Top 5 Reasons To Visit Kodachrome Basin State Park

Kodachrome State Park, Utah Activities, Utah Adventure, Utah Hiking, Utah State Parks, Utah Travel

1- Geological Features:

Kodachrome Basin State Park is best known for its monolithic rock spires, or sedimentary pipes. Within Kodachrome there are 67 (sixty-seven) spires that reach heights between six feet and 170 feet tall. These multi-colored towers create a landscape that is very unique and quite possibly not found anywhere else in the world.

2- Photo Opportunities:

The name Kodachrome comes from the Kodak company's color film which, before digital photography came to fruition, was know for its vibrant reproduction of existing colors. At sunrise and sunset this park offers sensational viewscapes of the many rows of formations and free-standing individual towers. Pitted against reddish-brown background, the red and white chimney stacks offer photographers views that are vert unique.

3- Hiking Trails:

With trails like the 6-mile Panorama Trail, Angel's Palace, and Shakespeare Arch, visitors may hike on paved or dirt tracks that range from easy walks to moderate hikes to arches, half-caves, and panoramic views of the state park

4- Stargazing:

This park offers dark sky stargazing experiences because of its remote location away from light pollution. Views of the Milky Way are easily acquired here and the park's tall formations offer a unique foreground to the night sky universe. Its tranquil and less-busy ambiance offers a relaxing escape in a natural setting.

5- Year-Round Access:

While spring and fall will be the best weather times to visit, summer nights are very comfortable, and winter days with sunshine are also a good time to visit Kodachrome Basin State Park for outdoor experiences such as hiking, biking, camping, horse riding.
Bonus Reason: The proximity of this state park to Bryce Canyon National Park (17 miles) and Utah's Scenic Byway 12 (9 miles) make Kodachrome Basin a natural itinerary addition for anyone traveling in this central southern Utah region.

How were Kodachrome Basin's spires created?

In some ancient time, that science can only speculate about, this region was active with thermal geysers. When these geysers ceased to function there were large portals or natural vertical passageways, or pipes, that were left open and devoid of water. This area was a floodplain where sediment, over time, filled in these ancient vertical tunnels. The sediment and associated minerals hardened into solid stone that was actually more dense, strong, and resistant to erosion, than the surrounding sediment or rock. Erosional effects of flooding and wind have carved away this softer surrounding material and left the hardened towers of stone still standing.

Learn more about Kodachrome Basin.