Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into CNY, drive to Goblin Valley
1 h 45 min drive85 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- CNY
Airport drive- 1 h 45 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 1–2 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for exploring the surrounding San Rafael Swell, though the main park road is accessible to cars.
Your route
CNY
Canyonlands Regional Airport
Goblin Valley
About 1 h 45 min · 85 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to CNY
Compare fares into Canyonlands Regional Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at CNY
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Goblin Valley. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at CNY
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Goblin Valley
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
March – May, September – October
Your route
Day 1 · Introduction to the Goblins
Valley of Goblins → Observation Point
Day 2 · High Desert Benches
Curtis Bench Trail → Carmel Canyon
Day 3 · San Rafael Swell Exploration
Little Wild Horse Canyon → Bell Canyon
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 separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Goblin Valley
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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Goblin Valley?
Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from CNY to Goblin Valley?
Roughly 1 h 45 min (about 85 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Goblin Valley?
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.
