text: Deep within Utah's San Rafael desert, thousands upon thousands of goblins lurk in the shadows. But rather than frightening visitors, they are a geologist's dream: gnarly rock formations which have been created by gradual erosion of Entrada sandstone over millions of years. The 'goblins' are scientifically known as 'hoodoos' - rock protrusions consisting of relatively soft rock topped by harder stone that preserves each column's spire-like shape from weather erosion. But the mushroom like structures and hiking trails winding through this unearthly landscape, make this a popular attraction for tourists . The softer rock has been removed by wind and water, leaving thousands of unique constructions, which are further chiselled by water and dust erosion. Once known as the Mushroom Valley, the area was first discovered by cowboys searching for cattle. In 1964 it was designated a state park. Utah has a wealth of state parks, and at under five square miles, Goblin Valley is tiny compared to parks such as the nearby 527 square metre Canyonlands. But the striking structures and hiking trails winding through this unearthly landscape, make this a popular attraction for tourists visiting western America. Goblin kiss: The sun bursts through two lifelike rock formations, known as hoodooos, in the Goblin Valley State Park in Utah's San Rafael . Walking through the site after sunset, when the moonlight eerily illuminates the 'goblins' heads', is a popular choice, as it's also when wildlife, including foxes is most active. The site also boasts some of the darkest skies in the world, and park rangers offer a tour showcasing the night sky, gazing upon stars, planets and distant galaxies, learning about the stories behind the constellations. In October 2013, a group of reckless visitors posted a video of themselves tipping one of the 'goblins' over as a practical joke. The three males faced felony charges for 'intentionally damaging, defacing and destroying property.' The rock protrusions consist of soft rock topped by harder stone that preserves each column's spire-like shape from weather erosion . Once known as the Mushroom Valley, the area was first discovered by cowboys searching for cattle. In 1964 it was designated a state park . Softer rock is removed by wind and water, leaving the unique constructions, which are further chiselled by water and dust erosion . The magnificent hoodoos are a geologist's dream created by gradual erosion of Entrada sandstone over millions of years . The site also boasts some of the darkest skies in the world offering visitors the chance to gaze at stars, planets and distant galaxies . In 2013, a group of  visitors posted a video of themselves toppling one of the goblins. They  faced charges for 'intentionally damaging, defacing and destroying property' Utah has a wealth of national parks, and at under five square miles, Goblin Valley is tiny compared to parks such as the nearby 527 square metre Canyonlands . Walking through the site after sunset, when the moonlight eerily illuminates the 'goblins' heads', is a popular choice for tourists .
target: Goblin Valley State Park in the San Rafael Desert of Utah contains thousands of mushroom-shaped'hoodoos'
  The gnarly rock formations are created through the erosion of Entrada sandstone deposited millions of years ago .
  Softer sedimentary rock material erodes more quickly, leaving the harder rock behind, creating unusual shape .