Most people know about Utah’s famous Big Five national parks, but there’s a hidden gem that even longtime Salt Lake City residents haven’t discovered. Kodachrome Basin State Park sits quietly in southern Utah, offering breathtaking scenery without the massive crowds. This spectacular destination features unique rock formations and stunning colors that will leave you wondering why more people don’t know about this incredible place.
1. Named After Iconic Kodak Film
Back in 1948, a National Geographic expedition stumbled upon this colorful wonderland and couldn’t believe their eyes. The vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges reminded them so much of Kodachrome film’s rich hues that they decided to name the entire area after it.
Kodak actually gave permission for the name, making this the only place on Earth officially named after their famous film. The park truly lives up to its photographic reputation today.
Every sunrise and sunset proves why those explorers made such a fitting choice for this remarkable desert landscape.
2. 67 Mysterious Sandstone Chimneys
Nowhere else in Utah will you find anything quite like these towering stone spires. Ancient geysers and seismic activity created 67 unique rock chimneys, some reaching over 170 feet into the desert sky.
Scientists believe these formations happened millions of years ago when underground pressure pushed sediment upward through cracks in the earth. The tallest chimney, nicknamed “Big Stoney,” stands as the park’s most impressive sentinel.
Walking among these giants feels like exploring an alien planet right here in southern Utah’s high desert country.
3. A Peaceful Alternative to Bryce Canyon
Just 20 miles separates this hidden treasure from the crowded trails of Bryce Canyon National Park. While Bryce sees millions of visitors annually, Kodachrome Basin remains blissfully quiet and uncrowded.
You’ll enjoy similar red rock scenery and dramatic formations without fighting for parking spots or photo opportunities. The geological features here are just as stunning but offer a more intimate desert experience.
Smart travelers use this park as their peaceful basecamp while exploring the more famous attractions in the area during off-peak hours.
4. Stargazing Like Nowhere Else
Light pollution barely exists in this remote corner of Utah, making it a certified Dark Sky Park perfect for astronomy enthusiasts. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the heavens like a cosmic river.
Professional photographers travel here specifically to capture stunning nighttime images of stars above the sandstone chimneys. The contrast between dark sky and illuminated rock formations creates magical photographic opportunities.
Camping overnight transforms your visit into an unforgettable celestial experience that city dwellers rarely get to witness in such pristine conditions.
5. Hidden Slot Canyons and Secret Trails
Shakespeare Arch Trail leads adventurous hikers to where a stunning natural arch once stood before recently collapsing. Even without the arch, this short hike offers incredible scenery and geological history lessons.
The Panorama Trail provides a moderate 3-mile loop that gets you up close to the famous sandstone chimneys. This path offers the best overall views of the park’s unique formations.
Both trails remain relatively unknown compared to Utah’s more famous hikes, giving you plenty of solitude to enjoy the desert’s natural beauty.
6. A Photographer’s Dream Destination
Professional photographers rank this among America’s most photogenic state parks, and one visit explains why. Golden hour light transforms the sandstone into glowing sculptures of red, pink, and orange fire.
The unique rock chimneys create perfect foreground subjects for landscape photography, while the clear desert air ensures sharp, vibrant images. Sunrise shoots are particularly spectacular when morning light hits the eastern faces.
Whether you’re using a smartphone or professional camera equipment, every angle offers Instagram-worthy shots that will amaze your friends back home.
7. Horseback Riding Through Desert Wonderland
Local outfitters offer guided horseback tours that let you experience this surreal landscape the way cowboys once did. Riding past towering chimneys and across open desert creates an authentic Old West adventure.
Horses provide access to areas that hiking trails don’t reach, giving you unique perspectives of the rock formations. Your guide shares local history and points out desert wildlife along the way.
The rhythm of hoofbeats and creaking leather saddles adds atmosphere that perfectly matches this timeless high desert setting in southern Utah.
8. Rare Desert Wildlife Encounters
Patient wildlife watchers spot mule deer, jackrabbits, and desert foxes among the rock formations, especially during early morning and evening hours. Mountain lions roam the area but sightings remain extremely rare and special.
Birdwatchers bring binoculars to observe hawks soaring between the chimneys, golden eagles riding thermals, and colorful mountain bluebirds perched on desert shrubs. The variety surprises most visitors.
Desert bighorn sheep occasionally appear on distant ridges, though you’ll need good eyes and patience to spot these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
9. Unique Camping Under the Stars
Picture yourself sleeping beneath one of the clearest night skies in America, where light pollution barely exists and the Milky Way stretches across the heavens like a cosmic highway. Kodachrome Basin offers camping experiences that transform ordinary nights into magical adventures.
The park’s campground sits nestled among towering sandstone chimneys and colorful rock formations. Each campsite provides stunning views and privacy that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own secret corner of Utah.
Rangers often host evening astronomy programs where visitors can peer through telescopes and learn about constellations. Cool desert nights make sleeping comfortable even during summer months, while winter camping offers crisp air and incredibly bright stars.
10. Nearby Hidden Gems
Adventure seekers will discover that Kodachrome Basin serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring southern Utah’s lesser-known treasures. Within a short drive, visitors can access incredible destinations that most tourists never find on their Utah bucket lists.
Grosvenor Arch stands just nine miles away, featuring a massive double arch that photographers dream about capturing. The scenic drive alone offers spectacular views of colorful badlands and unique rock formations that change with every mile.
Nearby Escalante offers access to slot canyons, natural bridges, and hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls. Local outfitters provide guided tours to secret locations that even experienced Utah explorers haven’t discovered, making each day trip feel like a treasure hunt.
