Kodachrome Basin State Park

Infobox_protected_area | name = Kodachrome Basin State Park
iucn_category = II

---

caption =
locator_x = 55
locator_y = 86
location = Utah, USA
nearest_city = Cannonville, Utah
lat_degrees = 37
lat_minutes = 30
lat_seconds = 2
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 112
long_minutes = 0
long_seconds = 2
long_direction = W
area = convert|2240|acre|km2|1|sing=on
established = 1962
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = Utah State Parks

Kodachrome Basin is a small state park in the U.S. State of Utah. It is situated convert|5800|ft|m|1|sing=on above sea level, twelve miles south of Utah Route 12, and 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park. It is accessible from the north from Cannonville by a paved road and from the south by Road 400, a dirt road from the Page, Arizona area to Cannonville, passable for most vehicles in dry conditions. A longer but paved route to Tropic from the south is also available via US-89 and SR-12.

Geology

Geologists believe Kodachrome Basin State Park was once similar to Yellowstone National Park with hot springs and geysers, which eventually filled up with sediment and solidified. Through time, the Entrada sandstone surrounding the solidified geysers eroded, leaving large sand pipes. Sixty-seven sand pipes ranging from two to 52 meters have been identified in the park. [ [http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/kodachrome/ Utah State Parks - Kodachrome Basin] ]

History

Evidence near the park suggests that Native Americans were the first to wander through the area. Around the turn of the 20th century, cattlemen from Cannonville and Henrieville used the basin as a winter pasture. In 1948 the National Geographic Society explored and photographed the area for a story that appeared in the September 1949 issue of National Geographic. They named the area Kodachrome Flat, after the then relatively new brand of Kodak film they used. [http://www.toddshikingguide.com/Hikes/Utah/Misc/MiscUT2.htm Todd's Desert Hiking Guide] ] In 1962 the area was designated a State Park. Fearing repercussions from the Kodak film company for using the name Kodachrome, the name was changed to Chimney Rock State Park, but renamed Kodachrome Basin a few years later with Kodak's permission.

Recreational activities

Primary recreational activities in Kodachrome Basin State Park include photography, wildlife watching, camping, and hiking the park's several trails. Popular sites include Chimney Rock, Shakespeare Arch, and Ballerina Geyser. Stargazing is popular as the park sees little light pollution. Grosvenor Arch, an intricate double arch located ten miles south east of the park in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a popular destination for many visitors.

References

External links

* [http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/kodachrome/ Official Kodachrome Basin State Park Website]
* [http://www.toddshikingguide.com/Hikes/Utah/Misc/MiscUT2.htm Kodachrome hiking trails] from Todd's Desert Hiking Guide