards the Hanksville area. It is about 30 miles on a paved road where the reef can then be followed.
Driving time.
The total mileage for the two canyons is about 85 miles and requires at least four hours driving time.
Information.
Castle Valley residents and tourists visiting the Carbon-Emery area may contact the Goblin Valley State Park office in Green River at 435-564-3633. Reservations may be made by calling the Utah State Parks and Recreation office in Salt Lake City toll-free 1-800-322-3770.