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Destination for sightseers and outdoor adventurers

Kodachrome Basin State Park

One of the most unique state parks in all of Utah, Kodachrome Basin State Park in Cannonville

Kodachrome Basin State Park in Cannonville, Utah is a breathtaking destination located in south-central Utah. It's known for its stunning sandstone spires, colorful rock formations, and numerous canyons and natural arches. The park also features several man-made attractions including one of the largest collections of dinosaur tracks in the world. Visitors can take part in a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Kodachrome Basin State Park has something for everyone to enjoy!

There is no shortage of wildlife either; bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagles and even hawks can be spotted in the park throughout the year. With its stunning scenery and variety of recreational activities, Kodachrome Basin State Park is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re searching for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this park has something special in store. Come experience the unique beauty and splendor of Utah's Kodachrome Basin State Park!

History

Kodachrome Basin State Park was established in 1962 and it is currently owned and managed by the Utah State Parks and Recreation Division. The park was named after the famous Kodak film brand, due to its colorful rock formations resembling photos taken on Kodachrome film. Although the park has been around for decades, it remains relatively unknown in comparison to many of Utah's other state parks.

Today, Kodachrome Basin State Park in Cannonville, Utah is a popular destination for sightseers and outdoor adventurers alike. With its unique array of scenery and recreational activities, visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain or take part in one of the numerous guided tours offered by the park. The park also offers plenty of opportunities for photographers, as its colorful rock formations and other natural features make for some stunning shots. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, Kodachrome Basin State Park is sure to delight!

Photo gallery

Geology

Kodachrome Basin State Park is also renowned for its unique geology. The park sits atop sandstone formations that have been carved by wind and water over millions of years, creating a spectacular landscape of tall spires, natural arches, and colorful rock formations. The park also features three major canyons and several smaller ones, providing hikers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to explore.

The most well-known part of this glorious state park is the 67 monolithic stone spires, which are called sedimentary pipes, that are all across the 2,240 acres of land. Elsewhere in the park, visitors can observe a variety of geological features such as fossilized dinosaur tracks and sandstone hoodoos. These sedimentary pipes were created in a unique way; anciently this basin was thermally active and water geysers created vertical passages in the sediment. When these geysers ceased to function, sediment filled the empty vertical geyser passages and this sediment became much harder than the surrounding sediment. Over time the surrounding sediment was eroded away and this left the tall hardened sediment towers standing. As such, Kodachrome Basin State Park is a fascinating destination for those looking to learn more about the Earth’s geology. The park is still actively forming as the wind and water continue to shape its incredible sandstone formations. This makes it an ever-evolving landscape that offers visitors something new to explore each time they visit.

Planning a trip to Kodachrome Basin State Park

Kodachrome Basin State Park in Cannonville, Utah is open year-round and can be accessed by following a scenic two-hour drive from the town of Kanab, Utah. Once there, visitors will find plenty to do and explore. The park boasts miles of hiking trails, backcountry camping spots, picnic sites, fishing areas, horseback riding paths and much more. There are also a few facilities and services onsite, including guided tours, interpretive programs, and campgrounds with hookups for RVs.

lodging/camping

Kodachrome Basin State Park offers a range of lodging options for visitors looking to stay overnight. There are two full-service campgrounds located within the park, each with its own unique amenities. The campsites have both RV and tent sites and offer potable water, restroom facilities, and laundry services. If camping isn't your style, then the nearest towns of Cannonville, Tropic, and Panguitch, Utah have plenty of hotels and motels for you and your group to choose from.

dining

Kodachrome Basin State Park in Cannonville, Utah also offers a variety of dining options for visitors looking to grab a bite during their stay. There are several restaurants located in the towns we mentioned above. However, the park itself does not have any restaurants on-site. Visitors can also bring their own food and cook with the grills available at the campgrounds or opt for one of the nearby take-out options.

Fees/permits

There are fees for day-use access to Kodachrome Basin State Park and for camping and the campground as well. For more information about fees and permits, visit the state park website for all amounts for Kodachrome State Park.

Pets

The good news for pet owners is that pets are allowed into the park as long as they are on a leash and supervised at all times. Pet owners should also be aware of any potential hazards within the park such as poison ivy, wild animals or other natural dangers. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and disposing of waste properly.

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