Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
Utah is full of popular tourist destinations that see hordes of crowds year after year. Though no less beautiful than the bigger national and state parks, Kodachrome Basin State Park is somewhat of an unsung hero in this category.
The 2,240-acre park sits quietly in the midst of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument so it's easy to overlook. But if ever there were a picture-perfect backdrop for a quick family vacation or day trip, this is it.
Start every adventure with Maverik
Maverik’s got you covered with great values on fuel, food, drinks and more. Check out maverik.com to find a location near you. Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop.The Utah Division of Natural Resources says, "The color and beauty found here prompted a National Geographic Society expedition to name the area Kodachrome, after the popular color film, in 1948."
Before you head out to the picturesque Kodachrome Basin, make sure to stop at your local Maverik to fill up on snacks and fuel to make your road trip one to remember.
Here are seven things you can do in and around Kodachrome Basin.
Hike your way through several trails
Hiking is easily the best way to bask in the unique beauty of Kodachrome Basin State Park. With several easy-to-moderate trails to choose from, you won't have any trouble getting your daily steps in. According to AllTrails, these are the best ones to check out:
- Panorama Trail.
- Angel's Palace Trail.
- Panorama Trail Long Loop.
- Indian Cave, Mammoth Spire and Panorama Point Loop.
- Grand Parade Trail.
- Kodachrome Nature Trail.
- Shakespeare Arch Full Loop.
Most of these are short, family-friendly trails that are less than two miles long. But if you want a grand tour of the park, most visitors agree that Panorama Trail is worth your time.
This 6-mile round trip trail features several Instagram-worthy rock formations: the Ballerina Spire sand pipe, a group of hoodoos called Hat Shop, a bunch of shady ravines called Cool Cave and others.
You can make this hike as long or as short as you like — just don't forget your water and sunscreen.
Go horseback riding
For something slightly less athletic but no less exhilarating, explore the area the way they did in the Old West: on horseback. Red Canyon Trail Rides has a one- to two-hour guided horseback tour that offers an unforgettable way to take in the sights, sounds and fresh air of the state park.
Visit Grosvenor Arch
Though the name suggests it's just one arch, Grosvenor Arch consists of two sandstone arches, according to Utah.com. They clock in at 150 feet above ground, making this spot a beautiful one for taking pictures.
It's only a short (paved) walk from the parking lot to the arches, so kids and adults alike will have no problem getting there.
One Google reviewer said, "It is a five min flat walk, and the arch is spectacular. Walk all the way underneath, on a clear blue day your pictures will be awesome."
Camp
Get the full outdoor experience by setting up camp for the night. Kodachrome Basin State Park has three different campgrounds to choose from: Basin Campground, Bryce View Campground and Arch Campground.
According to one Google reviewer, Basin Campground is "one of those places you don't want anyone else to know about."
"We are a full-time RV family and this place was awesome because it had full hook ups, [a] campsite big enough to fit our 43-foot rig, and you just can't beat the backyard," the reviewer said. "Our kids absolutely loved exploring here!"
Stargaze
If you're lucky enough to be there when the sun goes down, stargazing is a must. In January 2021, Kodachrome Basin State Park was officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park.
"Exquisite detail in the Milky Way can be observed with the naked eye from Kodachrome Basin," the International Dark-Sky Association states. "Depending on the season, the Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Hercules Globular Star Cluster M13, meteor transits, near-Earth planets, and seasonal constellations can also be viewed with the unaided eye."
Mountain bike through the sandstone
For those who've been itching to get back out on two wheels in the dirt and rock, mountain biking through Kodachrome Basin a must. MTB Project, a mountain bike guide website, lists seven trails throughout the state park and all are categorized as easy to intermediate.
If you don't have your own mountain bike or e-bike, the State Parks website says you can rent one for a half or full day. You can even take them out of the park! Even though the spring temperatures are mild, be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen.
Utah Adventures with Maverik: Find adventure, history on the Pony Express Trail
With the Pony Express, mail and news was sent and received between Missouri and California in as little as 10 days. The Pony Express was discontinued after the transcontinental telegraph line made its debut. But before the Express' demise, mail was delivered quickly and efficiently and Utah played a critical role. There were 27 stops in Utah. Many of those places are still available to check out today.Enjoy a scenic drive
For those who prefer to enjoy the beauties surrounding Kodachrome Basin completely shielded from the elements, there's the Cottonwood Canyons Scenic Backway. This 46-mile road runs through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from Cannonville to Highway 89. The only paved portion lasts nine miles between Cannonville and the Kodachrome Basin turn-off, so be prepared to kick up some dust.
Depending on how many times you want to stop and take pictures of the breathtaking views, the drive should take around two hours.
Adventure's First Stop
Wherever you explore in Utah, make sure to fuel up and grab some food at one of the Maverik locations. Maverik's Nitro Card saves you 10 cents off every gallon, every day with additional high-value benefits on its huge selection of tasty food and drinks. Maverik's premium BonFire food made fresh in every Maverik features breakfast and lunch burritos, sandwiches, pizzas, salads and more. New dishes to amp up your spring road trip feature premium hardwood smoked burnt ends including the Burnt Ends and Hatch Green Chili Mac n' Cheese; Burnt Ends Breakfast Burrito; Burnt Ends and Tots Burrito; and later this summer the Burnt Ends Pizza.
To save on every gallon of gas and get special offers on Maverik's fresh-made BonFire food, drinks, and snacks, download the Maverik app to join the Adventure Club and activate your Nitro Card.
