Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah

Kodachrome Basin State Park is a little hidden gem tucked right in between Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The park received its name in 1949 when the National Geographic Society asked the consent from Kodak Film Corp. to name the park Kodachrome after a type of film, due to the park’s range in color and contrast. It is open all year long and boasts nearly 70 monolithic spires ranging from 6 to 170 feet in height. It has 3 campgrounds, sites with full hook-ups, and even some group bunkhouses. They have laundry and shower facilities during the busy season. We came during the off-season (almost winter) and it was a nice, slow, quiet park. There is no cell service here, so come prepared for that. We stayed 3 nights in basin campground at a full hook-up site.

The park has 5 trails to explore. 2 of which you can also mtn bike. Dogs are allowed on all trails and areas of this park…. big bonus!!

It is also the closest entrance area to Grosvenor Arch (one of the largest double arches in Utah) that is down an 11-mile unmaintained road in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Trails we explored:

Grand Parade Trail is an easy 1.5-mile hike along the floor and explores 2 box canyons. Bikes allowed.

Angel’s Palace Trail is an easy/moderate 1.5-mile trail that climbs 150 ft to give excellent views of the surrounding area, including Bryce Canyon.

Panorama Trail is an easy/moderate 3-6-mile loop that winds its way around the western side of the park. You can explore areas such as “Hat Shop”, “Secret Passage”, and “Cool Cave”. Bikes allowed on the main area of the trail.

Trails we didn’t explore:

Nature Trail is a .5-mile easy informational trail that is on hard surface and ADA accessible. You will learn about the plants, animals, and geology of the park.

Shakespeare Arch-Sentinel Trail is a moderate/strenuous 1.7-mile loop that takes you by Shakespeare Arch that collapsed in 2019 due to erosion.

The park is close by Bryce Canyon and the easy Mossy Cave hike. It obviously has a cave, but also a waterfall and several arches. This is a great hike for kids, but no dogs allowed on trails in national parks.