Massive sandstone chimneys seem to change from gray and white to shades of red with the day's cloud cover and sunlight. Geologists believe that in the past, Kodachrome Basin State Park once had hot springs and geysers like Yellowstone National Park. They think that eventually these springs and geysers filled up with sediment and solidified. Over time, the sandstone surrounding the solidified geysers eroded, leaving the large sand chimneys. There are sixty-seven sand chimneys in the park, ranging from almost seven feet high to over one hundred and seventy feet high.
The National Geographic Society named the park for its picture perfect vistas, and everyone agreed with it. There's an infinite variety of photo opportunities of the towering monolithic spires or chimneys. They jut up from the valley floor and protrude from the sandstone rocks surrounding the campground.
Activities in the park include hiking, biking, and photography. A concessionaire provides horse rentals, ice, food and camping supplies. Right in the middle of the stone chimneys, scattered juniper and pinon trees you'll find the campground. There are flush toilets, showers, and drinking water, along with an RV dump station...but no RV hookups.
To get to Kodachrome Basin from Bryce Canyon National Park, go three miles north to the junction of Utah 63 and Utah 12. Then go east (right) on Utah 12 for about twelve miles to Cannonville. In Cannonville turn south onto the park's access road (there's a sign), and go about nine miles to the park entrance.
Kodachrome Basin State Park Statistics:
Acres - 2240
Elevation - 5,800 feet
Park Open - All Year
Park Hours - 6:00am - 10:00pm
Holiday Closures - None
Reservations Accepted - All Year
Resident Ranger - yes
Stay Limit - 14 Days
RV Trailer Sites - 24
Maximum RV Length - 45 feet
Tent Sites - 24
Group Campground - 2 sites, Maximum 50 people and 15 vehicles
Annual passes - available
Fee - yes, Day-use and camping
Picnicking - yes
Group Pavilion - yes
Cabins - yes, provided by Scenic Safaris
Drinking Water - yes
Modern Rest Rooms - yes
Showers - yes
Waste Disposal Station - yes
Concession Service - yes
Pets - yes, in park and on trails dogs must be on less than six foot leash at all times
Scenic Safaris is the vender providing cabins within the State Park. Each cabin has two double beds with a roll-away bed available. There is one full bath, air conditioning and heating, microwave and a coffeepot. Outside each cabin is a picnic table and barbeque grill.
The Basin offers several hiking possibilities. Panorama Trail is only moderately difficult. Following an old, relatively flat wagon route before it climbs to offer views of the park's rock formations. It ends at Panorama Point. There are several side trips available. Make sure you pick up trail information in the park.
One online reviewer said, "Fans of arches will want to drive the dirt road to the trail head for the half-mile round-trip hike to scenic Shakespeare Arch. This trail also provides views of a large chimney-rock formation. Visit Trail Head Station for Horseback Riding & Stagecoach Rides in the park from April through October. There is wildlife to see in the park, the two most common are Jackrabbits, and chukar partridges. You'll hear the pison jay and might see an occasional coyote or rattlesnake.''
Visitation tip for the park, because of the crowds and the heat in the summer, the best months to visit are May, September, and October.
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