Walking Goblin Valley

On the eastern edge of the Waterpocket Fold in Utah we find Goblin Valley State Park. Wait–what fold, what valley? Well, come on along and see!

The Waterpocket Fold is a wrinkle in the earth’s surface that runs about 100 miles north/south. Geologically it is a classic monocline with a steep wall about 7,000 feet higher on the western edge than the more horizontal layers on the east. This feature runs through the center of Capitol Reef National Park and is the main reason the area became a national park. It will be a new adventure to visit Capitol Reef. Stay tuned, that adventure may happen soon.

Unique Goblin Valley sits in the San Rafael Desert, southeast of the section of the Fold known as the San Rafael Swell. Thankfully it is February with bright sun, no wind, and 56 degrees. This is a never-do-in-the-summer place for me with many days over 100 degrees–again, bright sun and no wind. The warning is always well publicized–bring lots of water, slather sunscreen, and be sure to wear a hat!

Near the park’s entrance is beautiful Wild Horse Butte which we saw behind the park sign in the first picture. From this angle it looks different, more massive.

Of all the resources I have and all I searched, the best explanation of this park’s amazing geology is from the Utah DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Goblin Valley State Park brochure. The four formations pictured at right below can easily be seen on Wild Horse Butte. In the Valley we will only see the Curtis Formation and red Entrada Sandstone, the same rock from which the arches are created in Arches National Park. As the crow flies, Arches is about 50 miles east of Goblin Valley.

Turning left for the short drive to the Valley, we see our first fascinating and iconic formation, The Three Sisters. Many souvenirs in the Visitor Center have a likeness of this formation. Can you pick them out on the brochure above?

Closer to the Valley, we see remnants of sand dunes and tall hoodoos. What’s a hoodoo you ask? Check it out.

Oh my! I’ll give you a look in sections, this is too good not to. Here we have the First Valley of the three valleys found in the park. We are looking northeast over once-upon-a-time sand dunes.

Closer view northeast. Notice the white Curtis Formation atop the cliffs at back.

Looking east.

Southeast . . .

South with the Henry Mountains in the background. There’s the stairs to the Valley, let’s go.

Here we are at eye level with formations of many shapes and sizes. Very glad we have the observation area we walked down from as our directional checkpoint. It gets a bit confusing in among the rocks. Let’s go find some goblins.

Many formations look more like mushrooms than goblins. Then again, I’ve never seen a real goblin, have you?

If this is the goblin army, are those tall rocks jutting out from the wall at far right the generals? Just askin’ 😉

The vivid white hard sandstone cap rocks (Curtis Formation) are beautiful atop the red sandstone (Entrada). The caps are slowing the erosion of the red rock which is softer sandstone.

Hmmm . . . still seeing mushrooms.

Little nooks and crannies to explore all around the valley.

This entire valley sits on bedrock. That means when it rains the water will not seep into the ground, the rock is too hard. The result? Splashing through standing water and if it rains hard enough, flash floods on the downslopes. Happily no rain is predicted. Then again annual precipitation is only about 8 inches and most falls during summer thunderstorms.

Ahh, a goblin, and there’s more . . .

That white rock is called southern white dome, no official name. The Second Valley of Goblins, another outcropping of hoodoos, is behind and left of white dome. The Third Valley of Goblins requires quite a walk which we will not do. Besides, they make it clear in bold print:  Experience in desert backcountry navigation is required, and it is advisable to both study aerial photography of the area and to bring along a handheld GPS unit. Sounds a little scary and I’m totally not prepared. Well, let’s enjoy what we have here.

Is there something on top of white dome?

Sure enough. Making it to the summit to me equals mountaineering. Good job!

Up and out of the First Valley, we’ll take one more walk to the outside of its northern wall. Below is a maze you can walk but be careful going down. An established trail is down below, but you can walk wherever you like within and outside the maze. In this park there are a handful of established trails, but you can walk and explore as you please. That is not usual in state and national parks so the chance to randomly explore is fun.

This landmark formation is Molly’s Castle, about half a mile north of the park’s boundary. Standing 5,265 feet high and sitting alone on the desert floor, you can see it from quite a distance east. Note the sizable white Curtis Formation on top.

Talk about mazes! And here is your adventure, to make it to Molly’s Castle. Think I’d take the long route in the desert–in winter.

This has been such fun and hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Until next time my friend . . .