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