Tucked away in eastern Utah lies Hanksville, a small town with an extraordinary backdrop. This unassuming community sits near some of nature’s most whimsical creations – thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations called hoodoos. These natural sculptures rise from the desert floor like something from a storybook, their fantastical silhouettes resembling magical castles from another world.
A Magical Geologic Backdrop
Red-orange spires pierce the sky just minutes from downtown Hanksville, creating a fantasy landscape that feels plucked from another dimension. These formations, locally nicknamed “goblins,” stand sentinel in Goblin Valley State Park, their peculiar shapes the result of millions of years of patient erosion.
The contrast between the humble town and its extraordinary surroundings creates a surreal juxtaposition. Residents go about daily life with these fairy-tale formations as their constant companions.
Photographers flock here at sunrise and sunset when the light transforms the hoodoos into glowing monuments. Their elongated shadows stretch across the desert floor, adding another layer of enchantment to an already magical setting.
Nature’s Sculptures in Sandstone
The artistic process behind these natural masterpieces began roughly 170 million years ago during the Jurassic period. Entrada sandstone, deposited when the area was a tidal flat, forms the primary canvas for these geological wonders.
Wind and water patiently carved away at softer rock layers while harder capstones protected the material directly beneath them. This differential erosion created the distinct mushroom shapes that characterize the region.
Each hoodoo tells a unique story of persistence. Some formations balance precariously on thin pedestals while others feature multiple bulbous sections stacked like strange totems. Their varied shapes invite imagination – visitors often spot faces, animals, and yes, fairy castles among them.
An Otherworldly Feel
Mars on Earth – that’s how many describe the landscape surrounding Hanksville. NASA actually uses this alien terrain for Mars rover testing, recognizing its uncanny resemblance to the red planet.
Walking among these formations creates a sense of disorientation and wonder. The hoodoos cluster in valleys and spread across plains, creating natural mazes that invite exploration. Children particularly delight in this natural playground, darting between formations and giving them imaginative names.
The silence amplifies the otherworldly atmosphere. Except for the occasional whisper of wind, the landscape offers a stillness rarely experienced in modern life. This quiet solitude makes it easy to imagine yourself transported to a realm where fairy castles might actually exist.
The Castle Among the Goblins
Rising majestically above its neighbors stands “The Castle” – the undisputed monarch of Hanksville’s hoodoo kingdom. Unlike its more mushroom-shaped cousins, this formation truly resembles a medieval fortress with its broad base and turret-like protrusions.
Early settlers marveled at its uncanny resemblance to human architecture. Some even claimed it housed supernatural beings who emerged at night to dance among the smaller hoodoos.
Reaching The Castle requires a moderate hike from the main viewing areas. The effort rewards visitors with spectacular panoramic views across the valley. Sunset transforms this already impressive formation into something truly magical as the fading light sets its sandstone walls ablaze with color.
Little Egypt: The Hidden Gem
Twenty miles south of Hanksville lies Little Egypt Geological Area, a lesser-known treasure offering all the wonder of Goblin Valley without the crowds. This remote collection of hoodoos provides a more intimate fairy castle experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Access requires navigating unpaved roads, creating a true sense of discovery when the formations finally appear. The Henry Mountains provide a stunning backdrop, their peaks contrasting beautifully with the red rock formations.
Freedom reigns at Little Egypt with no designated trails or restrictions. Visitors can wander among the formations at will, discovering hidden alcoves and perfect picnic spots. For photographers seeking that perfect shot without other tourists in frame, this secret spot is absolute magic.
