Trippin with the Goblins...

So in my blog journeys I happened across an invitation to a virtual field trip at the blog Yarns of My Heart. The author Jena doesn't know me from Adam...but since she invited 'everyone' I thought I'd join in. You can too if you like.

So buckle up tight we are off...

DESTINATION: Goblin Valley (Central Utah)

Goblin valley is a Utah State Park. It is a hands on playground of sandstone formations that look very much like goblins. The great part of this park is rather than just 'viewing' the incredible red rock of Utah at this place you can experience it your self by climbing, hiking, hiding and exploring. Here is a quick video showing the park. It is located on just over 3 1/2 acres and includes a campground.

HISTORY: Goblin Valley was first discovered (by non-natives) in 1920 by ranchers looking for lost cattle. Can you imagine having to search for cattle in there!?! Later the name 'Mushroom Valley' was coined and in 1964 it was made a State Park with the name of Goblin Valley.

LOCATION: It is located in Central Utah in Emery County. It is 30-40 miles from the nearest town of Green River. YES it IS out in the middle of nowhere.

WEATHER: HOT--in summer anyway. There is no getting around the heat in this area. The most comfortable times to visit are Spring and Fall. We were there at the very beginning of June and the heat was definitely on.

OPPORTUNITIES: It is an awesome place to learn about geology, rocks, erosion and more. These rocks have been eroded by wind and if you are there for very long you will get to experience that for yourself. One time when Mike and I were there we were camping and the wind was so strong that it kept deflating our pop-up tent then letting it out like a firecracker. After being brutally jarred out of sleep 2 or 3 times we chose to pack up and sleep in the car. The rocks themselves are like a giant Nature-Made Playground. This newsletter highlights some of the fun to be had there. When we were there last there was a Scout Troop with HUGE semi-automatic type water guns. They were having a blast jumping from Goblin to Goblin trying to avoid the splatter. We were there during the State of Utah's 100 year anniversary. During that year at all the state parks they held Geo-Cache Treasure Hunts--complete with GPS coordinates and clues. You can find your own geo-hunt here. We had a blast and ACTUALLY found our treasure this time.

Ethan wants to touch the rocks too.

Savanna leads the way.

Looking for the treasure.

FOUND IT!