St. George to Goblin Valley State Park

Head north on I-15 to I-70 East. Drive through the stunning San Rafael Swell — towering canyon walls and colorful rock layers line this dramatic stretch of interstate. Exit onto UT-24 South near Hanksville, then turn west on Temple Mountain Road to reach the park. Total distance is approximately 195 miles (3 hours).

Hanksville (the nearest town with services) has gas, a small grocery store, and a couple of restaurants. Stock up here — there is nothing at the park. The last reliable gas before Hanksville is in Salina (I-70 Exit 56) or Green River (I-70 Exit 164).

Goblin Valley is in one of the most remote areas of Utah. Cell service is nonexistent at the park and spotty along much of the route. Download offline maps, bring paper directions, and let someone know your plans before heading out.

The largest and most accessible goblin valley, directly below the main observation point. Thousands of mushroom-shaped formations spread across the valley floor. Walk down from the overlook and explore freely — climb on rocks, weave through formations, and discover hidden passages.

A smaller valley accessible via a short trail from the main parking area. Fewer visitors and more intimate formations. Some of the most photogenic goblins with interesting shapes and groupings.

The most remote of the three valleys, reached via a longer trail. Offers the most solitude and some of the tallest goblin formations. Fewer footprints and more of a sense of discovery.

A slot canyon and natural cave accessible via a moderate trail from the campground area. A ladder descends into a dark chamber with interesting rock formations. Flashlights required. An adventurous side trip from the main valleys.

The main overlook provides a sweeping panoramic view of Valley 1 and the surrounding desert. This is the classic photo spot and the starting point for descending into the valley. A short paved path leads from the parking lot.

Unlike most parks, kids are allowed and encouraged to climb on the rock formations at Goblin Valley. The soft sandstone formations are generally safe to scramble on, with plenty of handholds and moderate heights. Kids of all ages love the freedom to explore.

The maze-like layout of the goblin formations creates a natural playground for hide and seek. Kids can weave between formations, discover hidden alcoves, and explore narrow passages. Keep younger children in sight at all times.

The park offers a Junior Ranger program where kids complete activity booklets about the geology, ecology, and history of Goblin Valley. Completed booklets earn a Junior Ranger badge from the park rangers.

The park campground has 25 sites and two yurts, making it an excellent base for a family camping trip. Evening ranger programs often include stargazing activities that kids love. The formations are a short walk from camp.

Goblin Valley was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2016. Far from any city lights, the park offers some of the darkest skies in Utah. The Milky Way is visible in stunning detail, and thousands of stars fill the sky on clear moonless nights.

The park offers seasonal ranger-led stargazing programs with telescopes for viewing planets, galaxies, and nebulae. Check the park schedule for program dates and times — typically offered on Friday and Saturday nights during spring through fall.

The combination of otherworldly goblin formations and the Milky Way overhead makes Goblin Valley a premier astrophotography destination. The best Milky Way visibility is from April through October on moonless nights.

June through September offers the most dramatic Milky Way views with the galactic core high overhead. Check the moon phase calendar — new moon periods offer the darkest skies. Even winter offers excellent stargazing with clear, crisp skies.

Utah's hidden gem national park is just 45 miles west of Goblin Valley. The Waterpocket Fold, historic Fruita orchards, and Capitol Dome offer outstanding hiking and scenery. Combine both parks for an unforgettable weekend.

This massive geological feature along I-70 offers slot canyons (Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon), pictographs, and dramatic desert landscapes. Little Wild Horse Canyon is an excellent family-friendly slot canyon hike near Goblin Valley.

A popular narrow slot canyon just 6 miles from Goblin Valley. The 8-mile loop (combined with Bell Canyon) winds through narrow sandstone corridors. Can also be done as a shorter out-and-back. Family-friendly and no technical skills needed.

A massive free-standing butte visible from miles away, located near Hanksville. The surrounding moonscape of gray badlands is popular for photography and off-road exploration.