Things to Do

Mountain Biking

Goblin Valley offers a unique experience on the Wild Horse Mountain Biking Trail System. Divided into five loops, these trails bring visitors into an area of the park seldom visited, with a number of incredible sweeping vistas. The trails are beginner to intermediate in difficulty. The park is also located near many other riding options in the San Rafael Swell.

Trail Map

Trail Rules:

• Bikes must stay on designated trails only.
• No cross-country riding.
• Bikes must yield to other trail users.
• Dogs must be leashed.
• No motorized vehicles including electric motorcycles.
• Class 1 ebikes are allowed (pedal assist). No class 2 or 3.
• Avoid trails when muddy.

Disc Golf

Our redesigned disc golf course is now open, offering adventures and challenges for everyone! The first eleven holes extend over relatively flat terrain, with sweeping vistas of the Henry Mountains and Valley of the Goblins. A link with the Curtis Bench hiking trail then allows a leisurely return to your vehicle.

For those wishing to play the whole course, holes 12-20 extend through winding and dramatic canyons with some sand dune fields mixed in. Steep climbs and descents are required, with a total distance of approximately two miles. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water.

The course is free to play, and discs can be rented for $1 each.

Dark Skies

Yeah, it’s impressive! In June 2015, the National Park Service’s Night Sky Team visited us and determined that we have one of the darkest night skies on earth! As an International Dark Sky Park, we are virtually free of any light pollution from populated areas.

Goblin Valley State Park offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way and makes a great destination for constellation viewing, astrophotography and telescope viewing. A variety of ranger-led events, including moonlit hikes and telescope tours, are conducted throughout the year in order to aid in your enjoyment of this unique resource and to teach the importance of protecting dark skies for health and for wildlife.

To help protect our night skies and limit impacts to other users, please limit your use of lights to only what you need, including in the campground. Red lights are encouraged as they do not impact night vision. Please do not utilize bright spotlights or shine your lights on the rock walls. All park lighting complies with Dark Sky International standards.

Off-Highway Vehicles

Goblin Valley is a great place to visit with your OHV or dirt bike! While there are no designated trails within the main fee area, multiple trails start within park boundaries, and the park itself is a great basecamp for exploring the 100’s of miles of trails in the San Rafael Swell. The dispersed camping areas behind Wildhorse Butte include an OHV trailhead suitable for trailer parking, connecting directly to the Wildhorse Creek Trail (BLM 7217).

Drone Regulations

A permit is required for any drone flights within the boundaries of Goblin Valley State Park year-round. Permits are $15 per day. Drone permits are issued in-person at the Visitor Center and are not available in advance.

Busy Season: March 1-October 31

• No drones will be allowed on weekends or holidays March 1-October 31.
• No more than 2 drone permits will be issued per hour, Monday-Friday (10 maximum for the day).
• No drone permits will be issued when the park is at capacity.
• Drones may only be flown over Valley 1 and must be flown from the drone platform at the Observation Point.
• No drone use will be permitted in any other section within the park fee area.
• Drone permits required are for all non-fee areas in the park. No flying permitted over occupied dispersed campsites.
• Drone permits may be issued one day in advance for early morning flying.
• Drone permits will not be issued on any days when the park is at capacity or special events are occurring.

Off-Season: October 31-February

• Drones will be allowed 7 days per week.
• Drones may only be flown over Valley 1 and must be flown from the drone platform at the Observation Point.
• Drone permits required for all non-fee areas in the park. No flying permitted over occupied dispersed campsites.
• Drone permits may be issued one day in advance for early morning flying.