January 10, 2000

Utah's most unusual and perplexing state park is full of geologic formations that are at once grotesque and fascinating. A new publication from the Utah Geological Survey uncovers the mystery of where these devilish structures came from.

Designated Public Information Series 65, the new publication is "The Geology of Goblin Valley State Park," by geologist Mark Milligan. Research for the publication was funded in part by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. The 24-page booklet, richly illustrated and written for the casual visitor to the park, describes the combinations of geologic structures and erosional forces that made - and continue to make - the park such a popular attraction.

"Understanding the rocks and structures of Goblin Valley State Park requires not only an investigation of past and present events that have acted on a small scale within the park, but of past large-scale tectonic events and processes," Milligan writes. "This booklet is intended to further the public's understanding of the formation of the goblins, soils, and surrounding scenery."

The booklet is available from the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, 1594 West North Temple, in Salt Lake City. The bookstore can be reached by phone at (801) 537-3320 or (888) UTAH MAP.