10 Best hikes and trails in Goblin Valley State Park

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United States/
Utah/
Goblin Valley State Park

Best trails in Goblin Valley State Park

4.4(4,029 reviews)

Utah
:
#5 of 48 state parks

Goblin Valley State Park lies within the San Rafael Desert on the southeastern edge of the San Rafael Swell, north of the Henry Mountains. The park has a vast landscape of sandstone goblins, the unusual stone shapes result from the weathering of Entrada sandstone. The movie, Galaxy Quest, was filmed at Goblin Valley State Park because of its unearthly scenery. Visitors can hike among beautiful rock formations and discover numerous haunting coves.

Top trails

#1 - The Goblin's Lair (Chamber of the Basilisk)

4.6(1729)

•Moderate

•2.3 mi

Hidden away on the parks eastern boundary, beyond the cliffs that form the far wall of the Valley of Goblins, is a massive cavernous formation known as The Goblins Lair. Not truly a cavern, the lair is actually a beautiful slot canyon, the entrance of which has been sealed by rock fall. Depending on time of day, light may pour in through ceiling vents more than 100 feet above the chamber floor. Once a secret gem known only to a few, a marked trail now guides visitors to the hikers entrance of...

#2 - Valley of the Goblins

4.7(876)

•Easy

•1.0 mi

Valley of the Goblin is an area open for exploration with no real trail system. Along the way, visitors see Goblin Valley from different perspectives.

#3 - Wild Horse Window

Wild Horse Window is an astonishing natural bridge in the Southeastern section of the San Rafael Swell. If you look directly west from the trailhead you will see the cave right from the road. Take the trail taking you down the hill. Continue through the wash and back up the other side and it will lead you to the rock hill you'll need to ascend. After about a mile, you’ll arrive at the opening. There are two openings that make it look like a giant pair of eyes watching over the valley...

#4 - Goblin Valley Trail

4.5(311)

•Moderate

•5.1 mi

This unofficial trail follows a wash through Goblin Valley State Park. Most people come to this park for the Goblin's Lair hike, but this is an alternative for those looking to get off the beaten path.

#5 - Carmel Canyon Trail

Enjoy this short but technical trail in Goblin Valley State Park. Along the way, visitors can see the unique features and landscape of this area, you get to travel through slot canyons as well as the vast open landscape. There's also an option to extend the hike to Molly’s Castle Overlook. A lot of this trail offers no shade, so make sure you pack water!

#6 - Curtis Bench Trail

A fairly east 2 mile out and back trail that follows the Curtis formation. The trail offers a unique overview of Goblin Valley as well as spectacular views of the Henry Mountains.

#7 - Wildhorse Canyon (Via Goblin Valley State Park)

This is a great little hike in the San Rafael Swell with a few interesting slots, and a couple of arches. While the hike is on BLM land within the Muddy Creek Wilderness, the trailhead is located in Goblin Valley State Park. Applicable regulations and fees apply. Take highway 24 south from Highway 70 to Temple Mountain Road westbound. In about 4 miles you’ll reach temple mountain junction with some BLM signage. Turn left here onto Goblin Valley Road. After about a half a mile, there are...

An adventuresome, moderately strenuous trail from the campground to the goblins and back. The trail follows a natural drainage that lends itself to those who enjoy discovering what is around the next corner.

#9 - Big Wild Horse Spur and Crack Canyon Trail

4.3(31)

•Moderate

•8.7 mi

#10 - Desert View Trail Loop

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Goblin Valley State Park requires a fee to enter.

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Trail reviews for Goblin Valley State Park

6,731 trailgoers Busiest in May

Otto Rodriguez

May 19, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

It totally unexpected end for a solid five hike in beautiful goblin Valley State Park.

Difficulty: Moderate

The Goblin's Lair (Chamber of the Basilisk)

Jennifer Sullivan

Jun 3, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkBathrooms available

So there really isn’t a designated trail; you can just wonder through the three goblin valleys however you like. I wish I had spent more time exploring the goblin valleys and skipped the hike to Goblin’ Lair. Contrary to what some have said, you cannot climb on the formations.

Difficulty: Easy

Valley of the Goblins

Jack Williams

May 1, 2025•Walking

Dog-friendlyGreat conditions

Easy trail, mostly sandy. Good overlook of Goblin Valley at end.

Difficulty: Easy

Curtis Bench Trail

Shannon Clark

Apr 7, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

What a great place! This was my first trip to Goblin Valley and I loved it. Plenty of parking, bathrooms at the parking lot, and uncrowded. It was hot and we meandered around quite a bit and went off trail to explore. So much to see. Take more water than you think you need!

The Goblin's Lair (Chamber of the Basilisk)

Janet Beaumont

Jun 18, 2024•Hiking

Good viewsNot crowdedBathrooms available

Did this hike first before seeing all the Goblins in Goblin Valley. Great introduction to the area with nice views. Had the trail to ourselves. The hike itself was fun navigating through the canyon. It wasn’t to tough but others could find it challenging.

Carmel Canyon Trail

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Goblin Valley State Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Goblin Valley State Park is The Goblin's Lair (Chamber of the Basilisk), which has a 4.6 star rating from 1,729 reviews. This trail is 2.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 203 ft.

What is the longest trail in Goblin Valley State Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Goblin Valley State Park is Big Wild Horse Spur and Crack Canyon Trail. This trail is estimated to be 8.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Goblin Valley State Park?

There are 16 trails in Goblin Valley State Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 4,029 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Goblin Valley State Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Goblin Valley State Park has you covered. Big Wild Horse Spur and Crack Canyon Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 541 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Wildhorse Canyon (Via Goblin Valley State Park), which will get you 390 ft of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Goblin Valley State Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Goblin Valley State Park and the most popular is Mollys Castle Spur Trail with an average 3.9 star rating from 8 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Goblin Valley State Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 biking trails in Goblin Valley State Park and the most popular is Desert View Trail Loop with an average 4.6 star rating from 39 community reviews.