Positioned at 5,800 feet in elevation, Kodachrome Basin State Park is perhaps Utah’s finest state park and is just a few minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Kodachrome Basin State Park covers over 4,000 acres of ground and is a magical place with unique geologic formations, caves, arches, walking paths, horseback and wagon riding, and much more. Many of the formations within the park were formed in a very unique way. Anciently there were many geysers in this area that, over time ceased to spew water from their natural rock pipes within the ground.

Over subsequent eons of time these pipes were filled with sediment which then became harder rock than the surrounding sediment. Over more time, the surrounding sediment was eroded away leaving the standing rock towers that had filled the pipes of the geysers. 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. These towers are visible throughout the park today where they stand as tall monuments to the geyser activity that once occurred in Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Kodachrome is nine miles south of Cannonville and offers drinking water, modern rest rooms, picnic tables, fire pits, barbecue grills and electricity. Overnight camping facilities, drinking water, modern rest rooms, hot showers, and sewage stations are available. An area with picnic tables, fire pit, barbecue grills, and electricity is great for group outings. A concessionaire provides horseback rides and tours. The Park has a resident ranger. Also close to Kodachrome Basin State Park is Grosvenor Arch a unique multiple arch formation just off the Cottonwood Canyon road.

Ride in a stagecoach or on horseback, mountain bike, hike, picnic or camp at Kodachrome. Unique spires and chimneys glow with color at sunrise and sunset and was named by the National Geographic Society. Kodachrome Basin is a spectacle of massive sandstone chimneys, ever-changing from gray and white to several shades of red with the day's mood. Numerous rocks and coves offer solitude, quiet, and unique desert beauty.Nearby attractions include Bryce National Park, Grosvenor Arch, Paria Canyon, Panguitch Historic District, movie sets, and ghost town remains. 

Camping Reservations

Reservations may be made by calling Utah State Parks and Recreation, 801-322-3770 in the Salt Lake City calling area or toll-free 1-800-322-3770, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individual campsite reservations may be made from three days to 16 weeks in advance of departure date. A non-refundable reservation fee will be charged for each site reserved. A non-refundable fee is charged for group sites and building rentals. An additional reservation fee will be charged for any changes to existing reservations. Visa, MasterCard and personal checks are accepted. A fee is charged for an extra vehicle and is collected at the park.

Permits and Passes.

The Single Park Permit allows the cardholder and up to seven guests in the same private vehicle day-use entrance into Kodachrome Basin Mission State Park. The permit is valid for the current calendar year. The Five-Day Pass allows day-use entrance to most Utah state parks for five consecutive days.