Kodachrome Basin State Park Map and Guide

Kodachrome Basin Geology It is primarily composed of fine grained sandstone along with gypsum, shale, quartz and clay. This Kodachrome Basin is a spectacle of towering The story of Kodachrome Basin began more than formation is one of the most scenic in the park due sandstone chimneys, changing in color and shadow 180 million years ago. It is the story of the Earth to its color. It also forms the ubiquitous “slickrock” with the day’s mood - from red-tinged spires itself, and of the constant changes that occur due of southern . Most of the sedimentary pipes against a blue sky, to soft evening light settling to the forces of nature. Like the chapters in a book, found within the park occur in this formation. over the desert. This color and contrast prompted each rock layer reveals a chapter in Kodachrome the National Geographic Society in 1949, with Basin’s history, telling of times when this desert Henrieville Sandstone: Deposited near the end of consent from Kodak Film Corp., to name the park land was covered by vast inland seas and raging the Jurassic Period, the Henrieville Sandstone is Kodachrome. rivers. It reveals times of great violence and white to tan in appearance. Deposits of Henrieville upheaval and times of relative peace, and how the Sandstone are almost unnoticable in the main Nearly 70 monolithic spires, ranging from six to relentless power of wind and water shaped the part of the park. However, Grosvenor , located 170 feet in height, jut up from the valley landscape around us. approximately 11 miles south of the park, was or protrude from the sandstone. These natural formed within this sandstone. towers stand like stone sentries overlooking You will have to reread this story many times the park and create a backdrop that is sure to because, unlike most stories, this one has no Dakota and Tropic Shale Formations: These are delight the senses and spark the imagination. The ending. It is being rewritten everyday by each drop the uppermost formations visible in the park. They redrock and semi-desert climate make this state of rain that falls and each gust of wind that blows. were deposited approximately 95 million years ago park attractive to visitors all year. when a vast seaway covered much of the interior of North America, including most of Utah. 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 and Colorado. Within the park, 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 Sedimentary Pipes Nearby Activities The most distinctive features in the park are the In addition to photography, hiking, horseback large of sedimentary rock that rise from riding and mountain biking, visitors should plan the basin floor. These are known as sedimentary to visit Grand Staircase - Escalante National pipes. Approximately 67 sedimentary pipes have Monument. Grosvenor Arch, an intricate been identified in Kodachrome Basin and in the double arch located 11 miles southeast of area adjacent to the park. Geologists are unsure Kodachrome Basin, is one of the state’s most of the exact origin of the pipes, but several impressive . Also, Cottonwood Canyon theories have been proposed that might explain and the Paria River area, south of Kodachrome their formation. Basin, offer unlimited possibilities to explore. Evidence recorded in the rock layers within the park indicate this area was seismically active throughout most of its geologic history. Plants Earthquakes may have provided the force necessary to cause coarse, water-saturated At an elevation of 5,800 feet, the lands of sediments to scour pathways through the Kodachrome Basin are classified as semi- overlying rock layers. These pathways became desert in the upper Sonoran life zone. Plants filled with the coarse sediment and eventually must adapt to drought conditions and extreme re-cemented and became harder than the temperatures. Medium-sized trees include surrounding rock. Over time, erosion has pinion pine and Utah juniper. Common plants removed the softer layers, revealing the pipes. are big sage, rabbit brush, single leaf ash, Ephedra (Mormon tea), Fremont holly, and A second theory explains the pipes as the buffalo berry. Flowering plants and grasses remnants of ancient springs. The springs also thrive and include bee balm, Indian became choked with sediments, which paintbrush, evening primrose, yellow flax, eventually cemented together and became biscuit root, locoweed, Indian rice grass, corral more erosion-resistant than the surrounding grass, and needle and thread grass. rock. The softer rock layers were eventually worn away by erosion, exposing the sedimentary pipes. Facilities Recently, a new theory proposes that the pipes Facilities include a 31-unit campground were formed from water-saturated pockets with restrooms, hot showers and a sewage buried under layers of other sediments over disposal station. Each campsite has a picnic a period of several million years. Pressure table, cement pad, fire pit and barbecue grill. from the overlying sediments forced the wet Two large group areas, with picnic tables, slurry upwards. The rising slurry scoured fire pits, and barbecue grills are great for pathways through the overlying rock, eventually group outings. and firewood are cementing into hard rock. Erosion stripped available year-round. away the softer rock layers revealing the landscape you see today. Reservations No matter how they were formed, the pipes Reservations are available for individual and provide a landscape that is truly unique to group-use campsites. Individual campsite Kodachrome Basin. reservations may be made a minimum of two days in advance of arrival date and up to four months in advance from park check-out date. Group-use reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. To make a reservation, call (800) 322-3770. Reservations are not required but are advised. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Animals must also adapt to this rather harsh User Fees environment. Larger animals include , and mountain lion or . , Day-use and camping fees are charged. , and grey fox commonly prey on Additional fees are charged for reservations. the black-tailed jack and cottontail rabbits, Services grey squirrel, and chipmunk. There are also kangaroo rats, mice, Sonoran whip snakes, Deluxe full service, climate-controlled cabins gopher snakes, and midget faded with full bath and shower are available for rent rattlesnakes, and fence and whip lizards. from Red Stone Cabins. (435) 679-8536. Several species of birds include common raven, , pinion jay, scrub jay, rock wren, logger head shrike, titmouse, and chipping sparrow. Weather Have you ever heard the saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change?” Perhaps nowhere is this truer than in southern Utah. The weather here is very unpredictable and can change rapidly and with very little warning. Plan ahead and be prepared for inclement weather at all times of the year.

Spring: April, May, and early June can be very pleasant times of the year at Kodachrome Basin. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, but overnight temperatures can drop into the 20s. There is still a chance of snow in April and blustery winds are a possibility throughout the season.

Summer: Late June, July, August, and early September are the hottest months at the park. Daytime highs are in the 90s to near 100 degrees. Nighttime temperatures are perfect for sleeping and often drop into the 50s. Summer thunderstorms are a real threat this time of year and can produce heavy downpours, extreme winds, dangerous lightning and flash flooding.

Fall: Warm days and cool nights are the norm in late September and early October with daytime highs in the 70s and overnight lows in the 30s. By the middle of October, nights can get very cold. The first hints of winter are experienced in November as both daytime high temperatures and overnight lows begin to drop and snow becomes a possibility.

Winter: Cold is the watchword through the winter months at the park. Daytime highs from December into March are often not much above the freezing point. Overnight lows can be below zero. Heavy snow can occur at any time during this period, making travel and outdoor activities perilous, if not impossible.

Safety

Weather: Summer temperatures can be extremely hot. Seek shade during the hottest part of the day and drink plenty of water…at least one gallon per person, per day. Dress appropriately (loose fitting, light colored cotton or lightweight, breathable synthetic clothing is best) and wear sunscreen and a hat. Summer thunderstorms can bring frequent and extreme cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. Seek shelter anytime thunderstorms are in the area. These storms can produce large amounts of rain, which can cause flash flooding in low-lying areas, in washes and canyons, and along Cell phones DO NOT streams. Damaging hail is also common from these storms. work in this area! Temperatures during winter months can be extremely variable and weather conditions can change rapidly and without warning. Wear layers of clothing and equip yourself for extreme cold, wind, and precipitation. Animals: Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and poisonous spiders all inhabit this area. LOOK before putting your hands in or under vegetation, in rocky crevices, or in any other area where these animals might seek shelter. Always carry a light at night, and watch for snakes along roadways, trails, and walking paths. Roads: Most roads in this area are dirt or gravel and can quickly become impassible due to rain or snow. Make sure your is in good repair and that you have at least one good spare tire and a reliable jack before traveling on backcountry roads. Take water, food and extra PLEASE ENJOY YOUR VISIT clothing with you. AND Check current road conditions at the park visitor center or at any BLM Visitor Center before traveling. Always leave a travel itinerary with a friend or family member when traveling in the PLEASE STAY SAFE! backcountry. Camping at Kodachrome Basin

RV Dump Station Restrooms

Restrooms To visitor center Firewood Water N Water *sites accommodate 4 people ADA Campsite 11 Firewood 1 Dish Wash Station 13

14 10 *Each campsite can accomodate 2 tents. **Sites 2 and 22-34 have full hook-ups. 15

12 17 21 Oasis Double Site 9 Group Site B 19 16 22 11 N 9 10 2 23 18 24 27 29 20 31 6 8 33 A 8 To entrance Camp Host 4 3 and visitor center Service Road 26 7 28 2 7 30 5 32 34 3 1 4 5 6 Basin Campground Bryce View Campground

Generator Hours - Noon to 4:00 p.m. ONLY

not dirt or sand, to extinguish fires. Gathering Vandalism - It is unlawful to mutilate or deface any Park Guidelines firewood is prohibited. natural or constructed feature or structure. Please help keep our parks beautiful. Please observe the following park Fireworks - Unless authorized by the park manager, regulations to ensure a safe and explosives, fireworks or firecrackers are prohibited Wastewater - It is unlawful to dump or drain pleasant visit. in state parks. wastewater from campers or trailers onto the ground or into lakes and streams. A disposal Pets - Pets must be on a maximum six-foot leash station is located on the east side of the Camping - Camp only in designated areas. Each at all times. Service animals are the only animals campground. permit covers one vehicle and any attached admitted in park . Do not leave pets recreational equipment. There is an extra fee for unattended and please clean up after them. - Vehicles and bicycles must stay on additional vehicles or camping equipment. Only one roadways or designated trails. Please, no bicycles extra vehicle and up to eight people are allowed in Plants and Animals - All plants, animals, minerals on campground pathways. OHVs not registered as a campsite. and other natural features in state parks are “street legal” must be kept on trailers while in the protected. It is unlawful to remove, alter, or park. * Sites 1-31 are reservable sites. destroy them. *Sites A and B are first-come, first-served and Quiet Hours - 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. quiet hours are available for up to 14 nights. Trash - Please dispose of trash properly. are strictly enforced. No unreasonable noise at Receptacles are located in the campground and at anytime. Fires - Campfires may be built in specified areas the Oasis Group site. Please do not burn trash in only. Do not leave fires unattended. Use only water, fire rings or grills. Generator Hours - Noon to 4:00 p.m. only. Park Location: The park is located nine miles southeast Utah State Park Map Legend of Cannonville off Highway 12. 1 Anasazi Operating Hours: Locations 2 Antelope The park is open year-round. State Parks 3 Bear Lake 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 4 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn 5 Coral Pink Sand Dunes Address Inquiries To: National Forests 6 Dead Horse Point Bear L. Kodachrome Basin State Park Sawtooth N.F. 84 7 Deer Creek 15 91 3 P.O. Box 180069 8 East Canyon Golden Spike N.H.S Logan National Parks & 9 Edge of the Cedars Cannonville, UT 84718-0069 89 Brigham 21 Monuments 10 Escalante Petrified Forest Wasatch-Cache N.F. (435) 679-8562 Bear R. 11 Flight Park 42 or 12 Fremont Indian Ogden Great Lake 13 Frontier Homestead Utah State Parks and Recreation 84 14 Goblin Valley P.O. Box 146001 2 Flaming Gorge N.R.A. 15 15 Goosenecks 38 8 80 31 , UT 84114-6001 80 22 Ashley N.F. 16 Wasatch-Cache N.F. 16 Wendover Salt Lake City 19 (801) 538-7220 Park City23 Dinosaur 17 Green River 30 R N.M. Wasatch 36

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stateparks.utah.gov o J 39 Timpanogos 7 19 Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail 73 N.M. 40 4 Provo For Reservations Call: Utah 35 20 Huntington 40 40 36 Lake Wasatch Uinta N.F. Duchesne 21 Hyrum (800) 322-3770 Cache N.F Payson Uinta Ashley N.F. 22 OHV N.F. 33 23 Jordanelle Nephi Utah State Parks Mission: Fairview 6 24 Kodachrome Basin Uinta To enhance the quality of life by preserving N.F. 89 25 Millsite Fishlake Price

N.F. 43 R. Green 26 Otter Creek and providing natural, cultural and Delta 20 6 Manti- Huntington 27 Palisade 15 Manti La Sal recreational resources for the enjoyment, N.F Gunnison 27 28 Piute education and inspiration of this and 25 6 Ferron Green River 29 Quail Creek Fillmore 17 . future generations. 37 R 30 Red Fleet

o d 70 a Richfield Arches or M ol 31 Rockport u C Fishlake d 24 191 N.P. d 24 y 12 N.F. R Information contained in this brochure was accurate . Manti- 32 Sand Hollow Fishlake La Sal at the time of printing. Policies, facilities, fees, hours Beaver N.F. 14 Moab 33 Scofield Capitol 6 N.F and regulations, etc., change as mandated. For Fishlake Loa Reef 34 Snow Canyon N.F. 28 Hanksville 26 N.P. Fr updated information please contact the park. emont R. Canyonlands 15 N.P. 35 Starvation

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o 36 Steinaker d Dixie a The Utah Department of Natural Resources receives Dixie Color N.F. 1 Dixie N.F. 37 Territorial Statehouse federal aid and prohibits discrimination on the Boulder Manti- Monticello N.F. La Sal 95 666 38 This Is The Place basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin or Panguitch 10 N.F Cedar City Natural Cedar 12 Blanding 39 Utah Field of disability. For information or complaints regarding 13 Breaks Escalante Bridges N.M. Dixie N.M. Bryce 9 Natural History discrimination, contact Executive Director, Utah Glen N.F. Canyon 24 Hovenweep Canyon Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 145610, N.P. N.M. 40 Zion N.P. N.R.A. Salt Lake City, UT 84114-5610 or Equal Employment 18 15 Wasatch Mountain 34 29 41 191 Opportunity Commission, 1801 L Street, NW, . ll 163 R we n 32 Po 42 gi Kanab ke Washington DC 20507-001. ir St. George 89 La Rainbow Bridge N.M. V 5 43 Yuba Printed on recycled paper 07/15

Your park fees provide for the care, protection and enhancement of this park. Kodachrome Basin Trails

Eagle’s View Trail

Cool Cave Basin Campground 9 Nature Trail _ F : Oasis Group Site Angel’s Palace Trail F @ Entrance/Visitor Center Hat Shop 9 Campground Restroom _ Panorama Trail F G : Group Campground Grand Parade Trail F G Picnic Area Horse Rides

F Hiking _ G Mountain Biking : Arch Group 9 Horseback Riding Panorama Point @ Site Bryce View Campground Paved Road Unpaved Road

Shakespeare Arch

Sentinel Shakespeare Arch/Sentinel Trail F

To Cannonville and Highway 12

Trail Descriptions Trail Rules and Regulations Grand Parade Trail: A scenic 1.5-mile (2.4 km) trail that stays on the floor of 1. Hike only on designated trails. Hiking off trail (shortcutting, Kodachrome Basin. Users will be able to observe bird and plant life and explore two box crosscutting, creating “social” trails) can damage fragile desert canyons along the trail. Difficulty: Easy. Open to: Hikers, horses, bicycles (Box canyons are plant life and soils, and increase erosion and runoff. open to foot travel only) 2. Rock faces within the park are extremely unstable and unsafe. Panorama Trail: Winding its way across the western side of the park, this trail allows Hiking, climbing, bouldering, or scrambling on rock faces is the user to view several sedimentary pipes and explore some interesting geological features strictly prohibited. such as “Cool Cave,” “Secret Passage,” and “The Hat Shop.” It can be done as either a 3. No backcountry camping. 3-mile (4.85 km) or a 6-mile (9.7 km) loop. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. Open to: Hikers, horses, bicycles 4. Pets must be kept on leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet. Angel’s Palace Trail: Rising 150 feet (46 m) above the basin floor, this 1.5-mile (2.4 km) trail affords magnificent views of Kodachrome Basin, Bryce Canyon and the surrounding 5. All plants and animals within the park are protected by law. Do area. It is an excellent trail for photographers. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. Open to: Hikers not pick or damage plants and never harass or harm wildlife. Nature Trail: Informational panels along this 0.5-mile (0.8 km) hard surface trail will 6. Be prepared and stay safe. Know your route, your physical give the user an introduction to the plants, animals, and geology found within Kodachrome limitations, and the weather forecast. Always carry plenty of water. Basin. Difficulty: Easy. Open to: Hikers, ADA accessible Shakespeare Arch – Sentinel Trail: A 1.7-mile (2.7 km) loop that gives access to Please Stay On Trails Shakespeare Arch, the only large within the park. This trail also gives the user Cryptobiotic crust is a community of organisms that lives on desert magnificent views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which surrounds soils. It provides critical nutrients to plants, absorbs and holds the park. The Slickrock Cutoff provides a more challenging alternate route as it winds its way water, and aids in preventing erosion. When mature, it appears as over slickrock behind Shakespeare Arch and Sentinel Spire. Difficulty: Easy to Shakespeare a lumpy black crust, but is nearly invisible in early stages. Arch (0.5 miles/0.8km), Moderate to strenuous thereafter. Open to: Hikers One footprint can destroy decades of growth. Eagle’s View Trail: Commencing at the head of the basin this steep trail rises 500 ft Please stay on designated trails. If you must walk elsewhere, stay (152.5 m) in just 0.25 miles (0.4km) to the top of the white hills that form the basin. Once on bare rock or walk in washes (dry stream channels). at the top you will see this trail is aptly named with great panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Difficulty: Strenuous. (0.5 miles/0.8km round trip). Open to: Hikers only Don’t trample the fragile crust.