Kodachrome Basin State Park is one of those places in Utah where the scenery is so colorful and strange that it could be a National Park in its own right. If it were located in any other state, it might be. But in Utah, the fact that it’s designated as a state park is a good thing, as a greater number of recreational activities are allowed there. In one visit to the park, you can hike, mountain bike, camp, picnic, and ride off-road vehicles on designated trails nearby.
The geology of Kodachrome Basin State Park is really the attraction, as it is so strange, it can only come from the imagination of nature. Huge stone chimneys tower over a colorful landscape which inspired the name Kodachrome because of the picture-taking opportunities that abound there. Along with shooting photos, there are many ways to explore Kodachrome among the rock towers.
The chimneys, or sand pipes, are remnants of hot springs and geysers from an era long ago when the area was once similar to Yellowstone. The geysers eventually filled with sediment and erosion left behind the chimneys which vary in color from white to gray to red depending on the location of the sun. There are 67 sand pipes in the park that have been identified so far.
There are also arches to be discovered, such as Shakespeare Arch which can be accessed by a short hike, and Grosvenor Arch, a huge druid-like formation just outside the park’s boundaries and very much worth the drive to see.
While visiting Kodachrome Basin, you can hike the trails that offer the best views of the sand pipes, and make a trip out to Shakespeare Arch. Then hop on your mountain bikes and rode a long loop through the park on buffed single-track and old jeep roads. Riding a bike gives access to more remote sections away from the crowds, where you can dismount and explore the numerous rock formations, sandstone overhangs, and weird geology, all to yourselves. After riding back to the car, leave the park and drive out to take pictures of Grosvenor Arch.
Kodachrome Basin State Park is small, but packed full of things to do and see in a single day. The park is located nine miles south of State Route 12, near Cannonville. There is a day-use fee of $6 and camping costs $16 per site. For more information, visit the Utah State Parks website.