This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Goblin Valley seems like a natural place to be designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

The Emery County state park is miles from the nearest city, which is tiny Hanksville. It is the second Utah State Park to earn the designation from the International Dark Sky Association after Dead Horse Point.

That association is a Tucson-based non-profit dedicated to the protection of night skies for future generations.

Goblin Valley was established at a state park in 1964 and located off State Highway 24 between the towns of Hanksville and Green River.

The popular park encourages visitors to wander freely through the sandstone goblins. It is home to 24 campsites and two yurts.

The designation as a dark sky parks means Goblin Valley is home to one of the clearest, darkest night skies in the world.

In order to earn the designation, Goblin Valley managers committed to protecting its own natural darkness by removing extraneous light fixtures and shielding others so that light is projected only downward to where it is needed for safety.

Anyone who has ever wandered through the park on a starless night can attest to the beauty of the night sky in this area as well as the uniqueness of the rock formation.

To earn the designation, park staff needed to develop educational programs. There will be full moon hikes and telescope viewing events.

The first of these special events will occur at 7:30 p.m. on October 1, when there will be a star party. Multiple telescopes will be available. No reservations are needed.

For information on Goblin Valley, log on to http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley.