Strange Hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

Strange Hoodoos of Goblin Valley could be one of the weirdest and most wonderful places in Utah, United States. It is situated in Goblin Valley in Emery County, between the towns of Green River and Hanksville. In 1954, the property was acquired by the state of Utah, and the Goblin Valley State Reserve was established. It was officially designated a state park in 1964.

The Strange Hoodoos of Goblin Valley are about a mile across and two miles long, filled with thousands of strange hoodoos eroded from sandstone rocks, carved by the wind and the water into shapes signifying mythical goblins and other phantasmagoric creatures.

The most impressive formations are three separate hoodoos, each immense in size, located on top of a narrow ridge surrounded by flat, grassy ground that stretches for miles. The strange hoodoos were formed by the erosion of the so-called “Entrada sandstone,”  which was formed during the Jurassic period somewhere between 190 and 140 million years ago.

This area was situated next to an ancient sea. These strange shapes were created due to “Entrada sandstone,” which is made up of different kinds of sedimentary rocks with different levels of hardness, causing the rocks to erode at different rates. Therefore, the softer rock material eroded more rapidly, sending the harder rock behind in the shape of “goblins.”. A trip to this strange and colorful valley is unlike any other place in Utah.

The landscape, covered with sandstone goblins and formations, is often compared to Mars. Explore the geology and camp among the nooks and crannies. The secluded Goblin Valley was first discovered by cowboys searching for their cattle.

In the late 1920s, “Arthur Chaffin,”  the later owner of the Hite Ferry, along with his companions, were searching for an alternate route between Green River and Caineville when they came to an old point around 1 mile west of Goblin Valley.

Chaffin and his friends were awed by what they saw: five buttes and a valley of strange, goblin-shaped rock formations fenced by a wall of eroded cliffs. It was given the name of Mushroom Valley by Chaffin. However, he returned to it in 1949 and spent numerous days exploring the secretive valley and photographing its scores of intricately eroded rocks.

Moreover, vegetation is limited to hardy desert species that can endure blowing sand and hot, dry surface conditions that exist on a limited supply of water in the arid desert environment. Animals every so often travel several miles to find water or else wait for thunderstorms to provide moisture. Mostly Jackrabbits, kangaroo, scorpions, rats, kit foxes, pronghorns, midget faded rattlers, lizards, and coyotes are found within and near the park.

The Goblin Valley is a most-liked destination for filmmakers. Though Goblin Valley is a wonderful place to hike around and ogle at the goblins, take care to leave no trace and respect the space! If you ever want to visit Goblin Valley, the park has a short, naturalist-guided trail called “The Fallen Goblin,” which was inspired by the occurrence. 

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Source: Wikipedia