One of the most memorable places during my trip to Utah is undoubtedly Goblin Valley State Park.

From the name, Goblin Valley....  it's a valley of goblins.

I thought it would just be one of those ordinary desert parks, but the moment I got out of the car upon arrival, my thoughts completely changed.

This is not a national park or even a state park, yet it has more to see than many national parks. After parking the car and taking just a few steps, the scenery that unfolds before my eyes feels unreal.

Countless small mushroom-shaped rocks are scattered endlessly, and the bizarre shapes carved by wind and rain over millions of years fill the entire valley. From a distance, it looks like a movie set, and up close, each rock has a different expression, creating an illusion that real goblins are hiding among them.

As soon as the kids arrive, they excitedly say, "It looks like Minecraft here." Indeed, no matter which direction you walk, the scenery does not repeat, and crossing one valley opens up another world. There are designated trails, but the true charm of this park lies in the freedom to wander between the rocks as you please.

As you pass through the alleys between the rocks, you suddenly come across an open basin where more strange rocks stand in a row.

After walking for about an hour, my sense of time completely disappears. It was spring, but the sunlight was strong, typical of the desert, and the wind was cooler than expected. So it was truly a stroke of genius that we all brought an outer layer of clothing.

Since there is almost no shade, it's a good idea to bring water. When you touch the rocks, they feel warm from the sunlight, while the breeze blowing nearby is cool, creating a strange contrast. It's nice to take photos, but honestly, experiencing this place with your eyes and walking through it is far more memorable than capturing it on camera.

There is almost no sound, just the sound of the wind blowing here and there and the sound of the kids running around kicking stones, with hardly any of the noise typical of tourist spots. That tranquility makes this landscape even more surreal. As the afternoon progresses and the angle of the sunlight changes, the shadows of the rocks grow longer, and the entire valley suddenly begins to take on deep colors.

Each rock is a mix of orange, red, and brown, making it feel like standing in a giant sculpture exhibition. My son pointed to one rock and started naming them, saying, "That one is a dragon, that one is a grandfather, that one is a turtle," and I couldn't help but smile at his creativity.

As the sun began to set, on the way back to the car, I looked back and saw a valley with a completely different expression than during the day. While it was playful and bizarre in the daylight, in the evening it transforms into a grand and mysterious atmosphere. On the way back, we passed a small camping area and RV park, and I decided that next time, we must stay overnight.

Just imagining how many stars will be pouring down at night makes me excited. Goblin Valley is often quietly overshadowed by famous national parks, but once you visit, it leaves an unforgettable landscape. I believe it's a place that should be intentionally included in your itinerary when traveling through Utah.