Kodachrome Basin State Park

Understand

History In 1949, The National Geographic Society gave the park the name Kodachrome Basin in accordance with Eastman Kodak Inc. The reason for this was the multicolor and color contrast of the rocks.

Landscape and wildlife The park is about 1760 m high and is a semi-desert. The plants have to be able to do without a lot of water. You can see pines and juniper bushes everywhere. There are also bushes and wildflowers. The animals must also be able to survive in this inhospitable region. You can see mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, gray foxes, as well as birds, rabbits, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, mice, snakes and lizards.

Climate The climate is dry and is hot on summer days and cool at night. Winters are cold.

Visitor information 1 Kodachrome Basin State Park Visitor Center, Kodachrome State Park Rd, Henrieville, ☏ +1 435-679-8562. 7AM–8PM. Free wifi, helpful information, and a store with lots of souvenirs and supplies. Pay your entrance fee or check in for your campsite here when you enter the park. (updated Dec 2021)

Getting there

Take the famous Scenic Drive, Highway 12 to Cannonville and then 15 km south on a paved road to the park.

Getting around

The park is relatively small and can be hiked on foot or by mountain bike.

See

1 Secret Passage, Panorama Trail, Henrieville. As the name suggests, the Secret Passage passes thru some of the unusual geological formations of the park. (updated Dec 2021) 2 Cool Cave, Panorama Trail, Henrieville. As the name suggests, it's a rather cool looking cave tucked in the northwestern areas of the park. (updated Dec 2021) 3 Indian Cave. Small cave decorated with ancient Native American handprints scraped into the rock. (updated Jul 2025)

Do

Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

1 Panorama Trail. Passes interesting rock formations and caves. (updated Jul 2025) 2 Grand Parade Trail. (updated Jul 2025) 3 Angel's Palace Trail. Lots of panoramic views from up high. (updated Jul 2025)

Sleep

Lodging

Camping Kodachrome Basin State Park has 55 campsites, two of which are group sites. There is one big campground (Basin Campground) and two smaller ones (Arch Campground and Bryce View Campground). They have surprisingly nice bathrooms and Basin Campground has showers. Campsites can be reserved at Reserve America. Firewood is $10 per bundle at Basin Campground, cash only; bring exact change.

Backcountry

Go next

[[Escalante Petrified Forest State Park|Escalante Petrified Forest State Park ]]is 40 miles northwest of the park on Highway 12.

Bryce Canyon National Park is about 25 miles away traveling northwest on Highway 12.