Dog Friendly Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon in a Campervan

Utah is packed with incredibly unique geology. One of the most geologically unique places is Goblin Valley State Park. It is a very special park not only because of its geological formation, but because visitors are encouraged to choose their own adventures. Goblin Valley is one of Utah’s most underrated state parks and is even easy to access while traveling to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.

At Goblin Valley State Park you can choose your own adventure as you travel cross country as you please exploring the hoodoos.

When you leave the main parking lot at Goblin Valley, there is a stairway that leads you to the first valley. Once you are there, you can climb and explore whatever you want! The accessibility and freedom makes it an amazing family destination. The grown ups can enjoy a mild hike with other-wordly views while the kids climb all around them. There are also areas that are challenging and fun for adults to climb.

Another perk of this park, it is dog friendly! Dogs are welcome so long as you pick up after your pet and keep them on a 6 foot leash. Be sure to leave no trace!

Camping

Goblin Valley State Park offers a great campground to park your campervan. Each site has its own gazebo with two sides walled off to provide shade and block wind. There are also nice, clean bathrooms that include showers. The sites are about a mile from the Valley of the Goblins and are tucked up against beautiful eroded cliffs and some hoodoos the kids can play on while at camp. There are also lots of free camping spots for your campervan rental outside the park, just be sure to stick to designated camp areas to help protect the local environment. 

Operating Hours and Seasons

Goblin Valley State Park is open year round. The summers can get into the 90's or low 100's so we recommend visiting in the Spring and Fall.

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon

Just outside of Goblin Valley State Park are a number of non-technical slot canyons. The most famous being Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon located just 5 miles down a paved road from the entrance to Goblin Valley State Park. Little Wild Horse is a very scenic slot canyon that features tight passages and tall cliffs.

Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon are two slot canyons located just outside of Goblins Valley State Park. They are dogs friendly, but be aware your pup will need some help in a few spots.

Most people hike up Little Wild Horse Canyon and down Bell Canyon which is about 1.5 miles down the road from the top of Little Wild Horse Canyon. The trail head and trails are well signed. Together the loop is about 8 miles. Signage at the trail head says to plan 4-6 hours for the loop and a little bit less if you hike up and down the same canyon.

It is an easy to moderate intensity hike with a few spots that require climbing 5 to 10 feet with good footing and hand holds. Dogs are welcome on this hike but be aware that they will need to be lifted up and down some sections. Please make sure, as always, to clean up after your pet whether you are hiking or camping. 

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon is a great hike near Goblin Valley State Park.

For your next adventure pickup your Wandervan Campervan Rental in Salt Lake City, UT.