There are almost as many different kinds of hoodoos that inhabit the strange geology gardens of the Colorado Plateau and Southern Utah as there are sandstone strata and caprock; but none are more exotic than the Entrada Sandstone goblins of Goblin Valley State Park. Goblin Valley, itself, is an exotic wonder lying just a bit southeast of the San Rafael Reef and within the San Rafael Desert. Its watershed drains into Muddy Creek, which, when it joins the Fremont River, nearby and just outside of Hanksville, forms the Dirty Devil, that notorious tributary of the mighty Colorado.
One can only imagine by what names these figures may have been known to the ancient Fremont culture folks who lived here long before wandering cowboys discovered them in the late-nineteenth, or perhaps early-twentieth century; but Goblin Valley is what it became and the name by which it is protected for all to appreciate.
Even though the Image gives a feeling of a greater angle-of-view, A focal length of 60mm, actually on the edge of short telephotoland, gave me the angle I wanted, with the foreground rise above the goblins spreading away from beneath my feet to the far southern edge of the valley. An aperture of f/22 provided depth-of-field; and a shutter speed of 0.3 second in the late-afternoon light at ISO 100 gave me a medium exposure.
When it comes to conserving the amazingly beautiful lands of the Colorado Plateau that lie within its borders, I question whether the Utah congressional delegation truly represents the feelings of the Utahn people. Even though Goblin Valley is a Utah State Park, I do not believe that privatization of federal pubilc lands, which is the inevitable ultimate result of state ownership and control, is what any thoughtful citizenry has in mind for our shared common wealth. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
So that’s what they look like before they grow up! I was not familiar with that State Park, but just added it to my list of must-see spots. Thank you!
Donald! How are you? It’s good to have you join us for this conversation. This will be one of our stops on the Southwest Workshop in 2021. It’s a lovely Utah State Park. There are many places in the Southwest which I associate with sharing with you now that you’ve become a part-time South-westerner. I’m sure the pandemic has constrained your explorations, but I do hope that you have taken advantage of the opportunities that may have come your way. Yes, this is how they turn out in their juvenile and adult stages, and, as you can see, they can be quite prolific. Stay well, my Friend
Howdy Don, this is a magical place, I didn’t give myself enough time there, just a drive by stop on the way to another destination.
As for park protection, even State or Federal, there isn’t enough teeth in the state laws and courts as evident from this incident at Goblin Valley and the Utah court system for a Hoodoo being toppled. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-scouts-leaders-who-knocked-over-ancient-rock-get-probation-n56596
I’m not sure if the Federal park system is any better.
Howdy Michael. It’s always good to hear from you and to receive your thoughtful comments. We have managed to visit Goblin Valley 3-4 times over the years and each time I go I see the place with new eyes. I hope you have the opportunity to spend time there one of these days. I certainly agree with you about the lack of bite in the Utah courts when it comes to resource protection. My experience with the Federal enforcement is somewhat different and I have seen better results there, but both systems could do much better at enforcing the protection regulations; and the courts definitely need to take protection much more seriously than they do. As our population grows and visitation increases geometrically, if not exponentially, if we do not demand greater strictness in the protocols of enforcement, there precious symbols of our common wealth face increasing degradation, if not outright destruction. Thanks for your wise words. Walk in Beauty.
A wonderful image of a great valley. I well remember Goblin Valley. My first thought was where shall I begin, and how. To me that valley was a memorable experience. I have seen, much too often, in my long life, that too frequently the punishment is far too lenient for the crime, and thus does not become a determent to repeated transgressions. I never have understood it. But then I can’t fathom the mentality of a person who would purposely destroy something millions of years old.
Thank you for he preservation of this place and others through the medium of photography.
Hey Chuck. It’s always great to have you with us. I’m really glad we had the chance to share this amazing place with you, and I understand exactly the feeling you expressed: “Where do I begin?” It is so sad that we don’t seem to be able to convince our people through straightforward explanation to special these places are and how important it is to preserve them. What DOES go on in the mind of a person that leads to such a lack of caring that translates to a willingness to destroy or deface? I fear that you are right about the punishment often being too lenient for the offense, but I also fear that too often the punishment does not sufficiently connect the perpetrator to the ill-considered behavior. When we discipline children, we try to make sure they understand why what they have done warrants being punished and justifies the punishment they are receiving. This is a conversation our society greatly needs to have. Be well, be safe, and walk in Beauty.
Public land means land for all. In these times perhaps Goblins are safer in State hands until our Federal government becomes more trustworthy.
Live the goblins!
Hi Robin. It’s good to hear from you and to receive your thoughtful comments. Indeed, public land means land for all. I would like to think you are correct in your assessment of the state-federal dichotomy with respect to these lands, but if you will follow the link in Michael’s comment to see to story of the damage that was done a couple of years ago in Goblin Valley, it might give you pause. I’m afraid that Utah seems to have become more interested in gaining control of their Federal lands so that they can privatize most of them and monetize the result. You would love seeing this place, and I hope that one day you have the chance. Walk in Beauty.
Thank you Everyone for joining me for this conversation. As I have thought about the propriety of my original request, It has become more apparent to me that we are dealing with much the same considerations that we encounter in talking about the individual rights that our society so lovingly and intensely seems to advocate. We want to talk about rights, but so often we overlook the importance of introducing “responsibility” into the conversation. The only way we continue to possess these amazing public lands is through our willingness to stand up and fight for them when they are threatened – in whatever form that threat may take: vandalization, privatization, or otherwise. They are a blessing that does not come with an insurance or an assurance policy. Stay safe, Everyone. Be well.