Goblin Valley

Goblin Valley is a desert valley in Emery County where thousands of sandstone formations rise from the ground like mushrooms with broad caps. The landscape features distinctive orange-brown towers and pedestals created by uneven erosion patterns across the valley floor.

Arthur Chaffin discovered this valley in the 1920s while exploring an alternative travel route through the region. The area gained protected status to preserve its unusual geological formations for the future.

Native American tribes including Fremont, Paiute, and Ute left their marks in the area through pictograph and petroglyph panels across the San Rafael Swell.

Visitors can explore the various trails at their own pace since they range from easy to challenging routes. The area is dry and hot, so bringing plenty of water and starting early in the day makes the experience more comfortable.

The distinctive rock towers form through a special erosion process where harder stone layers protect softer sandstone beneath them. This creates the mushroom-like shapes that give the place its memorable character and name.

Location: Emery County

GPS coordinates: 38.53806,-110.71333

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:09