Goblin Valley State Park, State park with rock formations in Emery County, United States
Goblin Valley State Park is a nature reserve in Emery County, Utah, where thousands of red sandstone spires spread across the desert floor. These towers carry rounded caps and look like mushroom-shaped formations or odd figures sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.
The area became known in the years after World War II, when travelers began to discover and photograph the geological shapes. Official protection as a state park followed in 1964, securing the preservation of the rock landscape for future generations.
The name Goblin Valley refers to the fairytale creatures the rock shapes resemble, with rounded heads and squat bodies. Visitors walk directly among the stone columns and experience the sensation of moving through a maze of petrified figures.
Camping areas sit near the entrance and provide starting points for hikes without fixed trails, where you walk freely among the rocks. Observation points at the edge of the valley offer an overview of the rock clusters before you descend into the formation.
The area has held International Dark Sky Park status for several years because light pollution here remains very low. The clear night sky allows you to see the Milky Way and distant star systems with the naked eye, making a visit worthwhile even after sunset.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
