Goblin Valley State Park

Green River Utah Parks , Utah State Parks

Welcome to Goblin Valley State Park located in Green River Utah.  

Park History: The first known white men to discover Goblin Valley were cowboys in search of their cattle. In the 1920's Arthur Chaffin, who owned and operated the Hite ferry, discovered Goblin Valley while seeking an alternate route between Cainsville and Green River. They were awed at the valley's unusually shaped rocks and five buttes surrounded by eroded cliffs. Chaffin called the area Mushroom Valley and returned to the area in 1949 to explore and take pictures. The name Goblin Valley comes from the fact that Goblins inhabited this land before the arrival of Native Americans (No actually that's a RecPlanet Joke). The name's real roots derive from the park's unique geological history. The park's sandstone cliffs show parallel layers of rock worn down by erosion. Due to the fact that that sandstone has an uneven hardness, some patches were able to resist the erosion better than other patches and the softer material is removed by water and wind leaving thousands of geologic goblins. The 1999 film Galaxy Quest starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Allen Rickman has scenes that were filmed in Goblin Valley State Park due to the Martian like rocks of the region.  

For the lover of the outdoors this park boasts campgrounds (no electrical hookups), beautiful scenery, and so much more. Come on out and explore.

To contact the park office please call 435-275-4584.