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Goblin Valley State Park
When cowboys stumbled across Goblin Valley in the late 1800s, they found the rock formations a bit spooky.
Goblin Valley is a popular weekend spot during the winter.
Ravell Call, Deseret News |
The view of sandstone boulders, composed of Navajo sandstone, balanced delicately on weathered mudstone or Entrada sandstone creates the illusion of a valley of alien beings or misshapen animals.
For the past 50 years, Utahns have flocked by the thousands to see the unique formations, and to camp. To preserve the natural wonder, the area was designated a state park about 25 years ago.
Goblin Valley State Park is located in the middle of most of southern Utah's attractions. The state park is about 230 miles south of Salt Lake City, 35 miles northwest of Hanksville and 48 miles south of Green River.
The foundation for Goblin Valley was laid more than 150 million years ago. Erosion cut away at the valley, which was once covered by water. The silty sandstone at the top was washed away, as was the second layer of silt and sand, exposing the Navajo and Entrada sandstone.
Rainstorms, snowstorms and other precipitation slowly ate away at the more porous Entrada foundation. Since the Entrada layer erodes faster than the Navajo layer, the larger sandstones sit atop the smaller stems.
Snow blankets Goblin Valley.
Ravell Call, Deseret News |
Not only is Goblin Valley, which is open all year, a great place for hikes and hide-and-seek, but it also offers camping for $12 a night at a 21-unit site. Entrance fee to the park is $4 per vehicle.
To avoid crowds and sizzling summer temperatures, the best time to visit Goblin Valley is late fall, winter and early spring. More information on the park is available by calling 1-435-564-3633.
For more information go to parks.state.ut.us/parks/www1/gobl.htm.
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