Kodachrome Basin is a state park of Utah, United States. It is situated 5,800 feet (1,767.8 m) above sea level, 12 miles (19 km) 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.
Visitor Map of Cottonwood Road Scenic Backway at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (NM) in Utah. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of the Daily Lottery Permit Application Geofence Perimeter for Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and South in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (NM), Arizona Strip BLM Field Office area and Kanab BLM Field Office area in Utah and Arizona. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Visitor Map of the Skutumpah / Johnson Canyon Roads in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (NM) in Utah. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Guide to Utah Scenic Byways. Published by visitutah.com
Kodachrome Basin SP
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/kodachrome-basin/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodachrome_Basin_State_Park
Kodachrome Basin is a state park of Utah, United States. It is situated 5,800 feet (1,767.8 m) above sea level, 12 miles (19 km) 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.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Map and Guide
Kodachrome Basin
Geology
Kodachrome Basin is a spectacle of towering
sandstone chimneys, changing in color and shadow
with the day’s mood - from red-tinged spires
against a blue sky, to soft evening light settling
over the desert. This color and contrast prompted
the National Geographic Society in 1949, with
consent
to name
park
consentfrom
fromKodak
KodakFilm
FilmCorporation,
Corp., to name
thethe
park
Kodachrome.
The story of Kodachrome Basin began more than
180 million years ago. It is the story of the Earth
itself, and of the constant changes that occur due
to the forces of nature. Like the chapters in a book,
each rock layer reveals a chapter in Kodachrome
Basin’s history, telling of times when this desert
land was covered by vast inland seas and raging
rivers. It reveals times of great violence and
upheaval and times of relative peace, and how the
relentless power of wind and water shaped the
landscape around us.
Nearly 70 monolithic spires, ranging from six to
170
170 feet
feet in
in height,
height,jut
jutup
upfrom
fromthe
thevalley
valleyfloor
floor
or protrude from the sandstone. These natural
towers stand like stone sentries overlooking
the
a backdrop
that isthat
sureistosure to
the park,
park creating
and create
a backdrop
delight the senses and spark the imagination. The
redrock and semi-desert climate make this state
park attractive to visitors all year.
You will have to reread this story many times
because, unlike most stories, this one has no
ending. It is being rewritten everyday by each drop
of rain that falls and each gust of wind that blows.
Kodachrome Basin can be reached by following
Scenic Byway 12, an All American Road and one
of the most spectacular drives in the West, to
Cannonville, then south nine miles on a paved
road.
Geologic History
Kodachrome Basin State Park is located on the
Colorado Plateau, an uplifted region that covers
much of the four corners area of Utah, Arizona,
New Mexico
Mexico,and
and Colorado.
Colorado. Within
Within the park,
park, the
the
exposed formations range from the middle Jurassic
Period (180 million years ago) to the Cretaceous
Period (95 million years ago).
Carmel Formation: Deposits from an inland sea
that existed 180 million years ago formed this
layer. This is the oldest exposed formation in the
park. The Carmel Formation is characterized by
solid layers of the mineral gypsum, which forms
white striations in the red colored cliffs in the lower
elevations of the park.
Entrada Formation: Lying just above the
Carmel Formation is the red colored Entrada.
The Entrada was formed from deposits that were
laid down during the mid-to-late Jurassic Period,
approximately 180 to 140 milllion years ago.
Utah State Parks
It is primarily composed of fine grained sandstone
along with
with gypsum,
gypsum, shale,
shale,quartz,
quartz and
and clay.
clay. This
This
formation is one of the most scenic in the park due
to its color. It also forms the ubiquitous “slickrock”
of southern Utah. Most of the sedimentary pipes
found within the park occur in this formation.
Henrieville Sandstone: Deposited near the end of
the Jurassic Period, the Henrieville Sandstone is
white to tan in appearance. Deposits of Henrieville
Sandstone are almost unnoticable in the main
part of the park. However, Grosvenor Arch, located
approximately 11 miles south of the park, was
formed within this sandstone.
Dakota and Tropic Shale Formations: These are
the uppermost formations visible in the park. They
were deposited approximately 95 million years ago
when a vast seaway covered much of the interior of
North America, including most of Utah.
Sedimentary Pipes
Nearby Activities
The most distinctive features in the park are the
large columns of sedimentary rock that rise from
the basin floor. These are known as sedimentary
pipes. Approximately 67 sedimentary pipes have
been identified in Kodachrome Basin and in the
area adjacent to the park. Geologists are unsure
of the exact origin of the pipes, but several
theories have been proposed that might explain
their formation.
In addition
addition to
to photography,
photography, hiking,
hiking, horseback
horseback
riding,
and mountain
mountain biking, visitors
riding and
visitors should
should plan
plan
to visit
Grand
Staircase
- Escalante
National
visit the
Grand
Staircase
- Escalante
National
Monument.
Monument. Grosvenor
Grosvenor Arch, an intricate
intricate
double
double arch
arch located
located 11
11miles
milessoutheast
southeastofof
Kodachrome Basin, is one of
of the
the state’s
state’smost
most
impressive arches. Also, Cottonwood Canyon
Canyon
and the
the Paria
Paria River area, south
south of
of Kodachrome
Kodachrome
Basin, offer
offer unlimited
unlimitedpossibilities
possibilitiestotoexplore.
explore.
Evidence recorded in the rock layers within
the park
park indicate
indicatethis
thisarea
areawas
wasseismically
seismically
active throughout most of its geologic history.
Earthquakes may h
Utah
T R AV E L G U I D E
225 miles
to Boise
230 miles
to Yellowstone
Sawtooth National Forest
155 miles to
Grand Teton
GARDEN CIT Y
15
84
Bear
Lake
89
LOGAN
R ANDOLPH
GOLDEN SPIKE
NTL. HISTORIC PARK
30
15
39
BRIGHAM
CIT Y
Cache
National
Forest
OGDEN
Great
Salt Lake
400 miles
to Reno
84
EVANSTON
FLAMING GORGE
NTL. REC. AREA
150
80
SALT LAKE CITY
191
80
WENDOVER
215
K AMA S
PARK CIT Y
Uinta
National
Forest
TOOELE
Wasatch
National
Forest
TIMPANOGOS CAVE
NTL. MONUMENT
Utah
Lake
36
DINOSAUR
NTL. MONUMENT
VERNAL
HEBER CIT Y
35
191
40
PROVO
40
300 miles
to Denver
ive
r
DUCHESNE
Wasatch
National
Forest
89
Ashley
National
Forest
Manti-La Sal
National
Forest
Gr
Uinta
National
Forest
ee
nR
191
6
PRICE
31
6
15
Fishlake
National
Forest
12 miles
to Great
Basin
50
JURASSIC
NTL. MONUMENT
MANTI
28
C A STLE DALE
6
10
257
FILLMORE
70
RICHFIELD
GREEN RIVER
70
ARCHES
NATIONAL PARK
24
Fishlake
National
Forest
24
30 miles
to Grand
Junction
191
128
MOAB
21
CAPITOL REEF
NATIONAL PARK
15
89
62
BEAVER
Manti-La Sal
National
Forest
24
CANYONLANDS
NATIONAL PARK
TORREY
95
89
CEDAR CIT Y
PANGUITCH
276
ESC AL ANTE
12
CEDAR BREAKS
NTL. MONUMENT
Dixie
National
Forest
MONTICELLO
491
Manti-La Sal
National
Forest
NATURAL BRIDGES
NTL. MONUMENT
BL ANDING
GLEN CANYON
NTL. REC. AREA
BRYCE CANYON
NATIONAL PARK
ZION
NATIONAL PARK
9
95
K ANAB
180 miles to
Grand Canyon
To request a free Official Utah Highway Map, please contact
the Utah Department of Transportation at 801-965-4000
or the Utah Office of Tourism at 801-538-1900
89
GRAND STAIRCASE–
ESCALANTE NTL. MONUMENT
Lake Powell
55 miles
to Mesa
Verde
HOVENWEEP
NTL. MONUMENT
BEARS
261 EARS
NTL. MONUMENT
BLUFF
SPRINGDALE
ST. GEORGE
110 miles
to Las Vegas
ve
r
Ri
Dixie
National
Forest
Dixie
National
Forest
PAROWAN
191
12
Co
lo
ra
do
130
MONUMENT
VALLEY
National Forest
MEXIC AN
HAT
162
Four Corners Area
FOUR CORNERS
MONUMENT
National Park
State Park
TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS
FOREVER MIGHTY®
PAGE 2
Forever Mighty means preparing for the outdoors and traveling mindfully.
Use these resources to help you plan and prepare for your visit.
THE BUCKET LIST
PAGE 4
Ride with bison, raft the West’s best whitewater, rappel down slot canyons, then
hook a trophy trout — and your vacation is just getting started. Fulfill — or create
— your Utah Bucket List with these nine unforgettable adventures.
GETTING HERE & AROUND
PAGE 10
Getting to Utah is easy, and with a little know-how, getting around is also a breeze.
Traveling in Utah means falling in love with Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY & THE WASATCH FRONT
PAGE 12
You think you know Salt Lake? Immerse yourself in the experiences that truly
define this vibrant city and the greater Wasatch Front.
DINING GUIDE
3
4
5
6
7
PAGE 16
Get to know the sophisticated culinary side of Utah with help from a renowned
dining critic. This roundup is a mere stepping off point of can’t-miss eateries
from Salt Lake City and around the state.
THE GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH ®
PAGE 24
Zip up your coat, then point your skis or board down your choice of nearly 1,000
runs at 14 ski resorts. Repeat. This is your guide to getting here, getting around
and making the most of winter on your Utah ski vacation.
TOP RATED UTAH
PAGE 30
Travelers to Utah love their experiences so much they can’t resist sharing them
with the world. Here are several top attractions trending on TripAdvisor that
deserve a spot on your vacation itinerary.
PARKS & OUTDOORS
PAGE 36
Your adventure starts with The Mighty 5 national parks. It continues with
multiple national monuments, recreation areas and state parks plus vast
stretches of national forest and open lands filling the space between them.
®
SCENIC BYWAYS
PAGE 50
The lure of the open road is strong in Utah. No matter where you drive here,
there’s a scenic way to get where you’re going. These seven scenic byways
will fill your eyes with Utah’s iconic visual splendor.
HERITAGE & ARTS
PAGE 56
Utah has a variety of art and history destinations, as well as a vibrant art, theater,
film, festival and music scene. Utah’s pioneer and indigenous heritage is the
foundation, and our uniquely contemporary offerings include a thriving Olympic
spirit, inspiring earth art and rural artist communities.
BEFORE YOU GO & RESOURCES
PAGE 64
Traveling to Utah is an adventure. It helps to come prepared, always with a little
knowledge, sometimes with gear and supplies. Here are a few tips to help you
start planning and packing for Utah.
Join us
in keeping Utah
FOREVER MIGHTY ®
Utah welcomes all adventurers who care for people and place. As you travel through
Utah, we ask you to:
BE PREPARED FOR THE OUTDOORS
BE MINDFUL OF THE PLACES YOU VISIT
Forever Mighty means knowing how to Leave No Trace in the outdoors, support local
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for good on social media.
TRAVEL TIP #1:
TRAVEL TI
Utah is the place where prehistory intersects with the enduring spirit of
the Old West. Wild, adventure-rich places cradle vibrant urban centers.
With interstates and airplanes, the world can feel pretty small. On Utah’s
designated scenic byways, the world feels grand; its horizons seem
infinite. As you drive through Utah, you’ll inevitably encounter many of
the state’s scenic byways. In total, Utah’s distinct topography provides
the surface for 27 scenic byways, which add up to hundreds of miles of
vivid travel experiences wherein the road trip is as memorable as the
destination. Utah’s All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12 headlines the
network of top roads thanks to landscapes and heritage unlike anywhere
else in the nation.
All of Utah’s scenic byways are explorative journeys filled with trailheads,
scenic overlooks, museums, local flavors and vibrant communities
where you can stop for the night or hook up your RV. Not sure where
to start? In the following pages, you’ll discover monumental upheavals
of exposed rock strata among multiple national and state parks along
the All-American Road (pg. 4); dense concentrations of fossils along
Dinosaur Diamond (pg. 8); and the blazing red cliffs and deep blue
waters of Flaming Gorge–Uintas (pg. 12) — and that’s just in the first
three highlighted byways. Your journey continues down two dozen
additional byways, arranged north to south.
Best of all, these byways access an outdoor adventureland you can hike,
fish, bike, raft, climb and explore from sunup to sundown — then stay
up to welcome the return of the Milky Way. But get some sleep. There’s
more road ahead.
Vicki Varela
Managing Director, Utah Office of Tourism, Film and Global Branding
2
Bear Lake
GARDEN CITY
15
84
1
LOGAN
30
16
BRIGHAM CITY
3
15
5
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Great
Salt Lake
80
84
4
Flaming
Gorge
MANILA
ANTELOPE ISLAND
STATE PARK
SALT LAKE CITY
80
WENDOVER
150
11
191
PARK CITY
6
196
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NTL. MONUMENT
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7
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70
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24
24
13
16
GOBLIN VALLEY
STATE PARK
25
MOAB
313
15
89
15
LOA
62
BEAVER
CAPITOL REEF
NATIONAL PARK
17
14
24
HANKSVILLE
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18
23
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24
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22
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59
89
NATURAL BRIDGES
NTL. MONUMENT
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95
BRYCE CANYON
NATIONAL PARK
9
ST. GEORGE
12
19
26
SNOW CANYON
STATE PARK
ESCALANTE
143
20
MONTICELLO
PANGUITCH
HOVENWEEP
NTL. MONUMENT
25
276
GRAND STAIRCASE–ESCALANTE
NATIONAL MONUMENT
261
BLUFF
163
491
SPRINGDALE
KANAB
MEXICAN HAT
89
Lake Powell
MONUMENT
VALLEY
191
FOUR CORNERS
MONUMENT
160
~ National Forest
~ National Park/Monument
•
City
Paved Road
Unpaved Road
=
Interstate
--------
1. Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway
2. Bear Lake Scenic Byway
3. Ogden River Scenic Byway
4. Great Salt Lake Legacy Parkway
5. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
6. Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway
7. Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway
8. Provo Canyon Scenic Byway
9. Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway
10. Energy Loop: Huntington & Eccles Canyon Ntl. Scenic Byway
11. Flaming Gorge–Uintas National Scenic Byway
12. Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway–Ntl. Scenic Byway
13. Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway
14. Potash–Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway
---
-----
15. Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway
16. Fish Lake Scenic Byway
17. Capitol Reef Country Scenic Byway
18. Scenic Byway 12 All-American Road
19. Utah’s Patchwork Parkway National Scenic Byway
20. Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway
21. Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway
22. Mount Carmel Scenic Byway
23. Bicentennial Highway
24. Indian Creek Scenic Byway
25. Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway
26. Kolob Fingers Road Scenic Byway
27. Zion Park Scenic Byway
GUIDE CONTENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
DINOSAUR DIAMOND PREHISTORIC
HIGHWAY NATIONAL SCENIC BY WAY
PAGE 08
ALL-AMERICAN ROAD:
SCENIC BYWAY 12
PAGE 04
Thor’s Hammer, Bryce Canyon National Park | Larry Price
Look for the
Geocaching logo
throughout this
guide to see how
many caches are
placed on or near
each byway
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, Vernal | Mark Osler
FLAMING GORGE – UINTAS
NATIONAL SCENIC BY WAY
PAGE 12
Flaming Gorge | Dan Ransom
~I
Explore more road
trips and itineraries at
visitutah.com/itineraries
.__ ________
02
visitutah.com/scenicbyways
__J
The Hogsback, All-American Highway: Scenic Byway 12 | Michael Kunde
NORTH TO SOUTH
LOGAN CANYON TO OGDEN RIVER SCENIC BY WAY LOOP
16
GREAT SALT LAKE LEGACY PARKWAY SCENIC BY WAY
20
MIRROR LAKE SCENIC BY WAY
21
BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON SCENIC BY WAY
22
LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON SCENIC BY WAY
23
PROVO RIVER SCENIC BY WAY
24
NEBO LOOP