Goblin Valley State Park

The goblins are hoodoos formed in Entrada sandstone, where a harder cap layer protects softer rock beneath and erosion leaves squat mushroom shapes rather than the tall spires of Bryce - thousands of them across a basin a few kilometres wide. What makes the park unusual in Utah is the freedom: there are no marked trails in the main valley and visitors are simply allowed to wander among and climb on the formations, which is close to unheard of at comparable sites. That openness produced an incident in 2013 when three men deliberately toppled a hoodoo and filmed it, drawing prosecution. It is an International Dark Sky Park, and the surrounding San Rafael Swell holds slot canyons.

What you actually see

• Thousands of squat hoodoos - Entrada sandstone with harder caps.
• No marked trails in the main valley - free wandering, unusual in Utah.
• A dark sky park - very little light pollution.
• The San Rafael Swell around it - slot canyons and desert.

When to go

March to May and September to November; summer heat is extreme. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Summer temperatures are dangerous with no shade at all. Formations are fragile - climbing is allowed but damage is prosecuted. Water must be carried. It is a long drive from anywhere with services.

Nearby

Little Wild Horse slot canyon is close; Capitol Reef is south-west.