Goblin’s Lair Hike in Goblin Valley State Park, Utah: Map & Tips

In Search of Goblins

Last November, my husband had a work meeting in Park City, Utah. Not one to miss out on an adventure opportunity, I (rather easily) persuaded him to extend the trip into Southern Utah and to take me along. And so, I planned a road trip that took us to unique landscapes.

A good friend of mine grew up in northern Utah, and she returns “home” regularly to see family. She is an avid outdoors person, and I trust every suggestion that she has ever made. True to form, she did not steer me in the wrong direction when she strongly suggested that we hike in Goblin Valley State Park.

Let me begin my recap with a “spoiler alert.” There are no living goblins in this state park. We hiked to the two Lairs, and while each cave was pretty cool, there was not a single goblin in sight! As a huge Tolkien fan who rereads The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series annually, I was disappointed. I thought for sure that my grandkid storytelling would go up several notches by relaying how we, Grammy and Grandpa, outsmarted a bunch of big oofs.

Alas, Gandalf and the sun beat us to the punch, as all of the goblins were already turned to sandstone in the Valley. Despite that plot twist, we enjoyed a fantastic hike in a purely magical landscape.

About Goblin Valley State Park

Located in central Utah, between Capitol Reef National Park and Arches National Park, Goblin Valley State Park is known for its thousands of sandstone formations resembling goblins scattered across the desert floor. Established as a state park in 1964, the otherworldly landscape has become one of Utah’s most unique outdoor destinations.

The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and features a visitor center, restrooms, campground, picnic areas, hiking trails, mountain biking opportunities, and access to several geologic wonders, including the Goblin’s Lair. An entrance fee is required to enter the park (see current pricing here).

Trailhead & Parking for Goblin’s Lair

The hike to Goblin’s Lair begins from the Valley of the Goblins parking area inside Goblin Valley State Park. After entering the park, continue past the visitor center and follow the road to the main parking lot overlooking the valley. Restrooms are available near the trailhead.

Park Entrance Address

18630 Goblin Valley Road
Green River, UT 84525

An entrance fee is required to enter the park. Check the official park website for current rates before your visit.

Distance from Nearby Destinations

• Green River: 50 miles (about 1 hour)
• Hanksville: 30 miles (about 35 minutes)
• Capitol Reef National Park: 55 miles (about 1 hour)
• Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky): 70 miles (about 1 hour 20 minutes)
• Arches National Park: 95 miles (about 1 hour 45 minutes)

Hiking to Goblin’s Lair

The hike to Goblin’s Lair is approximately 3 miles out and back, making it a relatively short adventure that delivers unique scenery for the effort.

From the Valley of the Goblins parking area, begin on the Carmel Canyon Trail and follow it into the heart of the park. After a short distance, watch for the signed junction with the Goblin’s Lair Trail and bear right. The route wraps around the back side of a large sandstone butte before gradually climbing toward the lairs.

The trail consists primarily of sand, packed dirt, and sections of exposed rock. Navigation is straightforward, and most hikers should have little difficulty following the route. Near the end of the hike, optional rock scrambles provide access to both Goblin’s Lair and Goblette’s Lair. While the scrambling is not particularly technical, you’ll want to watch your footing on the uneven sandstone.

The map below includes both our route to the lairs and additional exploration through the Valley of the Goblins. The teal route marks the approximately 3-mile out-and-back hike to Goblin’s Lair, while the purple route shows our wandering among the goblins after returning to the valley floor. Click the image or the caption to access the map in AllTrails.

If this is your first visit, I highly recommend setting aside extra time to explore the goblins beyond the main hike. Some of the park’s most interesting formations are found simply by walking and seeing what catches your eye.

Trail Map & Overview of the Goblin’s Lair Trail

Hike difficulty classifications (link)
Difficulty	Moderate
Geographic location	Southwestern Utah
Trailhead parking options	18630 Goblin Valley Road Green River, UT 84525
Trail amenities	Visitor Center (entrance), restrooms, camping; Entrance Fee
Elevation – trailhead	4,064′
Elevation – highest peak	4,967′
Elevation gain	315′
Total mileage	3 miles
Water sources	Restroom and water fountain at trailhead
Highlights	Unique sandstone buttes and “goblin” hoodoos

Protecting Goblin Valley

Goblin Valley’s unusual landscape is surprisingly fragile. Please stay on established routes whenever possible, avoid climbing on formations that are closed to visitors, and pack out everything you bring into the park. Following Leave No Trace principles helps ensure future visitors can enjoy the same experience.

Goblin Valley is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has exceptionally low levels of light pollution. If you’re spending the night in the area, consider sticking around after sunset. On a clear evening, the stars put on a show that rivals the sandstone formations below.

Learn More About Goblin Valley State Park & Nearby Adventures