Utah has many other-worldly spots, and Goblin Valley State Park often tops the list. The hoodoos and weird rock formations, surrounded by the stark, desert environment, can easily convince you that you’re no longer in Utah, but rather on the surface of Mars. In fact, this place looks so strange, that sci-fi movies such as Galaxy Quest have been filmed here.
The Goblin’s Lair hike is 3.5 miles, roundtrip. It takes you through the Goblin Valley, past hundreds of hoodoos, then up a steep slope to a hidden slot canyon.
mg44berlin/Tripadvisor This hike is considered moderately challenging. You’ll be exposed to full sun nearly the entire way, so bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen. You’ll also want sturdy hiking shoes. Never hike alone - bring a friend along!
You’ll start at the Carmel Canyon Trail, which takes you through the Goblin Valley, then branch off to the Goblin’s Lair Trail.
Ginas418/Tripadvisor
Rita B./Tripadvisor
The barren landscape really does make you feel as though you’re on another planet. This is Utah’s most unique kind of beauty - the vast, open desert under the blue sky.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
The sheer cliffs (also covered in hoodoo-type formations) are forbidding, but beautiful.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
You’ll get to the most difficult part of the hike near the end - this rock slide of boulders that you must traverse.
Ginas418/Tripadvisor
You can descend about 75 feet into the cavern by rappelling, but you can also gain access without technical skills.
Jess Lundberg/Alltrails
As you can see, accessing the Devil’s Lair this way is still rather treacherous. Go slowly, and take extra precautions to avoid falling.
David Porray/AllTrails
Once you’re inside, the Devil’s Lair is like a cathedral. The light filtering in from the top gives the entire cavern an ethereal glow.
David Porray/AllTrails
The trail takes you past some of Goblin Valley’s most iconic formations, including Molly’s Castle and Three Sisters.
Scott Gauvin/flickr
If you’ve timed your trip just right, you’ll even see wildflowers along the trail.
Jimmy Thomas/flickr
Have you hiked the Goblin’s Lair trail? Tell us about your adventure!
mg44berlin/Tripadvisor
This hike is considered moderately challenging. You’ll be exposed to full sun nearly the entire way, so bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen. You’ll also want sturdy hiking shoes. Never hike alone - bring a friend along!
Ginas418/Tripadvisor
Rita B./Tripadvisor
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
Jess Lundberg/Alltrails
David Porray/AllTrails
Scott Gauvin/flickr
Jimmy Thomas/flickr
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