Goblin Valley State Park near Hanksville is a surreal landscape where thousands of rust-colored hoodoos—whimsically named "goblins"—rise from the desert floor like a petrified army frozen mid-march. This remote corner of Utah feels utterly otherworldly, where you can wander among otherworldly rock formations and slot canyons that seem to exist outside of time. The valley's otherworldly geology and profound solitude make it a pilgrimage site for those seeking to connect with Utah's raw, unfiltered desert soul.
Key Attractions
View all attractions →Goblin Valley (goblins)
Naylor, James Ball, 1860- [from old catalog] / wikimedia (Public domain)
Little Wild Horse Canyon (slot canyon)
United States. Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Region / wikimedia (Public domain)
San Rafael Swell Overlook
A breathtaking high-elevation vantage point revealing the dramatic geological layers and vast emptiness of the San Rafael Swell from multiple angles. An ideal spot for sunset photography and stargazing in one of Utah's darkest sky areas.
Photo by Alex Moliski on Pexels
Temple Mountain Scenic Drive
A scenic backcountry drive offering sweeping vistas of the San Rafael Swell and access to abandoned mining structures from Utah's uranium boom era. The route provides otherworldly desert photography opportunities with minimal crowds.
Photo by Tom Fournier on Pexels
The Separates Trail
A moderate 5-mile loop hike showcasing the park's signature hoodoos and goblin formations with intimate views of the colorful badlands landscape. This trail is less trafficked than the main valley floor and perfect for solitude-seeking adventurers.
Photo by Hovergood on Pixabay
Itineraries Here
Planning a Trip to Goblin Valley SP (near Hanksville): FAQs
When is the best time to visit Goblin Valley SP (near Hanksville)?
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The best time to visit Goblin Valley SP (near Hanksville) is spring.
How many days do you need in Goblin Valley SP (near Hanksville)?
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Plan on about 2 days to cover Goblin Valley SP (near Hanksville)'s highlights at a comfortable pace.
How do you get to Goblin Valley SP (near Hanksville)?
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Goblin Valley is 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), 2 hours from Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT in Colorado), and 2 hours from Moab. The park sits 25 miles south of Hanksville via scenic Utah State Route 24. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some internal park roads, especially after rain.
What are the top things to do in Goblin Valley SP (near Hanksville)?
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Top attractions in Goblin Valley SP (near Hanksville) include Goblin Valley (goblins), Little Wild Horse Canyon (slot canyon), San Rafael Swell Overlook, Temple Mountain Scenic Drive and The Separates Trail.