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As soon as you see it, you will know that the name fits perfectly. Kodachrome Basin State Park, with its red-tinged rock formations and incredible blue skies, just begs to be photographed. The National Geographic Society came up with the name, and everyone agreed with it.
Towering monolithic spires or chimneys jut up from the valley floor or protrude from the sandstone rocks that surround the campground and inspire an infinite array of subjects limited only by one’s imagination. This color and contrast prompted the National Geographic Society in 1949, with consent from Kodak Film Corp., to name the park Kodachrome.
In addition to hiking, horseback riding (guided horseback rides are available at the park with Red Canyon Trail Rides, see amenities), and mountain biking in the park, visitors should plan to visit the nearby Grosvenor Arch. This intricate double arch, located just 10 miles southeast of the park, is one of the most impressive in the state.
Opened to the public as a state park in 1963.
Park Elevation – 5,800 ft.
Physical Address: 2905 S. Kodachrome State Park Rd.
Typical Weather:
Spring: April, May and early June can be very pleasant times of the year. Daytime temperatures are warm and night temperatures can drop to 20 degrees F. There is still a chance of snow in April and winds throughout the season.
Summer: Late June, July, August and early September are the hottest months at the park. 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 around 75 degrees F and lows of 30.
Winter: During the day it doesn’t get much above freezing points and nighttime can dip below zero. Heavy snow can occur at any time during this period, making travel and outdoor activities perilous, if not impossible.