Goblin Valley State Park ~ Utah

Just when a tourist thinks that they have already experienced the world's oddest landscapes in central Utah, the Goblin Valley rises to the occasion as the crown jewel of the weirdest of the weird! Goblin Valley State Park certainly is strange beyond belief and the visual experience will provide plenty of memories to ponder over for many years to come. Wind and water erosion over eons of time have sculpted this amazing landscape into monumental red rock formations, towering rock spire walls and thousands of unique geological oddities that are known as goblins, which truly are a mesmerizing sight to see!

This Utah State Park has a large campground with amenities and it is actually winterized, so off-season camping is an option. This park offers several hiking trails that go through unique scenic areas, which include places where towering gigantic hoodoos and balanced rocks stand. The visitor center and campground are located on the high ground, while a pavilion picnic area and scenic overlook can be found on the rim of Goblin Valley. Be prepared to be totally captivated upon arrival at this overlook, because the first view of the thousands of goblins in the valley below literally looks like some kind of a fantasyland!

From the hilltop viewing area, it is an easy staircase pathway descent into Goblin Valley and this is where the official trail ends. Visitors are free to roam anywhere they wish in this endless maze of red rock goblins, so feel free to try to take a closer look at each one. After a few minutes of wandering around these smooth sculpted red sandstone oddities, the experience is so absorbing that it is very easy to completely forget about the ordinary existence way back home. The thousands of goblins definitely have a way of winning over the frame of mind and before long, seeking more intriguing views will be the only motivating factor.

Because exploring Goblin Valley is such a captivating experience, it is very easy to forget about the reality of this high desert environment, which can be a very thirsty place on a sunny day. The temptation to wander much further than planned will likely takeover, especially after discovering the hidden goblin canyons on the other side of the valley. Be sure to pack plenty of water for the hiking venture, because once the creepy goblins realize you are there, they will not allow you to escape anytime soon!