Hike To A Secret Canyon On The Goblin S Lair Trail In Utah

A big part of the attraction of Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park is how the iconic hoodoos come into view so soon. Yet for visitors who want more of a hiking and sightseeing challenge, with some surprises and even greater rewards, the Goblin’s Lair Trail is the ticket. Also known as the Chamber of the Basilisk, the Lair is sometimes labeled a cave. It is technically a slot canyon, as opposed to a cavern. In any case, it is a marvel to visitors who are not expecting to see anything like this natural feature in the side of a mountain. It is no longer officially a “secret,” thanks to the marked trail, so let’s call it “lesser-known” among Goblin Valley’s features.

Goblin Valley State Park is known as a “dark sky” area. During the day, the Goblin’s Lair can make the sky seem bluer than usual.

Cecily Coates/alltrails

The rugged Utah landscape surrounds the hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park.

Alan Houston/alltrails

The Goblin’s Lair Trail can be hot, with little shade, but is relatively easy to walk until the climbing challenge at the end.

Doug Neidholdt/alltrails

Hikers who want to rappel into the canyon must purchase a permit at the Goblin Valley State Park Visitor Center.

Dan Knutila/alltrails

The Goblin’s Lair Trail is 2.3 miles. Some scrambling is required to reach the top.

Rory Callahan/alltrails

Come to see the famed hoodoos, then explore further. The Goblin’s Lair rewards hikers.

Colin Bingham/alltrails

The Goblin’s Lair is accessible year-round via the trail that starts on the Carmel Canyon loop before splitting off. Goblette’s Lair, requiring less scrambling, is a quarter-mile farther along the trail. For more information about hiking to the Goblin’s Lair, see the Goblin Valley State Park website.