Hiking Southern Utah: Kodachrome Basin State Park
With red-tinged rock formations and incredible blue skies, Kodachrome Basin State Park is an area just begging to be photographed. The breathtaking monolithic sedimentary pipes — also known as “chimneys” — rise high into the skies.
The state park first got its name following a 1948 National Geographic Society exploration when the park’s stunning landscape of contrasting colors inspired society photographers to nickname the area “Kodachrome Flat,” after the name of the newly released photo film from Kodak.
There are 67 chimneys in total, ranging in height from six feet all the way up to 170 feet. These natural towers stand like stone sentries, overlooking the park and creating a backdrop that is sure to delight the senses and spark the imagination.
There are two prevailing theories about how the chimneys came to be.
The first is that the area was seismically active for many years, and earthquakes assisted in creating pathways through overlying rock layers. These paths filled with sediment and became harder than the surrounding rock, allowing them to withstand the years of erosion.
In the second theory, the pipes are remnants of ancient springs that became choked with sediments, cementing the sediments together into an erosion-resistant rock. When the softer outside rock layers eroded away, these hard, cemented pipes remained.
While it is true that photography lovers have an absolute ball at Kodachrome Basin State Park, those who enjoy other outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or wildlife watching have plenty of recreation opportunities available as well.
Hiking trails at Kodachrome Basin span in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Not only do these trails allow spectacular views to hikers, but they also allow them to explore geological areas such as the Cool Cave, Secret Passage, and The Hat Shop.
by Kodachrome Basin State Park sports 31 campsites. Some sites close during winter months while full hook-up sites are open year-round. Chimneys jut up from the valley floor or protrude from the sandstone rocks that surround the campground and inspire an infinite array of subjects limited only by one’s imagination.
In addition to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking in the park, visitors should plan to visit nearby Grosvenor Arch. This intricate double arch, located just 10 miles southeast of the park, is one of the most impressive in the state.
