Looking for a unique dog friendly destination place to visit with your dog? Check out Goblin Valley State Park, only 1.5 hours outside Moab/Arches National Park. Unlike Arches, Goblin Valley State Park is completely dog friendly and a great place to roam around with your dog without the crowds.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Operating Hours: The park is open 7am-10pm year-round
Fees: $20 per vehicle
Weather: The weather can change drastically in the desert. Summer can bring extreme heat and afternoon thunderstorms that threaten lightning strikes and flash floods in nearby slot canyons.
Food: There is none! Bring your own food and water for yourself and your dog.
Pets: Pets must be on a maximum 6 foot leash and under control. Pick up after your dog and carry out.
Be Prepared: Prepare for you and your dog. Bring extra water and plan on visiting during cooler months or times of day.
Why We Loved Goblin Valley
The Goblin Valleys, featuring thousands of unique hoodoos, are open to free-wander hiking, with no designated trails. This means you can wander around with your dog without being confined to a path with other humans and dogs, making it one of the most reactive dog-friendly destinations we’ve been to.
WHAT ARE HOODOOS?
Hoodoos are formed from the gradual erosion of sandstone due to wind and rain. The softer rock on the bottom is more easily eroded than the harder stone on top, resulting in the smooth, rounded-cap “goblins.” Walking around, you’ll be convinced you’ve landed on Mars.
WHAT TO DO
Goblin Valleys
Free-wander hike through three square miles of unique hoodoos
The Three Sisters
Quick, easy hike from the road to a rock formation of three hoodoos
Carmel Canyon Hike
1.5 mile “moderately strenuous” loop hike with views of Goblin Valley
Curtis Bench Hike
2.1 mile out-and-back “fairly easy” hike with views of Goblin Valley and the Henry Mountains
Entrada Canyon Hike
“Moderately strenuous” 1.3 mile one-way trail from the campgrounds to goblins and back
Goblin’s Lair Hike
Strenuous 3 mile out-and-back with views of Molly’s Castle and the Gilson Buttes. Basic bouldering skills are needed to descend into the dimly lit slot canyon called Goblin’s Lair
WHERE TO STAY
Camping at Goblin Valley
The park has a 24-site campground, group site, and two yurts equipped with restroom and shower facilities. No electrical hookups. Reservations can be made online.
Nearby Destinations
Hanksville: 35 minutes
Moab: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Capitol Reef: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Salt Lake City: 3 hours and 30 minutes
