Goblin Valley is a state park located in Utah.
Apparently, I went there as a child, but seeing as I was 3 or 4 years old I don’t remember it at all. Looking it up, You’ll find it’s near the 70, but a little out of the way if you’re traveling through the state. So, on a recent road trip I decided to make the detour and check it out.
Originally, I had planned to do this in the winter time, but as this was June I was greeted with 110 degree temperatures and a very nice Park Ranger. I asked her about the established trails and she said that they were fine, but it was good to go exploring though the goblins. Unlike most areas going off trail is allowed since all it takes is one rain storm and all traces that you’ve left behind are gone. So, I decided I’d leave the trails for another time and just do a three or four mile walk thorough the canyon and back.
As it was 110, when I arrived at the parking area there were no other cars. The campground was full and everyone seemed to be staying in the shade, eating lots of cold things, and just relaxing rather than hiking. Suits me fine as then you don’t have a lot of people in your photo’s that you debate about removing.
When you’re walking through the goblins it is easy to understand why they wanted to call it mushroom valley. My mind kept imagining that it should be seeing Alice and the Cheshire cat around the corner… or maybe super mario and luigi!
I was only there for a day, and next time I come back I’ll go on the established trails and check out Dead Horse Canyon which is nearby. I’m hoping that it won’t be too far in the future. Maybe later this year or next year!
