Goblin Valley State Park - #2

Goblin Valley is a unique valley of eroded sandstone pillars that look like mushrooms or "goblins" as the name implies.  It is an odd and enchanting place first discovered by modern man in the 1920's by cowboys looking for a cattle route from Green River to Hite's Ferry.  The unique landscape was purchased by the State of Utah and officially designated as a State park in 1964.  A recent incident by the Boy Scouts toppling one of the goblins received national attention and highlights the fragile nature of our parks and geologic treasures.  The actions of a few inconsiderate souls can change the landscape forever.
Goblin Valley State Park

Location:  Approximately 216 miles southeast of Salt Lake City and 24 miles south of I-70 on Highway 24; turn at Temple Mountain Junction and follow signs 12 miles to the Park.

Total Sites:  24
Stayed in Site:  15
Elevation:  5,000 ft
Date Created:  1964

Four Stars **** (hot and exposed in the summer with little privacy between the campsites, but the goblins are super cool and deserve a visit)

Green River State Park - #1

Green River State Park is an oasis of green and a canopy of cottonwoods in an otherwise desolate Green River, Utah.  The State Park is located on the banks of the Green River and is popular with river runners who put in here and run the Green River through Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons.  The Green River runs another 400 miles before connecting with the Colorado River and eventually flowing into Lake Powell.  The State Park has about 40 sites with hookups or no hookups.  We only stayed here one night as a stopover on our way to Goblin Valley. Things were hopping in town for the annual Melon Days celebration.  
Green River State Park

Location:  Approximately 182 miles southeast of Salt Lake City in Green River just off of I-70.

Total Sites:  40 
Stayed in Site:  38
Elevation:  4,050 ft
Date Created:  1965

Two Stars ** (nice large sites with green lawns and shade trees, but more of a layover than a destination park)