We left Moab just after breakfast, heading towards Goblin Valley State Park in Utah for a bit of hiking and also some exploring. This lesser known park appealed to us as there are so many hoodoos with a Goblin like appearance and in addition there is also a hike to Goblin and Goblet Lair which is about 3 miles round trip. Just the right length for us.
Location
Goblin Valley State Park is located about 100 miles west of Moab, Utah and also 32 miles north of Hanksville, Utah.
Hike to Goblin’s and Goblette’s Lair
Upon arriving we had no problem finding the trailhead to Goblin and Goblette Lairs. Like much of this part of Utah, Goblin Valley State Park is basically a desert so being prepared to hike in the heat, without much shade and for 3 miles is a must. Because of this, we arrived in the morning to avoid the mid day sun. Tossed on our daypacks and started out.
The first part of the hike is passing by some of the Hoodoos, or Goblins, although these were nice, we found the most goblins later in our exploring. These Entrada Sandtone mushroom shape hoodoos have formed over millions of years and acquired their shapes through erosion, wind, ice and water. Due to iron oxide they have taken on a rust color.
After the hoodoos we walked around the perimeter of the large cliff which also makes up the Eastern border of Goblin Valley State Park. This was the longest part of the hike and I would definitely classify this as walking through a desert. It was hot, sandy and had essentially no shade. I would be lying if I said I enjoyed this part of the hike. As a matter of fact, I may have been a bit whiny, but trudged on through.
We purposely passed Goblin’s Lair on the way to Goblette;s Lair as we had heard Goblin’s Lair was more spectacular, therefore, we would save it for last. Also in consideration was if Goblin’s Lair was as hard to scale as we have heard, no way would I be going any farther to Goblette’s Lair. So off we were to Goblette’s Lair
Goblette’s Lair
The hike to Goblette’s Lair is just a quarter of a mile past Goblin’s Lair and was also an easy stretch. The trail generally ascends after the turnoff which is fine as the hike up Goblette’s Lair was no walk in the park. I took one look at Goblette’ss Lair and wasn’t sure if I would be climbing up it or not.
To reach the cave, it is a steep scramble up broken rock, dirt, and in addition large boulders. You will need your hands and feet to climb this at times. I decided I would give it a go, as I truly enjoy a good scramble. It was tough, but Steve blazed the trail and helped me both up and down. It was fun and if it wasn’t for my short legs, this would have been a lot more fun! We hung out in the shade of the cave for a bit, just enjoying the views. We were the only ones here and didn’t see anyone else until after we had climbed back down. It was peaceful and truly a great little adventure.
Goblin’s Lair
We hiked back to Goblin’s Lair. Not surprising, this climb to this cave was even tougher. I did not make it far as my legs just did not reach up some of the early boulders and I certainly didn’t fancy lying on my stomach and shimmying up. Instead, I sat in the shade of a boulder and watched as Steve very slowly climbed the boulders and patiently waited for him to return. He liked Goblin’s Lair better as the cave was much more grand and was much deeper; actually he said it was considerably larger than he anticipated.
Walking Among the Goblins
Next on our agenda was to check out the Goblin Valley Overlook and walk among the Goblins. At the Goblin Overlook you can take the steps down to the Valley and walk among the odd shaped rock “goblins”. All in all, I can’t begin to tell you how much fun this was! We wandered in and out of the rock formations, almost like a hide and seek or peek a boo game! Steve went one way, I went the other way and finding our way back to each other through these maze like goblins was an adventure in itself. You would think we were little kids, but I guess just kids at heart.
Had it not been so hot we would have spent much more time here but as it was only late morning and the temperature was close to 100, we decided it was time to hop in the car, have a snack, cool off, and drive to our next destination.
Conclusion
Valley of the Goblin Valley State Park in Utah was just as amazing as we have heard it was! Maybe even more so. The hike to the lairs was good, the scrambling fun and the views pretty amazing. But what really made this park spectacular was walking through the Valley of the Goblins. We really had a great time wandering through the “goblins” and just being kids again!
Planning
I find the National Geographic Day Hike Map to be helpful when hiking in Moab. You can find the Amazon link here.
I also like the Best Easy Moab Dayhike Guide. You can find the Amazon link here.
For my favorite hiking gear and snacks, check out My Amazon Store at this link.
Check out My Amazon Store Here for travel gears & gadgets, travel clothing , bags and books.
I’m an Amazon Affiliate and I do receive a commision for qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
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Interesting rock formations Lori. Utah is filled with so much of this rocky beauty. Hope all is well with you both. Happy Thursday. Allan
HI, Allan! All is well here hope all is well up north! We do like Utah as there are so many beautiful places. Have a great rest of your week!
We loved this place! I didn’t know about Goblette’s Lair at all, and I only heard about Goblin’s Lair after our visit. So we’ll hit those next time. Keep exploring!
It was a fun park plus not heavy with tourists so we love that! I believe one of the City Slicker movies was filmed here too!
Also “Galaxy Quest”.
Oh, I didn’t know that!
So when are two going to invest in some desert clothing, aka, Lawrence of Arabia? Just saying. Good for the heat of the desert, and stylish. ๐๐๐ค Yeah, I know, my friends tell me I am not helpful sometimes.
lol! Steve probably thinks I already have too much clothes and donโt need more! Thanks for the styling tips though!!