Hanksville, United States Guide
Goblin Valley State Park isn't a city, but a unique geological area located near Hanksville, Utah. It's famous for its thousands of hoodoos, also known as goblins, which are strange and otherworldly rock formations sculpted by erosion over millions of years. The park offers a surreal landscape perfect for hiking, camping, and stargazing. While Hanksville is the closest town, it's a small, rural community. The main draw is the park itself, offering a chance to explore a truly unique and unforgettable natural wonder. Visitors can hike among the goblins, explore slot canyons, and enjoy the dark night skies, perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
Food & Cuisine
Dining options in Hanksville are limited but functional. You'll find a few small restaurants and cafes offering basic American fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. The Hollow Mountain General Store is a good place to stock up on groceries and snacks for your visit to the park. Don't expect gourmet cuisine; the focus is on providing sustenance for travelers exploring the region.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Hanksville is virtually non-existent. The main attraction after dark is stargazing. Goblin Valley State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, offering incredible views of the night sky due to its remote location and minimal light pollution. Bring a telescope or simply lie back and enjoy the celestial display.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Goblin Valley State Park is during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). The weather during these months is generally mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), while winter can be cold and snowy.
Transportation
There is no public transportation to Goblin Valley State Park or Hanksville. The best way to get there is by car. You'll need your own vehicle to explore the park and the surrounding area. Consider renting a car in a larger city like Salt Lake City or Grand Junction.
Airport
The closest major airport is Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab, Utah, which is approximately 100 miles (160 km) from Goblin Valley State Park. From the airport, you'll need to rent a car to drive to the park. Another option is Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, Colorado, which is about 180 miles (290 km) away.
Attractions
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is known for its unique rock formations, resembling goblins, that are perfect for hiking and exploring. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and stargazing in this otherworldly landscape. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding desert and is a popular spot for photography and outdoor enthusiasts.
Wild Horse Window
Wild Horse Window is a natural arch formation located in Goblin Valley State Park. Visitors can hike to the arch and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding rock formations and desert scenery. The arch is a popular spot for photography and offers a unique perspective of the park's geological wonders.
Curtis Bench Trail
Curtis Bench Trail is a moderate hiking trail in Goblin Valley State Park that offers panoramic views of the unique rock formations and desert landscape. The trail is perfect for nature lovers and photographers looking to explore the park's beauty on foot.
Valley of the Goblins
Valley of the Goblins is the main attraction in Goblin Valley State Park, featuring thousands of unique rock formations that resemble goblins. Visitors can hike among the towering sandstone figures and explore the otherworldly landscape. The valley offers endless opportunities for photography and outdoor adventure in a truly surreal setting.
Goblin's Lair
Goblin's Lair is a hidden cave within Goblin Valley State Park that can be accessed via a challenging hike. The cave features unique rock formations and is a popular destination for adventurous visitors looking to explore the park's geological wonders. The hike to Goblin's Lair offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Factory Butte
Factory Butte is a prominent landmark in the remote desert landscape near Hanksville. The butte is a popular destination for off-road vehicle enthusiasts and photographers. The stark and otherworldly scenery offers a unique and memorable experience.
Day Trips
Goblin Valley State Park is a surreal landscape filled with thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations, called goblins. It's a fantastic place for hiking, exploring, and photography. The unique scenery makes it feel like you're on another planet. There are also opportunities for stargazing at night.
Approximately 1 hour by car Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon offer a fantastic slot canyon hiking experience. These canyons are relatively easy to navigate and provide stunning views of the narrow, sculpted sandstone walls. It's a great adventure for families and those new to slot canyon hiking.
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car Factory Butte is a prominent landmark in the remote desert landscape of Emery County. The area around Factory Butte is known for its badlands formations, offering unique and rugged scenery. It's a popular spot for off-road vehicle adventures and photography.
Approximately 1 hour by car Capitol Reef National Park protects a nearly 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth's crust known as the Waterpocket Fold. The park offers stunning scenery, including colorful canyons, cliffs, domes, and bridges. You can explore historic orchards, hike scenic trails, and drive the scenic byway.
Approximately 2 hours by car Bullfrog Marina is a gateway to the northern reaches of Lake Powell. Here you can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and exploring the lake's many canyons and inlets. It's a great place to escape the desert heat and enjoy water-based recreation.
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car The San Rafael Swell is a vast, uplifted anticline with canyons, mesas, and unique geological formations. While exploring the entire Swell in a day is impossible, you can choose a specific area to focus on, such as Buckhorn Wash (for petroglyphs) or the Wedge Overlook (the "Little Grand Canyon"). Research specific destinations within the Swell before you go.
Varies depending on the specific location within the Swell (1-2.5 hours driving) These slot canyons offer a fantastic introduction to canyoneering (though no technical gear is required for Little Wild Horse). Hike through narrow, winding passages carved by water over millennia. The towering sandstone walls and sculpted formations are truly breathtaking. Bell Canyon is more challenging and often combined with Little Wild Horse.
Approximately 1 hour driving to Goblin Valley, then a short drive to the trailhead Factory Butte is a prominent landmark near Hanksville, offering stunning views and opportunities for off-road adventures. The stark, eroded landscape is a photographer's dream, especially at sunrise and sunset. Be prepared for rugged terrain and limited facilities.
Approximately 30 minutes driving Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning geological wonderland, showcasing the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long warp in the earth's crust. Explore scenic drives, hike through narrow canyons, discover historic orchards, and marvel at the towering sandstone cliffs. Don't miss the Gifford House for homemade pies and ice cream!
Approximately 1.5 hours driving While the entire Lake Powell area is vast, a day trip to Bullfrog Marina offers a taste of this iconic reservoir. Rent a boat, go fishing, or simply enjoy the views of the towering sandstone cliffs rising from the water. It's a great way to cool off during the hot desert months.
Approximately 1.5 hours driving Step into a surreal landscape at Goblin Valley State Park, where thousands of bizarre, mushroom-shaped rock formations (goblins!) create a playground for the imagination. Hike among the goblins, explore hidden canyons, and enjoy the otherworldly scenery. It's a fantastic place for families and photographers alike.
Approximately 1 hour driving Goblin Valley State Park
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Little Wild Horse Canyon & Bell Canyon
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Factory Butte
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Capitol Reef National Park
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Lake Powell (Bullfrog Marina)
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San Rafael Swell (various points)
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Little Wild Horse Canyon & Bell Canyon
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Factory Butte
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Capitol Reef National Park
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Lake Powell (Bullfrog Marina)
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Goblin Valley State Park
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