Goblin Valley State Park is located in the middle of the San Rafael Desert about two and a half hours west of Moab on Interstate 70 and another 24 miles south on Highway 24. This area is very desolate and prone to high winds and blowing sand.
This is a good location to use as a base to explore the surrounding San Rafael Reef area and Horseshoe Canyon, the western most unit of Canyonlands, which includes The Great Gallery.
From deposits spread over the area 170 million years ago by a vast inland sea, Goblin Valley has been sculpted by forces of nature such as ground uplift and erosion by wind and water. Results of these geologic forces are witnessed in the stone gnomes inhabiting the valley.
Many science fiction movies have been filmed here, including Galaxy Quest, because of its unearthly scenery and bizarre landscape. Scores of intricately eroded creatures greet you at every turn.
© Scenic Vista Photography
