Leave Hanksville heading north on Highway 24, and for a while there isn’t much to look at: open desert, a few distant cliffs, the road running straight ahead. Then you turn west at Temple Mountain, follow the paved road into the San Rafael Swell, and pull up at an overlook. Below you, thousands of little brown rock figures stand shoulder to shoulder across the valley floor, like a crowd that froze in place.
That’s Goblin Valley State Park, and it’s the easiest big day trip you can take from Hanksville. The road is paved, the park has restrooms and water, kids love it, and you can spend an hour or a whole day there.
This guide covers how to plan a Goblin Valley day trip from Hanksville: directions and drive time, current fees and hours, what to see, how long to stay, the best time of day and year, pairing it with Little Wild Horse Canyon, kids, camping, drones and stargazing.
Goblin Valley From Hanksville at a Glance
| Trip Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 32 miles |
| Drive time | About 40–45 minutes |
| Road | Paved the whole way |
| 4WD needed? | No |
| Park hours | 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily |
| Visitor center | Usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Entry fee | $20 per private vehicle; $10 per person on foot, bike or motorcycle |
| Time needed | 3–5 hours for most visitors |
| Facilities | Restrooms, water, showers, picnic areas, visitor center |
| Best seasons | Spring and fall |
| Good for kids? | Very |
| Biggest risks | Summer heat; flash floods in nearby slot canyons |
Fees and hours can change, so double-check with Utah State Parks before you go.
How Far Is Goblin Valley From Hanksville?
Goblin Valley State Park is about 32 miles from Hanksville, roughly a 40 to 45-minute drive on paved roads. That’s close enough to visit in the morning and be back in town for lunch, or to go out for sunset and stars and still sleep in a Hanksville bed.
How to Get From Hanksville to Goblin Valley
- Fill up first. Top off your tank at Hollow Mountain or another station in Hanksville. There’s no gas at the park.
- Drive north on Highway 24 toward Interstate 70 for about 20 miles.
- Turn left (west) at the Temple Mountain Road junction, following the Goblin Valley signs.
- Follow the paved road about 12 miles to the park entrance, keeping left onto Goblin Valley Road where signed.
A warning about GPS: some navigation apps suggest a dirt-road “shortcut.” Ignore it. The official route is paved the entire way, and the shortcut can be rough or impassable after rain.
Do You Need 4WD for Goblin Valley?
No. Any regular car can reach Goblin Valley on the official paved route, and the main parking areas are paved too. That makes it very different from the Moonscape Overlook, where the last stretch is on rough clay roads and high clearance is recommended.
Is Goblin Valley Worth Visiting From Hanksville?
Yes. It’s one of the best and easiest day trips in central Utah. The main valley covers nearly three square miles, and unlike most parks, there’s no set trail. You walk down from the overlook and wander among the goblins wherever you like. You don’t just look at the scenery here, you walk right through it.
It’s especially good for families, photographers, casual hikers and anyone who’d rather explore than follow a marked path. Fun fact: the valley’s alien look landed it a role in Hollywood. Scenes from the 1999 sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest were filmed here.
How Did the Goblins Form?
The goblins are a type of hoodoo carved from Entrada Sandstone, which was laid down around 170 million years ago as layers of sand, silt and mud along an ancient coastline. Those layers erode at different speeds. Harder sandstone caps protect the softer rock below, so wind and the occasional rain slowly carve them into mushrooms, knobs, faces and figures. Stand still for a minute and you’ll start seeing animals, people and castles.
What to Do at Goblin Valley
Start at the Observation Point
Don’t rush straight down. The covered observation shelter at the end of the road gives you the best view of how huge the field of goblins really is. It’s also accessible and a good place to get your bearings.
Wander the Valley of the Goblins
This is the main event. Walk down from the overlook into the first valley, pick a direction and explore. The park has three separate valleys of goblins. The first is the most visited, while the second and third are quieter and reached by walking farther. Note a landmark near the overlook so you can find your way back, because the goblins all start to look alike after a while.
See the Three Sisters
The park’s most famous formation is the Three Sisters, three tall hoodoos standing side by side near the road on the way in. It’s an easy roadside photo stop.
Hike a Marked Trail
The park has about six miles of marked trails if you want more than wandering:
- Carmel Canyon Loop (about 1.5 miles): drops from the overlook to the desert floor through a small narrows, with some easy scrambling.
- Entrada Canyon: a quiet walk connecting the campground area to the valley.
- Curtis Bench: a longer route with views over the goblins and toward the Henry Mountains.
- Goblin’s Lair: the adventurous one (see below).
Visit Goblin’s Lair
Goblin’s Lair is a huge natural cave about 89 feet deep on the east side of the park. You can hike and scramble to the entrance and peer in. Rappelling into it requires technical skills, your own gear and a permit ($4 per person, in addition to park entry) from the visitor center. For a casual day trip, a look from the top is plenty. Local outfitters also run guided canyoneering trips here.
Ride the Mountain Bike Trails
Bring a bike? The park has a network of mountain bike loops near the entrance, with flowing singletrack and big desert views. Riding isn’t allowed in the Valley of the Goblins itself.
How Long Should You Spend at Goblin Valley?
| Time | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| 1–2 hours | Overlook, Three Sisters and a short wander in the first valley |
| 3–5 hours | Everything above, plus a marked trail and plenty of photos (best for most people) |
| Full day | Add Little Wild Horse Canyon, stay for sunset and stargazing |
| Overnight | Camp or stay in a yurt for sunrise, sunset and dark skies |
Half-Day Goblin Valley Trip From Hanksville
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Fuel up and leave Hanksville with plenty of water |
| 8:15 a.m. | Arrive, pay the fee, stop at the Three Sisters |
| 8:45 a.m. | Take in the view from the observation point |
| 9:00–11:00 a.m. | Explore the Valley of the Goblins |
| 11:00 a.m. | Hike Carmel Canyon if it’s still cool, or keep wandering |
| Noon | Picnic lunch, then head back to Hanksville or on to Little Wild Horse |
Adding Little Wild Horse Canyon
Just a few miles past the park, Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most popular slot canyons in Utah. The walls close in until you’re turning sideways to squeeze through. The trailhead is about 5 miles from the Goblin Valley turnoff along Wild Horse Road and has parking, vault toilets and an information kiosk.
You can do a short out-and-back of 2 to 3 hours through the best narrows, or the full loop of about 8 miles with Bell Canyon, which takes 4 hours or more. Pairing it with Goblin Valley makes one of the best full days in the Hanksville area.
Flash flood warning: the BLM rates the flash flood danger in Little Wild Horse and Bell canyons as extreme. Never enter if rain is possible anywhere in the region, even if the sky above you is blue. If the forecast is uncertain, spend the whole day at Goblin Valley instead.
Which First: the Canyon or the Goblins?
In warm weather, do Little Wild Horse first, while it’s cool, then explore Goblin Valley at an easier pace in the afternoon and stay for sunset. In cool spring or fall weather, either order works.
Full-Day Plan
Morning: Little Wild Horse Canyon. Midday: picnic lunch and rest in the shade. Afternoon: Goblin Valley’s overlook and valley. Sunset: stay in the valley for the golden light. Night: stargaze, then drive back to Hanksville. Save Factory Butte and the Moonscape Overlook for another day. Our Hanksville, Utah itinerary shows how to fit everything into two or three days.
More Stops Nearby
Have extra time? Near the Temple Mountain junction, look for ancient pictographs on the cliffs beside Temple Mountain Road and old uranium mining relics (stay out of the mine shafts). A short hike off the Wild Horse area leads to Wild Horse Window, a cave-like arch with a hole in its roof.
Best Time to Visit Goblin Valley From Hanksville
The best time to visit Goblin Valley is spring (April–May) or fall (late September–October), early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Summer temperatures often top 100°F, and there’s almost no shade in the valley.
- Spring: pleasant hiking weather, but the busiest season, especially spring break and Easter weekends. Arrive early.
- Summer: visit at dawn or in the evening. In strenuous heat, the park recommends about 32 ounces of water per person per hour. Watch for monsoon storms from July to September.
- Fall: excellent, with comfortable temperatures and soft light. Utah’s school fall break in October can be busy.
- Winter: quiet and cold. The goblins look striking in low winter light, and occasionally with snow.
On very busy days, there may be a wait to drive into the park, so arrive early. For month-by-month details, see our guide to the best time to visit Hanksville, Utah.
Photography Tips
The goblins look flat under midday sun. Early and late light carve deep shadows between them and warm up the red-brown rock. Try shooting rows of goblins with a telephoto lens to stack them together, getting low to make a single goblin loom against the sky, and including a person for scale. Sunset is the classic time. After dark, the goblins make great silhouettes under the Milky Way. Please don’t climb on fragile formations for a photo.
Stargazing at Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley is a certified International Dark Sky Park, with some of the darkest skies in the country. Try this plan: arrive in the late afternoon, explore until sunset, eat a packed dinner, then stay until the stars come out before driving back to Hanksville. A new moon gives you the most stars. A full moon lights up the goblins beautifully but washes out the Milky Way. The park sometimes hosts ranger-led star parties, so ask at the visitor center.
Goblin Valley With Kids
Goblin Valley might be the most kid-friendly park in southern Utah. There’s no long trail to finish. Kids can climb down into the valley, play hide-and-seek among the hoodoos and turn around whenever they’re done. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center. Even toddlers can enjoy the easier parts near the overlook.
Keep an eye on little ones, though. It’s easy to lose sight of each other among the goblins. Make sure everyone carries water, and teach kids not to climb on fragile formations. For more family ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Hanksville, Utah.
Accessibility and Pets
Accessibility: the visitor center and the paved observation area at the end of the road offer excellent views without any hiking. The valley floor itself is uneven sand and rock, without paved paths.
Pets: leashed dogs are generally welcome, but check current park rules before you go. Sand and rock get very hot in summer, so bring water for your dog and never leave pets in the car.
Can You Fly a Drone at Goblin Valley?
Only with a permit. Drone permits cost $15 per day and are issued in person at the visitor center. During the busy season (March 1 to October 31), drones aren’t allowed on weekends or holidays, weekday permits are limited, and flying is only allowed in designated areas. Check current rules before you bring one.
Camping and Yurts at Goblin Valley
Want to see the goblins at sunrise without the drive? The park campground has 24 sites (10 walk-in tent pads, 14 RV spaces) plus a group site, with restrooms and showers but no electric hookups. Sites currently cost $45 per night, including park entry for one vehicle.
The park’s two yurts are the comfy option, with beds, heating, a swamp cooler, a table, a grill and a deck. They’re currently $150 per night plus tax. Reservations for both open four months in advance and fill fast in spring and fall.
There are also designated primitive sites near the park: $15 sites in the Behind the Butte areas, 10 free sites near the park entrance and two free sites near the Crack Canyon trailhead. Camping is allowed only in designated sites.
Stay in Hanksville or at Goblin Valley?
| Stay in Hanksville If You… | Camp at Goblin Valley If You… |
|---|---|
| Want a real bed and restaurants nearby | Love camping and are happy cooking |
| Are also visiting Factory Butte and Capitol Reef | Mainly came for Goblin Valley |
| Want Wi-Fi and fuel | Want sunrise, sunset and stars on your doorstep |
You don’t have to pick one. Two nights in Hanksville plus one night in a Goblin Valley yurt makes a great trip. See our guide to where to stay in Hanksville, Utah for motels, cabins and RV parks.
What to Bring From Hanksville
- Plenty of water, especially for Little Wild Horse or summer visits
- A packed lunch and snacks (food options in the park are very limited)
- A sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Shoes with good grip for sandstone
- A warm layer for sunset and stargazing
- A headlamp, offline maps and a phone charger (cell service is spotty)
Goblin Valley vs. Factory Butte vs. the Moonscape Overlook
| Goblin Valley | Factory Butte | Moonscape Overlook |
|---|---|---|
| State park with a $20 fee | Free BLM land | Free BLM land |
| Paved road | Paved views, dirt beyond | Dirt road, high clearance |
| Walk among the formations | Look up at one giant butte | Look down over the badlands |
| Restrooms, water, showers | Vault toilet and kiosk | No facilities |
| Great for kids | Great for photos | Cliff edges; supervise kids closely |
On a two-day trip, see the badlands on one day and Goblin Valley on the other. Read our guides to Factory Butte, Utah and the Moonscape Overlook, and for every attraction in the area, our guide to the best places to visit near Hanksville, Utah.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Following a GPS dirt-road shortcut. The official route is paved.
- Exploring at midday in summer. Go early or late.
- Only staying 30 minutes. The magic is in wandering.
- Cramming Goblin Valley, Factory Butte and Moonscape into one day. Split them over two.
- Entering Little Wild Horse when rain is possible. Flash floods are deadly.
- Climbing on the goblins. They’re fragile and can break.
- Arriving late on a busy weekend. The park can back up at the entrance.
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FAQ: Goblin Valley From Hanksville
How far is Goblin Valley from Hanksville?
About 32 miles, or 40 to 45 minutes: 20 miles north on Highway 24, then about 12 miles west from the Temple Mountain junction.
Is the road to Goblin Valley paved?
Yes, all the way. Ignore any GPS shortcut that sends you onto dirt roads.
Do you need 4WD for Goblin Valley?
No. A regular car is fine on the official paved route.
How much does it cost to visit Goblin Valley?
$20 per private vehicle, or $10 per person on foot, bike or motorcycle. National park passes don’t cover Utah state parks.
What are Goblin Valley’s hours?
The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and the visitor center usually opens 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How long should I spend at Goblin Valley?
Three to five hours is ideal for most visitors. Plan a full day if you’re adding Little Wild Horse Canyon or staying for sunset and stars.
Can you combine Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse Canyon?
Yes, they’re only a few miles apart. Hike the canyon in the cool morning and explore Goblin Valley in the afternoon, but only when there’s no chance of rain.
Is Goblin Valley good for kids?
Yes, it’s one of the best family parks in Utah. Kids can explore freely among the goblins, and there’s a Junior Ranger program.
Can you camp at Goblin Valley?
Yes. There are 24 campsites, two yurts and designated primitive sites nearby. Reservations open four months ahead.
What movie was filmed at Goblin Valley?
Scenes from the 1999 sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest were filmed among the goblins.
The Easiest Great Day Trip From Hanksville
Factory Butte is stranger, the Moonscape Overlook feels wilder, and Capitol Reef is bigger. But Goblin Valley might be the one place near Hanksville you can recommend to almost anyone. The road is paved, the facilities are good, kids love it, photographers never run out of subjects, and a world-class slot canyon sits just down the road.
Leave Hanksville early, bring more water than you think you need, and give the goblins time. The longer you wander, the more faces you’ll start to see.