Overlander Guide to Goblin Valley, USA

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is one of America’s most unusual desert landscapes. Thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone formations create an otherworldly environment perfect for overlanders, photographers, hikers, and campers. The park is also an excellent base for exploring the San Rafael Swell.

Why Visit Goblin Valley?

• Explore thousands of unique sandstone “goblins.”
• Excellent desert camping.
• Dark Sky destination for astrophotography.
• Gateway to the San Rafael Swell.
• Easy access to slot canyons and OHV trails.

Getting There

Goblin Valley is located in central Utah, approximately 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City. The final road into the park is fully paved—ignore GPS routes that send you onto dirt roads. 0

Road Conditions

• Paved road to the visitor center.
• Suitable for cars, campervans, motorcycles, and most RVs.
• Nearby BLM roads vary from graded gravel to rugged 4WD tracks.
• Flash floods can affect backcountry roads after storms.

Camping

• Developed campground with restrooms and showers.
• Yurts available by reservation.
• Primitive BLM camping outside the park for budget travelers.
• Camp only in designated or legal dispersed areas.

Overlanding Routes

• San Rafael Swell Backcountry.
• Little Wild Horse Canyon.
• Temple Mountain.
• Factory Butte.
• Capitol Reef National Park.

The park also serves as a base for hundreds of miles of nearby OHV trails, although vehicles must stay on designated roads within park boundaries. 1

Top Things to Do

• Wander freely among the hoodoos.
• Photograph sunrise and sunset.
• Hike Goblin’s Lair.
• Explore Little Wild Horse Canyon.
• Enjoy world-class stargazing.
• Mountain biking.

Budget

Expense	Estimated Cost (USD)
Park Entry	$20 per vehicle
Campground	$35–45/night
Dispersed Camping	Free
Fuel	Fill up before entering remote areas

Essential Gear

• Minimum 4–5 liters of water per person daily.
• Sun protection.
• Recovery gear for desert tracks.
• Offline GPS maps.
• Portable power bank.
• Headlamp.
• Camera with tripod.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Mild temperatures and wildflowers.
• Autumn: Ideal hiking weather.
• Summer: Extremely hot.
• Winter: Quiet with occasional snow.

Safety Tips

• Carry extra water.
• Avoid hiking during midday in summer.
• Watch weather forecasts for flash floods.
• Leave no trace.
• Stay on marked roads with vehicles.

Travel Tips

• Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Stay overnight for incredible night skies.
• Combine your visit with Capitol Reef and Arches.
• Download offline maps before leaving Green River or Hanksville.

Final Thoughts

Goblin Valley is one of the most unique overlanding destinations in the American Southwest. With bizarre rock formations, excellent camping, nearby off-road adventures, and spectacular dark skies, it offers an unforgettable stop for anyone exploring Utah’s desert backcountry. 2

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