The Goblin Valley State Park feels like another planet, with slot canyon lairs and thousands of sandstone goblins dotting the unique landscape of Southern Utah.
Goblin Valley has a few unofficial hikes, so it’s best to wander and explore. We hiked about 5 miles total. The Goblin’s Lair (Chamber of the Basilisk) is a great way to experience the surrounding edges of Goblin Valley, with deep pocketed lair only accessible to those willing to scramble. Also, the Goblin Valley Trail that meanders the interior valley is fun to admire the variety of goblin shapes. These trails are considered easy, with the only challenging section being the ascent and then downward entry into The Goblins Lair. We walked around for a few hours and took it slow exploring the lair.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Goblins Lair hike, search for the Carmen Canyon Trail in Goblin Valley State Park, UT or click here. Note that there is a popular Icicle Gorge Trail in addition to this trail.
Directions (old school maps): From Moab, this is nearly a 2 hour drive. Take Highway 70 west until you get off on Highway 24 and go west. It’s 33 miles on Highway 24 until you arrive at the park. There are bathroom facilities at the trailhead. Dogs can hike here but the Goblins Lair requires some scrambling that will be difficult for your four-legged family.
Driving Info: This is all nice paved road, but there is no cell service for a bulk of this drive. There are not many amenities nearby either. So if you’re low on fuel or food & water, stop somewhere along Highway 70 because it gets rather remote. And as you approach the trailhead, keep a look for the iconic Three Sisters formation.
Time & Weather: We did this hike at the end of January. The air was cold and there was wind, but the sun was shining. It was pleasant hiking weather.
Gear: Bring layers for sun and wind protection, and if you’re heading to the lair you may want gloves to help scramble. Otherwise these trails are relatively flat and easy so just dress for weather.
Trail Navigation: The trails are often not easy to find, nor do they always exist. Please just be cautious and try to follow established trails, although some of the trails are just wandering networks of paths.
Water & Food: Bring water, especially when it’s hot out. There’s a large parking lot nearby the trails so not a huge need to bring food.
Trailhead Info: There is a good sized parking lot that gets you to the multiple trailheads. There are bathrooms as well.
Pictures of Goblin Valley State Park:
Immediately after you park you can soak in the valley of goblins. Down in the valley you can walk through miles of meandering footpaths.
Towering sand formations along the path.
Wander down from the parking lot, there may be icy spots in the shade so be careful.
Staggering walls of sandstone as you curve around the rim of the valley.
After scrambling up the sandstone you can carefully climb your way into the lair.
At the bottom of the lair, light shines in from the openings of rock above.
Another shot of the valley as you head back to the parking lot.
*If you hike around the valley, please be careful not to damage the goblin formations since they can be fragile.
Just 30 minutes from Goblin Valley State Park is one of Utah's hidden gems, the Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon Loop Trail. This slot canyon hike offers a variety of adventure and is worth visiting if you've already made the long drive into this remote section of southern Utah.
