Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Goblin Valley
Know before you go
Main Overlook Capacity
The primary parking area near the goblins can fill during spring break and autumn weekends. Arrive before 10 AM to secure a spot near the valley stairs.
Remote Desert Dead Zones
Expect zero cellular reception once you turn off the main highway toward the park. A physical map or offline GPS is essential for navigating the San Rafael Swell area.
Last Chance Supplies
Fuel and groceries are unavailable at the park; the closest reliable services are in Hanksville or Green River. Check your gauges before departing these towns for the desert.
Seasonal Heat Safety
Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F with no natural shade in the valley. Spring and fall offer the safest hiking conditions for most travelers.
Unpaved Road Conditions
While the main road to the park is paved, many nearby sights in the Swell require driving on graded dirt. These roads can become impassable for all vehicles immediately following rain.
Check current conditions:Utah State Parks
2RVs, campervans & cars near CNY
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to CNY
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at CNY
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at CNY
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at CNY
- ✓ Compare suppliers at CNY
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at CNY
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at CNYA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Goblin Valley
- 01
Introduction to the Goblins
Suggested: 9 AM from Green River
Valley of Goblins
Wander freely among thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone hoodoos in the main valley floor.
Observation Point
View the Three Sisters formation and get a panoramic perspective of the geological labyrinth.
Allow 1.5 hours from Green River; conditions vary on Temple Mountain Road.
Wandering off-trail is permitted in the valley, but keep the overlook in sight to maintain orientation.
Pick up your vehicle at CNY → - 02
High Desert Benches
Suggested: 8 AM from the Campground
Curtis Bench Trail
Follow the ridge for views of the Henry Mountains and the unique perspective of the valley below.
Carmel Canyon
Explore the twisted eroded layers on this loop trail that highlights the park's diverse desert textures.
Minimal driving within the park; conditions vary by sand accumulation.
Desert heat can be intense by midday; plan your longer walks for the cooler morning hours.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
San Rafael Swell Exploration
Suggested: 8 AM from Goblin Valley
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Experience a classic non-technical slot canyon just outside the park boundary.
Bell Canyon
Complete the loop from Little Wild Horse for a full day of desert wash hiking.
Allow 30 minutes to the trailhead; conditions vary on unpaved access roads.
Never enter slot canyons if there is any forecast of rain in the regional drainage area.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
State Park Entry and Yurt Reservations
Entry is managed by Utah State Parks and may require a day-use fee at the gate. Overnight stays in the limited park yurts or developed campground should be booked months in advance via the official state portal to guarantee a spot in this remote desert location.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
CNYGoblin Valley
Canyonlands Regional Airport · 1 h 45 min drive
Find flights to CNY
Plan your road trip
From Canyonlands Regional Airport
1 h 45 min
about 85 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Goblin Valley on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Goblin Valley on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Goblin Valley
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Goblin Valley
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Goblin Valley
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Goblin Valley
Explore guided activities around Goblin Valley. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Goblin Valley
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
