Goblin Valley Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

If you’re debating whether to take the plunge into the Goblin Valley Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour, you’re not alone. This tour promises an engaging way to explore one of Utah’s most surreal parks, featuring bizarre rock formations and ancient art. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve looked into its features, reviews, and logistics to give you a clear picture of what you can expect.

What stands out immediately are the flexibility of a self-guided audio tour—perfect for those who prefer to set their own pace—and the comprehensive nature of the stops, which cover everything from otherworldly goblin-like formations to historic pictographs. We also appreciate that it’s a reasonably priced option, especially since you can use it for a full year after purchase. But, a potential downside is that this isn’t a guided tour with a live narrator, so you’ll be relying on your own curiosity and interest to explore the sites.

This experience likely appeals to adventurous travelers who love a bit of independence, are comfortable with technology, and want to see the highlights without a tour group. If you’re visiting Utah and want to make the most of your time while avoiding crowded tours, this could be a perfect match. It’s especially good for those who enjoy scenic drives, learning about ancient art, or just discovering the strange rock shapes that make Goblin Valley famous.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided experience that works offline, allowing you to explore at your own pace
• Affordable price point at just $16.99 per group, with access valid for a year
• Includes detailed stops covering geological formations, ancient art, and scenic overlooks
• Good for tech-savvy travelers comfortable using a mobile app and GPS-based tours
• Not an entrance ticket — check opening hours of the park before your visit
• Ideal for repeat visits or extended stays given the one-year access

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Goblin Valley Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour is designed to maximize your time and interest in this extraordinary landscape. It’s not a lengthy commitment—about 1 to 2 hours—but covers some of the most remarkable sights within the 15-mile route. Think of it as having a knowledgeable companion guiding you through one of Utah’s most bizarre and beautiful parks.

Getting Started and Accessibility

Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive an email and a text message with setup instructions and a unique password. The process requires a solid internet connection initially to download the tour app and the specific tour content—so plan ahead at your hotel or campsite. Afterward, the tour works offline, letting you enjoy the scenery without worrying about cell coverage.

You simply open the “Actions” app on your phone, enter your password, and follow the GPS-guided stops. The narration plays automatically based on your location, so it’s pretty hands-free. If you face any issues, customer support is available to help, which is reassuring considering how tech-dependent this tour is.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Goblin Valley State Park
This is the heart of the experience. You get a virtual welcome to the park, with stories about the mushroom-shaped formations and the history behind the strange landscape. The park itself is filled with “goblins,” which are actually hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that have been sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. The fact that the tour covers the essentials in just a couple of hours makes it manageable but still comprehensive.

Stop 2: San Rafael Swell
A quick 10-minute drive brings you to the San Rafael Swell, an expansive geological feature that covers about 2,000 square miles. The narration highlights that it reaches as high as 7,000 feet, giving you a sense of its scale and majesty. From here, you’ll get a sense of the region’s geological history that created such an imposing landscape.

Stop 3: Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel
This stop takes you off the beaten path to view ancient rock art. Park at the designated area, and you’ll see images painted centuries ago—some in the Barrier Canyon Style with tall humanoid figures, and others in different styles, indicating various time periods of habitation. This adds a layer of human history to the natural beauty.

Stop 4: Mollys Castle
A striking formation that looks like a castle—hence the name—is visible during this stop. The sandstone turrets and towers rise above the landscape, creating a dramatic silhouette. The narrator shares interesting facts about how erosion shaped these structures over millennia.

Stop 5: Wild Horse Butte
Standing at nearly 5,760 feet, Wild Horse Butte is a prominent feature. Its shape, like many others in the area, has been carved by the forces of wind and water. The tour explains how such formations are the result of a long natural sculpting process.

Stop 6: The Three Sisters
You can’t visit Goblin Valley without seeing the iconic Three Sisters—three hoodoos that look like they’re standing tall and proud in the landscape. Their distinctive shapes are familiar to anyone who’s seen photos of the park. The playful nicknames—Sister Superior, Sister Act, and Sister Mary—add a bit of humor and personality to the experience.

Stop 7: Goblin Overlook
This is the highlight for many visitors: a panoramic view of thousands of goblins, more than even Bryce Canyon. It’s a fitting finale, giving you a sense of just how surreal and expansive this place really is. Some reviewers even mention that Hollywood has filmed here, emphasizing its alien-like landscape.

The Experience of Driving and Learning

This tour’s strength is its combination of visual exploration and audio storytelling. We love how it provides detailed background at each stop, making the scenery more meaningful. The narrated stories are engaging, with many reviews praising the voice talent and the depth of information offered.

Since it’s self-guided, you have control over how long you linger at each site. You can pause, explore, take photos, or skip ahead. This flexibility is ideal if you’re traveling with a group that has different interests or pace preferences.

Price and Value

At $16.99 per group, this tour is quite affordable compared to guided tours or entrance fees that can add up quickly. Considering it’s valid for a full year, it’s a smart buy if you plan multiple visits or want to revisit specific sites. The price also reflects the convenience of an audio guide you can use anywhere within your trip.

While it doesn’t include park entry tickets, the price covers the storytelling and route planning, making it a cost-effective way to enhance your visit. If you’re someone who enjoys learning while you travel and wants to avoid crowded tours, this setup offers a personalized experience well worth the investment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a flexible, self-paced exploration. If you’re comfortable using a mobile app and GPS, you’ll find it straightforward and enjoyable. It’s an excellent option for those who want to see the key sights of Goblin Valley without a guide leading the way.

It’s particularly good for repeat visitors or people who want to revisit the park over several days since the access lasts for a full year. If you’re traveling with friends or family who are okay with a tech-supported adventure, everyone can participate without extra cost.

However, if you’re hoping for a guided experience with live narration or a more in-depth educational tour led by a person, this might feel a bit too independent for your taste. Also, keep in mind that this is not an entry ticket—you’ll need to purchase park passes separately and confirm the park’s open hours before your visit.

The Sum Up

The Goblin Valley Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour offers a convenient, affordable way to explore one of Utah’s most distinctive landscapes. Its combination of scenic stops, ancient art, and engaging narration provides a well-rounded experience for those who prefer to set their own pace. The fact that it works offline and can be used multiple times makes it a practical choice for extended trips or repeat visits.

If you’re comfortable with using your phone and enjoy learning on the go, this tour can deepen your appreciation for the natural and human history that shaped Goblin Valley. It’s especially suited to curious travelers who like a little independence and want to avoid the crowds of guided tours. Just remember to check park hours beforehand and plan your download in advance to ensure smooth sailing on the day.

This experience offers a compelling blend of storytelling and sightseeing, making it a smart add-on to your Utah adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the stops include fascinating formations and ancient art, which can captivate older children. However, younger kids might find the driving aspect more appealing than the detailed stories, so consider your child’s interest level.

Do I need to buy additional tickets to access the sites?
Yes, this tour does not include entrance tickets. You’ll need to purchase any required park passes separately and check opening hours before your visit.

How long does the tour take?
The tour covers the essential sights in about 1 to 2 hours, but you can take longer if you want to explore more or take photos at each stop.

Can I use the tour more than once?
Yes, once purchased, you can access it for a full year, making it great for repeat trips or multiple visits within that period.

What do I need to download beforehand?
You’ll need to download the Actions Tour Guide app and the specific tour content while in strong Wi-Fi or cellular signal. After that, it works offline.

Is this a guided tour with a live guide?
No, it’s a self-guided experience. The narration plays automatically based on your GPS location, so it’s like having an audio guide without the accompanying guide.

Is this tour accessible via public transportation?
The tour start point is near public transportation, but since the park is remote, having your own vehicle is recommended for the full experience.

If you love discovering stunning landscapes at your own pace and enjoy stories that bring the scenery to life, this Goblin Valley tour could be a delightful addition to your Utah trip.