“Stepping out onto any lookout, you are invited to connect with an amazing example of some of the most unusual terrain on this planet, making you feel as though you are stepping foot on the edge of another world.”
Stefanie Payne
After our road trip detour to Arches National Park, we were on our way to Goblin Valley for the night. I wasn’t really expecting much. It was just a place to sleep before we hit the road again in the morning. I hadn’t researched anything about it. I just knew it has some strange rock formations. As we were driving through some middle of nowhere desert roads, it was getting dark. It was a new moon and the only light guiding us were emanating from our high beams.
We passed the “Welcome to Goblin Valley” sign and followed the road in. The next task was finding our campsite. In pitch black, this was quite the challenge. It was around 10 at night and we had to balance not blinding people in their tents and actually finding our campsite. After about 10 minutes we found our campsite, parked, and got out of the car.
Holy Milky Way – Goblin Valley’s Biggest Secret!
Turns out, Goblin Valley is one of the darkest skies in the world. We got out of the car and looked up. What I saw cannot be described in words. It was simply one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. The sky was clear and moonless. In front of our eyes was the center of the Milky Way staring right back at us. No sensitive photography equipment needed. You could see it, in it’s entirety, with your naked eye. It was spectacular. It was one of the top highlights of our trip, and it was completely unexpected. After sitting, staring in awe, and taking some photos, we set up camp and called it a night.
Why is it called Goblin Valley?
People come to visit Goblin Valley for the dark skies, but they also come to see the Valley of the Goblins. These are some crazy looking sandstone formations formed during the Jurassica Period Millions of years ago. The result is hundreds of mushroom formations scattered throughout what used to be a sea. As you climb down into the valley you are free to explore the formations and walk through this bizarre landscape.
Will I Be Back?
Although I thought that Goblin Valley would just be a quick pitstop on our adventure, it turned out to be something I can’t wait to see again. I will definitely be back to visit. I would drive the 10+ hours from my house just to stare into those stars once again. It was an incredible out of this world experience.
TL;DR
I didn’t expect much, but Goblin Valley turned out to be something I’ll never forget. Come for the night sky and explore the Valley of the Goblins.
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Get More Info
Get more info from the source at https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/
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