The best time to visit Goblin Valley, Utah will depend on what you’re looking for from your trip. The spring and fall months are generally considered to be the most ideal times to visit since the weather is relatively mild. In spring and fall, daytime temperatures usually fall between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making the weather warm but not unbearably so. These months are also the shoulder seasons for the park, so it’s not as crowded as it would be during the summer.
Summer is peak season at Goblin Valley State Park, but we wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting during this time unless you have to. The weather can be extremely hot in the summer, with daytime temperatures frequently hitting 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, so make sure you bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Summer is also when the park is most crowded, so you might have to deal with some other tourists on your hikes. However, even in its busiest season, Goblin Valley isn’t particularly crowded because of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks.
Winter is the offseason at Goblin Valley, so you’re not likely to see any crowds at all. While you’ll likely have the park to yourself during the winter, keep in mind that some facilities and activities are closed during these months. Winter temperatures are generally in the 40s during the day and dip below freezing at night, so make sure you bundle up, especially if you’re camping out in the park. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the park’s iconic mushroom-shaped rock formations covered in a dusting of snow, transforming its already otherworldly landscape into something entirely different.
To make the most of your next trip to Goblin Valley, check out our Goblin Valley Self-Guided Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ to gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
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