Kodachrome Basin State Park is a fantasy world of massive sandstone chimneys that change color depending on the mood of the day and the natural light, from gray and white to shades of red. The quiet beauty of the area makes it a popular location to see if you are traveling in the Southwest U.S.

With its red tinged rock formations and incredibly blue skies, the rocks seem to stand out like cardboard cutouts. which beg to be photographed. The National Geographic Society actually came up with the name Kodachrome, and everyone agreed that the name fit!

Kodachrome Basin State Park was once very much like Yellowstone National Park. It probably had hot springs and geysers, and over time, the pipes filled up with sediment. The sediment solidified in the pipes and remained for hundreds of thousands of year. Then the surrounding soft sandstone eroded away, leaving the large sand pipes that had solidified in the geysers. Sixty-seven sand pipes ranging from 6 to 150 feet tall are contained in the park.

Primary recreational activities in Kodachrome Basin State Park include photography, wildlife watching, camping, as well as mountain biking and hiking the park’s several trails. Popular sites to hike or bike to include Chimney Rock, Shakespeare Arch, and Ballerina Geyser. A concessionaire provides horseback rides and tours.

A quick drive will take you to Grosvenor Arch. This intricate double arch, located just 10 miles southeast of the park, is one of the most impressive in the state. Also within easy driving distance is Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

The park has overnight camping facilities, drinking water, modern rest rooms, hot showers and sewage disposal station. The camp area is ringed by huge stone monoliths making it very picturesque. Cabins available for rent from Scenic Safaris. For reservations, please call 435-679-8536 or 435-679-8787. The town of Cannonville offers rooms at the Grand Staircase Inn as well as several dining options. Since Kodachrome is so close to Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, there are plenty of other locations to camp, dine and shop in the general area.

Kodachrome Basin State Park
P.O. Box 238
Cannonville, UT 84718-0238
Phone: 435-679-8562