Overview

Hype:

Goblin's Refuge is a narrow slot canyon in Goblin Valley that can be explored from the bottom. The canyon has curvy walls and roofs in places and feels like a cave in spots. Because it is far from the parking lot and pavilion, this canyon rarely gets explored. When exploring from the bottom, you reach the upper end, which is a cavern room that prevents further uphill travel. It's possible that the canyon could be explored top-down, and rappels would likely be required.

Canyon Rating: 2A

Time: 15 minutes in canyon plus 2 hours for approach and exit

Length: 200 ft in canyon, 2 mile approach, 2 mile exit

Longest Rappel: 0 if doing canyon from bottom, likely 1 or more rappels if approaching from top

Gear: Headlamps or flashlights if exploring from the bottom, technical gear likely if descending from the top

Fees: Park Admission

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Maps

Closest City or Region: Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

Coordinates: 38.552666, -110.697400

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October 16, 2022 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Killian Wagner, Alex Laurendeau,

Logistics

Leave Parking Area: 2:35 pm

Bottom of Goblin's Refuge: 4:10 pm

Finsihed Goblin's Refuge: 4:25 pm

Arrive at Parking Area: 5:15 pm

Story

We attempted to hike to Valley 3 but got to Valley 2 and then people were ready for lunch, so we headed back to the pavilion for lunch. At the top, we saw a sign for the trail that goes to Valley 3, so after lunch, most of us embarked on an epic voyage to Valley 3. Amanda and some of the younger kids turned back after a while, which turned out to be a good thing because Amanda started showing fever symptoms shortly after. When we were almost to Valley 3, Matt had to turn back with Rose. The rest of us explored the valley, which was a bit of a letdown after such a long walk to get there. Ondy and the kids explored a little, mostly vertical canyon with some ledges. I explored around a bit and found a pretty sweet tunnel and slot canyon, so I went back to get everyone else. We explored the slot canyon and really enjoyed that. It made the hike worth it. We then hiked back to the parking area. Ondy was chaffing really bad and stuffed a jacket in her pants to help with that. I carried Killian on my shoulders for the whole hike back. We made it back to the cars shortly after 5:00 and headed home, stopping for dinner in Green River on the way home.

 

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