Goblin Valley State Park
Family Vacations: Goblin Valley State Park
Our Adventures
Goblin Valley State Park holds a special place in our family story. As newlyweds, my husband introduced me to the valley on one of our first vacations. Together we explored the park while he eagerly revealed its secrets to me. From the start, I was enchanted by the almost other-worldly landscape, the endless places to climb and explore, and the stark beauty of the area.
Years later when we returned to Utah, now with a young family of five, the park called to us telling us to bring our children to experience this magical place. The park was right. Our children loved it and they continue to love it! They spend hours exploring the biggest, best playground in the world. Rocks rise into the sky. Caves hollowed out in the red sandstone cliffs beg to be explored. Narrow canyons lined with wild flowers and little lizards offer paths leading to untold discoveries. The park is open to full exploration with no constraining paths or rules except the universal rule that you leave things as you find them.
A mere three hour drive from Salt Lake City, Goblin Valley is an almost yearly trip for our now older family of six. No matter the weather or time of year, Goblin Valley remains a place of untold adventure and beauty like no other.
Places to Stay
Another little jewel of this often lesser known portion of Utah, is the almost ghost town of Green River. Left behind as I-70 replaced the old highways, Green River now serves as a brief resting place for weary travelers en route to destinations afar. Situated equidistant from such grand sites as
- Arches National Park,
- Canyonlands National Park, and
- Goblin Valley,
this quirky town provides several convenient, comfortable, and affordable hotels for the entire family. Our personal favorite is the Holiday Inn Express. Free breakfasts, double queen rooms (family suites too), and an indoor swimming pool make this hotel a vacation in its own right. There are also several other hotel chains, some local choices, and a few places perhaps left to the more adventurous.
Goblin Valley Stake Park has camping sites available too if that is what your family enjoys.
Places to Eat
A few chain restaurants line the exits to Green River. Being quick, cheap, and familiar, they are an easy choice. The town offers some local favorites as well including Ray’s Tavern and the Tamarisk Restaurant, which are both regionally recognized for their atmosphere and menu choices. Prices are generally reasonable with some cheap fare in the mix presenting choices for any budget.
Regardless of what your vacation plans may be for food and accommodations, any plan for your family that includes a visit to Goblin State Valley Park is a great plan!