Kodachrome Basin State Park
Nice bright colors, eh?
The scenery is splashy here, dominated by 67 monolithic stone spires called sedimentary pipes. They accentuate multi-hued sandstone layers revealing 180 million years of geologic time. The color and beauty found here prompted a 1948 National Geographic Society expedition to name the area Kodachrome after the popular color film.
Kodachrome Basin State Park is located in southern Utah and best known for its 67 towering sand pipes, or chimney rocks, which rise from the earth and soar from six to 170 feet tall. Their variegated shades of red, pink, white, yellow, and gray sediment, coupled with a backdrop of brilliant blue skies, desert vegetation, and shifting daylight make Kodachrome Basin a photographer’s paradise. 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.
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 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.
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/kodachrome-basin
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Formed by the erosion of pink-colored Navajo Sandstone. Shredded by four-wheelers all year long.
Coral Pink is a four season, multiple use, family-oriented park. ATV’s, Dune Buggies, Dirt Bikes and off-road vehicles are welcome to play here. Photographers and nature lovers take pleasure in the non-motorized area. Don’t forget to try the new sport of sandboarding while you are here – no lift pass or parka required!
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is so named for the soft red hues of the sand in this region. Over thousands of years the sand has been collecting as the wind gradually forces the grains from the surrounding red sandstone formations.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is 3,730 acres of uninterrupted salmon pink dunes. It is a secluded playground for hiking, off-highway vehicle riding, or simply recreating in the sand. Hikers not only have the option of exploring the boardwalk, overlook trails, and nature trail within the park, but they also have the opportunity of exploring the wide variety of hikes and ATV trails located just minutes from the park.
The park includes two campgrounds. Units 1-22 are for dry camping and 23-34 have water and power hook-ups, with a dump station and restroom/shower facilities for all locations. Hot showers, modern restrooms, and a sewage disposal system and is open year round. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is located between Mt. Carmel Junction and Kanab on US-Highway 89. Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail Map