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Kodachrome Basin State Park: for those seeking silence
Kodachrome Basin is located in the shadow of Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef and is therefore often skipped.
It is one of those rare places where you still have the feeling that you have discovered something.
We were lucky enough to spend the night in the park, in one of the bunk houses.
I would do it all over again. The silence was overwhelming.
Panorama Trail
The Panorama Trail is a technically simple and particularly pleasant hike of about 6 kilometers over the canyon floor.
Ideal for getting to know the park.
If you still have energy left, you can extend the tour with one of the longer loops that connect to the route.
The landscape here looks remarkably softer and friendlier than many of the rugged desert areas we visited earlier.
The rock formations are less intimidating, the colors warmer and the environment more accessible.
Mountain bike route?
On maps, the Panorama Trail is also indicated as a mountain bike route. Presumably it is mainly intended for experienced cyclists.
We saw a group of mountain bikers leave enthusiastically, only to make frantic attempts to get their bikes out of the deep washes a little later.
Eventually they returned. What looks like a cycle path on paper turns out to be mainly a footpath in practice.
Really, if you’re looking for peace and quiet and you don’t care about camping in a log cabin or tent, this park is a great place.
There are washing machines and clean rest rooms in the building next door, a water bowl to do your dishes. Everything has really been thought of.
It continues to amaze that Kodachrome Basin attracts so few visitors. This may be because it is in the shadow of famous neighbors such as Bryce Canyon and Zion.
Moreover, it is a state park and not a national park, so many travelers drive past it without much attention.
A pity, because if you take the time to stop here, you will discover a surprisingly varied landscape and, above all, a tranquility that is becoming increasingly rare in the most famous parks in the West.
Emma
And just like Kodachrome, you can also discover the Needles in Canyonlands on foot. Read more about this in our next story.