# San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley to Capitol Reef

> 3-day road trip of about 248 km (154 mi) with 8 stops, from Green River to Torrey. About 2 h 45 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b18-san-rafael-swell/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 248 km (154 mi) with 8 stops, from Green River to Torrey. About 2 h 45 min of driving in total. From Green River into the San Rafael Swell, then south to Goblin Valley’s hoodoos, a slot canyon and the Fremont River in Capitol Reef.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 248 km (154 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 45 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Green River → Torrey |
| States | UT |
| Updated | May 21, 2026 |

## Route description

Green River sits on I-70 at the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell, a huge uplift of sandstone with almost no services. Fill up here. To reach the Wedge Overlook, drive west on I-70 and follow signs through Buckhorn Draw, then turn onto the spur to the rim, a long drive on graded dirt with no services. It is fine for cars in dry weather, but in a big RV, just drive I-70 through the swell and use the viewpoints along the way.

Return to I-70 and head west to exit 149, then south on Utah 24 toward Hanksville. After about 40 km, take Temple Mountain Road west to Goblin Valley State Park. The campground and yurts are reservable and very popular in spring and autumn. Walk out into the valley in the late afternoon, when the hoodoos throw long shadows, and bring a torch if you stay for the dark skies.

Little Wild Horse Canyon starts a few kilometers past the park entrance. The first narrows are only 20 minutes in, so even a short walk is worth it, but never enter the slot if storms threaten upstream. Back on Utah 24, Hanksville is a small crossroads with fuel, groceries and simple campgrounds, about 50 km by road from Goblin Valley.

Utah 24 then turns west along the Fremont River, past the grey badlands of Factory Butte and into Capitol Reef National Park. The highway itself is free. Stop at the Hickman Bridge trailhead and at the Fruita historic district, with orchards where you can pick fruit in season. The scenic drive south from the visitor center needs a park pass. Torrey is 18 km west, with services and campgrounds.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Green River** (UT)
2. **The Wedge Overlook** (Castle Dale, UT): The edge of the Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael River, reached on graded dirt roads north of I-70. Fine for cars in dry weather; there are no services, so carry water and fuel.
3. **Goblin Valley State Park** (Hanksville, UT): A basin full of thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone hoodoos that you can freely walk and climb among. The paved road from Utah 24 ends at an observation shelter; the park also has yurts and a campground.
4. **Little Wild Horse Canyon** (Hanksville, UT): One of the most accessible slot canyons in Utah, with narrow, curving walls just wide enough to walk through. The trailhead is a few kilometers past Goblin Valley; avoid it when storms threaten.
5. **Hanksville** (UT)
6. **Hickman Bridge Trail** (Torrey, UT): A 3 km return trail in Capitol Reef climbs to a 40 m natural bridge above the Fremont River. The trailhead is right on Utah 24, which crosses the park free of charge.
7. **Capitol Reef National Park** (Torrey, UT): A 100-mile wrinkle in the earth with pioneer orchards in the middle. In season you can pick fruit, and the Gifford House sells pie.
8. **Torrey** (UT)

## FAQs

**How long is San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley to Capitol Reef?**
3-day road trip of about 248 km (154 mi) with 8 stops, from Green River to Torrey. About 2 h 45 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley to Capitol Reef?**
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 45 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley to Capitol Reef start and end?**
It starts in Green River and ends in Torrey.

**Which states does San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley to Capitol Reef pass through?**
Utah.