Goblin Valley State Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Exploring Goblin Valley State Park becomes an engaging adventure with the Self-Guided Audio Tour offered by Shaka Guide Apps. Priced at $9.99 per group (up to 15 people), this tour provides a flexible and immersive way to experience the park at your own pace. The tour spans approximately 5 to 6 hours, making it suitable for a leisurely day of discovery. It includes GPS turn-by-turn directions, offline maps, and audio narration rich with stories, travel tips, and music.

What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on scenic drives, geological wonders, and interactive stops. It’s ideal for families, small groups, or solo explorers eager to explore Goblin Valley without the constraints of a fixed schedule. While the admission fee of $20 per vehicle is not included, the tour’s affordability combined with the ability to start, pause, and resume at will makes it a practical choice for flexible travelers.

Key Points

• Affordable private tour at $9.99 per group with no expiration or scheduling restrictions.
• Self-paced exploration with GPS-guided narration that activates automatically during driving.
• Includes stops at iconic locations like the Goblin Overlook and Three Sisters, plus archaeological sites and scenic trails.
• Suitable for all ages, with interactive games, wildlife spotting, and fun facts making it family-friendly.
• No WiFi needed thanks to offline maps, with parking and entrance fees separate costs.
• Customizable start time and flexible itinerary ensure a personalized experience.

Exploring Goblin Valley’s Scenic Drive and Geology

The tour begins on Highway 24, roughly 20 miles north of Hanksville and 37 miles south of Green River. As your vehicle cruises the desert landscape, the audio narration introduces the valley’s creation and the geological forces that shaped its whimsical goblin formations. The scenic drive offers a relaxed way to take in the diverse desert scenery while learning about the natural history behind these strange rock structures.

Throughout the drive, the narration plays automatically, making it easy to focus on the views. The tour never expires, so it’s perfect for flexible schedules, allowing you to start at any time between 12:00 AM and 11:30 PM. The offline map guarantees seamless navigation even without cellular service.

Visiting Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel

One of the first highlights on the tour is the Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel. This easy-to-reach site features over 6 ft tall pictographs depicting dogs, animals, human figures, and symbols. The artwork offers a glimpse into ancient times, showcasing rock art created by early inhabitants. The 15-minute stop provides an opportunity to appreciate these prehistoric drawings without overwhelming your schedule.

Since the site is accessible via a short trail, it’s suitable for visitors of all ages and physical abilities. The free admission makes it an accessible starting point for your adventure.

Hiking the Wild Horse Window Trail

Next, the tour guides you to the Wild Horse Window Trailhead, where a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail awaits. This moderately challenging hike takes about an hour and leads to a scenic rock formation with a natural window carved through it. The trail offers views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to stretch your legs amidst stunning desert scenery.

The trail’s moderate difficulty means it’s suitable for most hikers, but it requires moderate effort. The free access to this trail helps keep the overall trip budget friendly. This stop provides an excellent balance of active exploration and sightseeing.

Discovering the Goblin Valley State Park Visitor Center

The Visitor Center marks a convenient point for information, restrooms, and a chance to chat with a park ranger. The renovated restrooms feature flushing toilets, enhancing comfort during your stop. Although the admission fee of $20 per vehicle is not included in the tour price, visiting the center helps plan the rest of your day with programs and park updates.

Spending 15 minutes here allows for a quick break, refreshments, and gathering insights about the park’s geology and history. The center acts as a hub for planning further explorations, such as additional hikes or viewpoints.

Panoramic Views from Goblin Overlook

The Goblin Overlook is a highlight for breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and its goblin formations. This 3-hour stop invites visitors to breathe in the desert air and take plenty of photos of the whimsical landscape. The audio narration guides you through the geological processes that created the goblin structures, enriching the viewing experience.

Since this stop is longer, it’s perfect for photography, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking in the unique scenery. The free admission and self-guided nature of the tour make it easy to spend as much or as little time as desired.

The Iconic Three Sisters Rock Pillars

A short visit to the Three Sisters provides a close-up view of the three distinctive rock pillars that give the site its name. The 15-minute stop highlights the distinctive shapes and the natural forces that shaped these pillars. It’s a popular photo spot and a key feature that encapsulates the park’s whimsical character.

This stop is straightforward and accessible, ideal for quick visits or extended photography sessions. It’s a must-see for a snapshot of Goblin Valley’s iconic landscape.

Exploring Entrada Canyon and Wild Horse Canyon Trails

The Entrada Canyon Trailhead offers a gentle, easy 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that takes roughly 40 minutes to complete. It showcases the desert’s geological layers and features scenic canyon views. The trail is suitable for casual hikers and families.

Meanwhile, the Little Wild Horse Canyon is another family-friendly slot canyon featuring narrows that require turning sideways to pass through. This 15-minute stop provides a chance to experience narrow canyon passages safely, with minimal physical difficulty. Both trails add variety to the tour, blending hiking with sightseeing.

Flexibility and Customization of the Self-Guided Tour

One of the tour’s key benefits is the ability to start, pause, and resume at any time, thanks to the downloadable app. The tour is private and meant solely for your group, offering an uncrowded experience. You can skip stops or spend extra time at favorites, and the offline maps ensure navigation without internet.

Beginners or seasoned explorers appreciate the turn-by-turn directions and audio narration that enhance the journey. The $9.99 fee covers the entire group, making it a cost-effective way to explore Goblin Valley with complete flexibility.

Practical Details and Planning Tips

The tour starts on Highway 24, with easy access from nearby towns. The meeting point is well-marked, and the activity ends back at the start point. The availability from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM provides ample timing options, and booking 28 days in advance is typical.

Parking fees of $20 per vehicle are not included, and travelers should plan to budget for this. Since the tour is self-guided, no guide is needed, and the experience is designed for those comfortable with driving and navigating independently.

Final Thoughts on the Goblin Valley Self-Guided Audio Tour

This self-guided tour offers an affordable, flexible, and informative way to explore Goblin Valley State Park. It caters well to families and small groups seeking a personalized experience without the pressure of a guided group. The audio narration, offline maps, and customizable schedule allow for a relaxed exploration tailored to individual interests.

While the admission fee of $20 per vehicle is separate, the $9.99 tour cost provides excellent value, especially considering the extensive stops and activities included. The tour’s emphasis on scenic views, ancient rock art, and geological features makes it a comprehensive way to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

This tour is most suitable for adventurous families, nature lovers, and self-sufficient travelers eager for the freedom to explore at their own pace. It offers a convenient and engaging way to discover Goblin Valley’s strange and stunning landscape without the constraints of traditional guided tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with stops that include easy hikes and interactive activities suitable for most ages.

Do I need internet to use the app?
No, the offline map and downloaded narration mean you can explore without internet or data.

How long does each stop take?
Most stops range from 15 minutes to 3 hours, depending on your interest and available time.

Are there any physical requirements?
Most sites are accessible, with some trails being moderate or easy. The Wild Horse Window Trail is moderately challenging, but shorter options are available.

What is included in the tour price?
The $9.99 fee covers audio narration, GPS directions, and offline maps for your group. Entry fees are separate.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you can start anytime between 12:00 AM and 11:30 PM, and the tour does not expire.

Is parking included?
No, parking fees of $20 per vehicle apply and are paid separately.

How many people can join the group?
The tour is priced per group of up to 15 people; larger groups should consider additional arrangements.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Where do I start the tour?
The starting point is on Highway 24, and detailed instructions are sent after booking.