State Park · Southwest
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park puts thousands of sandstone hoodoos right at your kids' feet, with no ropes, no rails, and no rules against scrambling. It is one of the few places in the American West where children can roam a wild landscape almost entirely on their own terms.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, is a complete family guide to Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. It covers what makes the park unique, the best short trails and free-roam areas for children ages 4 to 14, campground and facility details, and the best seasons to visit. Key facts include free-roaming access among thousands of sandstone hoodoos, short trails under three miles, an on-site campground with electric hookups, and recommended spring and fall visits for manageable temperatures.
| Region | Central Utah, Southwest |
|---|---|
| Camping | Electric hookups and tent sites available |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Best seasons | Spring and fall |
| Nearest town | Green River, UT (approx. 50 miles) |
Why Goblin Valley earns the drive
Most parks ask you to stay on the trail. Goblin Valley asks you to wander. The park sits in a remote fold of the San Rafael Desert in central Utah, sheltering a bowl of Entrada sandstone worn by wind and water into thousands of squat, rounded hoodoos the park calls goblins. They cluster in groups, stand alone on pedestals, and lean against each other like old friends. Children can touch them, climb the gentler ones, and disappear around a corner into their own private canyon. There is nothing else quite like it in the country, and that sense of total freedom in a safe, contained landscape is exactly what makes it worth the long haul down Highway 24.
The valley floor: where the real adventure happens
The main draw is the valley floor itself, reached by a short paved path from the upper viewpoint. Once down in the goblins, there are no marked trails to follow. Families spread out naturally across the basin, each group finding its own cluster of formations to explore. Younger kids love the mushroom-topped pedestals they can walk circles around. Older kids find the narrower corridors between formations and the small sandy alcoves tucked into the cliff walls. The basin is enclosed enough that parents can keep easy visual contact while kids feel genuinely on their own. Plan at least two hours here; most families end up staying longer than expected.
Short trails worth adding to your day
Three marked trails extend from the valley for families who want a bit more structure.
- **Goblin Valley Loop** circles the main basin in about 1.5 miles and gives older kids a perimeter view of the whole formation field. - **Curtis Bench Trail** runs roughly 1.5 miles out to an overlook of the San Rafael Reef and is flat enough for most kids over six. - **Three Sisters Trail** leads to a cluster of the park's tallest and most recognizable hoodoos in under a mile round trip.
None of these trails involve serious elevation gain. Bring more water than you think you need; the desert air pulls moisture fast, and there is no shade once you leave the canyon walls.
Camping and facilities
Goblin Valley has one campground with sites that include electric hookups, making it a reasonable choice for families with RVs or those who want a fan running through a warm night. Tent camping is available as well. The campground has modern restrooms and showers, which parents of younger children will appreciate. There is also a primitive camping area for families comfortable going without hookups. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for spring and fall weekends, and can be made through Utah State Parks. The park has a small visitor center near the entrance with exhibits on the geology that created the goblins, worth ten minutes with curious kids before you head down to the valley.
Best seasons and what to expect
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. March through May brings mild temperatures, occasional wildflowers in the surrounding desert flats, and long afternoon light that turns the sandstone orange and copper. September and October offer the same comfortable hiking weather after a summer that routinely pushes well past 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the valley. Summer visits are possible with very early starts before the heat builds, but the exposed basin offers no meaningful shade. Winter can bring cold winds and occasional snow, which transforms the goblins into something remarkable, though some facilities may have limited hours. Whatever season you choose, sunrise and the hour before sunset are the best times to be down among the formations.
Practical notes before you go
Goblin Valley is about 50 miles south of Green River, Utah, and the last stretch of road is a well-maintained paved highway. The nearest full-service town is Green River, so fill your gas tank and pick up any supplies before heading out. The park charges a per-vehicle day-use fee; check the Utah State Parks website for current rates. Cell service is limited to nonexistent in the valley. Download offline maps if you plan to explore beyond the main basin. Closed-toe shoes with grip are worth enforcing for kids who plan to scramble. The sandstone is abrasive and falls fast when it crumbles, so teach children to test each handhold before trusting it.
Pick one goblin formation that looks like something to you and draw it or describe it in words. What does it remind you of, and how do you think it got that shape?
Frequently asked questions
Can kids actually climb on the hoodoos at Goblin Valley?
Yes. Unlike many parks, Goblin Valley allows visitors to scramble on and among the sandstone formations. There are no ropes or barriers on the valley floor. Parents should use common sense about height and loose rock, but the park genuinely welcomes hands-on exploration.
How far in advance do I need to book a campsite?
For spring and fall weekends, book as early as the reservation window allows through Utah State Parks, often several months out. Weeknight stays and winter visits are easier to secure on shorter notice.
Is Goblin Valley too hot to visit in summer?
Summer temperatures in the valley regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Families who visit in July or August should plan to be on the valley floor at sunrise and retreat to the shade or air conditioning by mid-morning. It is manageable with planning, but spring and fall are far more comfortable.
How long does a family day at Goblin Valley take?
Most families spend three to five hours total, including time in the valley, one short trail, and a stop at the visitor center. If you add a longer hike like Curtis Bench, budget a full day. The valley floor alone can occupy young children for two hours without difficulty.