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If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Utah, Kodachrome Basin State Park fits the bill. This small state park is overshadowed by nearby Bryce Canyon National Park, but it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Introduction to Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin State Park is easily one of the best parks in the Utah State Park system. It was named after Kodachrome color film during a 1948 National Geographic Society expedition to the area and was designated a state park in 1962. Fearing legal repercussions from Kodak, the name was briefly changed to Chimney Rock State Park, but was renamed Kodachrome Basin a few years later with the company’s blessing.
Planning Your Trip to Kodachrome Basin State Park
We spent a half day at Kodachrome Basin, where you’ll find several canyons and five trails to explore. Time limited us to only two trails, but it definitely deserves at least a full day of exploration. Check the official website for more info.
Before getting into some of the trails and highlights of the park, here’s some essential information to help you plan your trip:
Admission to Kodachrome Basin State Park
Admission is US$10 per private vehicle and US$5 per motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian (as of September 2025). It’s open daily.
Camping at Kodachrome Basin State Park
There are three campgrounds in the park. Prices are current as of September 2025:
- The Basin Campground charges US$35 per night for basic sites and US$45 a night for full hook-up sites.
- The Bryce View Campground costs US$35 for basic sites.
- The Arch Campground costs US$45 for full hook-up sites.
Lodging at Kodachrome Basin State Park
If you’re looking for something a bit more comfortable, you’ll find a couple types of lodging. Prices are current as of September 2025:
- Simple bunkhouses sleeping 6 with no running water cost US$95 per night and you must bring your own bedding.
- The Entrada Santa Fe Hut sleeps 2 and costs US$75 per night.
Angel’s Palace Trail
The first trail we did was the Angel’s Palace Trail, which is the most popular trail in the park. It’s a 1 ½-mile (2.4 kilometer) loop that winds up a narrow path for spectacular views of the park. The trail is easy to moderate.
The first part of the trail heads up 150 feet above the basin floor, where there are nice views of red and gray rocks as well as the rest of the park
From most of the trail, there are incredible views of the green spaces filling the park between the rocks.
Some extremely narrow parts of the trail can take you to even more viewpoints, but they’re not for the faint of heart. The rock around the edges is fragile and it’s a straight drop to the bottom if you loose your footing.
The last section of the trail explores a small box canyon with some interesting rock formations.
Kodachrome Nature Trail
The very short Kodachrome Nature Trail is an ADA accessible loop that runs for ½ mile (800 meters). It gets you up close and personal to some of the parks sandstone spires, called sand pipes, which are rarely found elsewhere. 67 sand pipes have been identified in the park. They range anywhere between 2 and 52 meters.
There are some interpretive panels along the way explaining the park’s geology and some of the wildlife found there. You’ll also find some benches to sit and enjoy the scenery.
