Goblin Valley & Arches

This year's Wilson family reunion was held at Goblin Valley State Park and Arches National Park. Goblin Valley + Arches + July = HOT= lots of water, sunscreen, and breaks! But it was really fun and some great memories. The kids absolutely loved exploring Goblin Valley with their cousins. There were some fun caves for them to explore, tons of formations to climb up and around, and great fodder for the imagination. We camped at the Goblin Valley campground, and then after heading to Moab the next day, checked into a hotel and went for a swim to cool off at the indoor pool.


Joshua absolutely loved going on hikes. He got to the point that he would just see the backpack carrier and get excited. Keeping a hat on him was an impossibility, though.



Emma and Rachel in front of one of the arches. They only lasted so long, then claimed they wanted to be carried. Consequently, our hikes as a family were fairly short.

We loved this hike (can't remember its name) because it was still shady! We started hiking at about 8:30 AM to avoid some of the heat (remember, it's July in southern Utah!).

Matthew, Elizabeth, and Jessica at Goblin Valley

The Wilson cousins exploring a cave

The cousins taking a break for water and licorice at Goblin Valley

Bill and Sam

Rachel and Elizabeth

Sorry about the windblown hair getting into the picture! L to R: Kira, Ashlyn, Rachel, Sam, Jordan, Jessica, Elizabeth, Brent and Joshua.

Jordan and Matthew having a great time

Elizabeth carrying Emma on her back