Plan Your Visit to Kodachrome Basin State Park Travel Guide
Kodachrome Basin State Park is known for its multicolored rock dunes of red, pink, yellow, and white. The area is full of monolithic stone spires, hoodoos, chimneys, and red slick rock sandstone. Camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and stargazing are popular activities. Kodachrome Basin State Park is located in the southern Utah desert Colorado Plateau. This 2,2490-acre park is off the beaten path yet near Utah’s Big 5 National Parks.
You are excited to visit Kodachrome Basin State Park and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, what not to miss, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do while visiting Kodachrome Basin State Park while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this Kodachrome Basin State Park travel blog.
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Where is Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin State Park is 9 miles southeast of Cannonville Utah off Scenic Byway 12. It is 22 miles southeast of the popular Bryce Canyon National Park and is surrounded by Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Facts About Kodachrome Basin State Park
Shakespeare Arch collapsed in 2019 due to erosion.
This park was nicknamed “Kodachrome” after the Kodak film by a National Geographic writer in the late 1940s.
Kodachrome Basin State Park became a state park in 1963.
The area was designated an International Dark Sky Park in January 2021.
There are 67 sandstone pipes in the park, some reach up to 170 feet.
The formations in the park were formed between 95-180 million years ago.
Best Time of Year to Visit Kodachrome Basin State Park
Late June, July, August, and early September are the hottest months with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees. Storms with flash floods and ground lightning are common in the summer. Winter temperatures reach below zero and heavy snow is possible from December through March. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures and are the best months to visit Kodachrome Basin State Park.
Accommodation in Kodachrome Basin State Park
There are 3 campgrounds with 32 sites in the park. Sites are first come first served but reservations are recommended for RVs.
Kodachrome Basin State Park Hikes
Nature Loop Trail is a .5-mile interpretative trail of the park’s geology.
Panorama Trail is a 2.9-mile trail past the Indian Cave, Ballerina Spire, Hat Shop, and Secret Passage (most popular).
Angel’s Palace Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that overlooks the basin.
Eagle View Trail is a 1.5-mile walk 150 feet above the basin overlooking the entire park.
Grand Parade Trail takes you 1.5 miles past pinnacles and box canyons.
Shakespeare Arch-Sentinel is a 1.7-mile loop with views of Grand Staircase -Escalante National Monument.
Things to Do at Kodachrome Basin State Park
Mountain bike the Panorama Trail, Big Geysers, or Grand Parade Loop.
Take a horseback ride on the Panorama Trail or the Grand Parade Loop.
Download your coordinates for geocaching.
Visit during a meteor shower and enjoy the dark sky.
Stop at the visitor center for a game of disc golf.
Check out the handprints in Indian Cave on the Panorama Trail.
Photograph the Ballerina Spire off the Panorama Trail.
Be sure to check the Kodachrome Basin State Park Service for current events.
Tips for Visiting Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin State Park is open 365 days/year from 6 am to 10 pm.
The Nature Trail is ADA-accessible.
Dogs are allowed on leash in the park.
There is no cell service in the park.
Be on alert for rattlesnakes, scorpions, and poisonous spiders.
There is minimal shade. Bring water and use sunscreen.
Side roads are dirt and may become dangerous in rain.
Do not climb on rock formations, they are unstable.
The soil is alive, stay on the trail. Cryptobiotic soil dies if walked on.
Bicycles must remain on paved roads and OHVs are not allowed in the park.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles.
Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass and keep exploring National Parks.
NOTE: This is a small park that is worth visiting when combined with the nearby Grosvenor Arch and Willis Slot Canyon.
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