The Entrada Canyon Trail runs 1.05 miles southeast from the Goblin Valley picnic area to Observation Point and the main Goblin Valley amphitheater. The trail weaves through deep-red canyons of quaternary deposits, eroded Entrada sandstone debris that formed mounds held together by Cryptobiotic soil crusts.

Goblin formations and Molly's Castle from the Entrada Canyon Trail

The Entrada Canyon Trail leads to Observation Point with views over the main goblin amphitheater

Cryptobiotic soil is a living ground cover comprised of cyanobacteria, lichen, moss, green algae, micro fungi, and bacteria

Cyanobacteria moves through the soil and binds particles, forming a fibrous mesh that stabilizes the surface

Perhaps the most challenging part of the trail is at the trailhead itself, where the trail is difficult to decipher

The Three Sisters from the Entrada Canyon Trail at Observation Point

Eroded sediments at the base of goblin formations create the pedestals on which they rest

Goblin formations cap canyon walls as you near Observation Point

Taller promontories show evidence of the Curtis Formation on their caps

Cyanobacteria fixes nitrogen, a critical resource for desert vegetation