Kodachrome Basin State Park is an intriguing region with 67 monolithic stone spikes. These so-called sedimentary pipes, which comprise various shades of red and white, reflect 180 million years of geologic history. Gaze up at the reddish hues of the rocky spires and chimneys that rise from this fascinating valley.
Stay at the campground and gaze up at the stars in the evening. Hike through the otherworldly red terrain of the sandstone valley. Key trails include the 3-mile (5-kilometer) Panorama Trail and shorter paths, such as Shakespeare Arch Trail and Angels’ Palace Trail.
You can also go on guided horseback rides with the Red Canyon Trail Rides organization. Alternatively, bring a mountain bike to cycle up and down the valley, which is 5,800 feet (1,800 meters) above sea level.
Walk around the park to view the array of unusually shaped rocks. The park stretches across an area of 2,200 acres (900 hectares). Admire the glorious hues of red, yellow, white, brown and pink that mark its historic rocks.
Find the pavilion area with barbecue grills and tables for picnics and snap photos of the scenery. Visit the nearby Grosvenor Arch, which is a little southeast of the park. It consists of a majestic double arch considered one of the most beautiful in the state.
Note that the region was given its name in 1948 for the brilliant and varying hues of the rocky peaks. Kodachrome was the relatively new Kodak brand of film that provided brilliant color in slide and movie images. The lyrics of Paul Simon’s 1973 song may run through your head as you tour the park: “Kodachrome, they give us those nice bright colors…”
The park opens daily from early morning until late evening. There is a per-vehicle fee and a separate camping fee for your stay in this state park, which first opened to the public in 1963.
Kodachrome Basin State Park lies between the Dixie National Forest and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southwestern Utah. Visit nearby landmarks, such as Canaan Peak, Barney Top and Bryce Canyon National Park.
