Kodachrome Basin State Park is one of Utah's lesser visited gems. Well, lesser visited when compared to the Big 5 National Parks. During our visit in July, we found that we had the entire campground we stayed in (Bryce View) almost all to ourselves. At most, there was ever only one other family in the section we were in at the same time. We thought it strange, because while it does get a little warm during the days in the summer, by night, it is often in the low 60's to upper 50's. We even experienced one night that dipped into the 40's. So for us, that's perfect camping weather. And what a place to have all to yourself. If you watch this video, you will not only learn about the 3 amazing campgrounds inside of Kodachrome, but you'll see the amazing amenities you get too, like showers, a laundry, access to fire wood in the campground, running water and toilets, and even ice cream (in the visitor center). In fact, to date, this state park's campgrounds and camper services are the best we have ever experienced in our Campvue or Cactus Atlas Career. Watch the video and see for yourselves!

Kodachrome Basin State Park in southern Utah is known for its colorful rock formations and towering spires. This scenic destination offers hiking, photography, and unique geological wonders, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Kodachrome Basin State Park, nestled in southern Utah near Bryce Canyon, is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its strikingly vibrant rock formations. Named after the famous color film due to its dazzling array of red, orange, and white hues, the park is a visual spectacle shaped by millions of years of geological forces. The park’s iconic features include towering sandstone spires known as sedimentary pipes, which rise dramatically from the desert landscape. These formations, some over 170 feet tall, are unique to this region and add to the park's allure. The park offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 12 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore narrow canyons, open desert landscapes, and panoramic viewpoints. Popular trails like Angel’s Palace and Panorama Trail offer opportunities to witness the park’s beauty from different vantage points, while the Shakespeare Arch trail takes hikers to one of the park’s few natural arches. The diverse terrain makes it a favorite destination for both casual walkers and experienced hikers looking for scenic adventures. Kodachrome Basin is also a haven for photographers. The park’s vivid colors and dramatic rock formations create an ever-changing canvas, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the light plays on the rocks, enhancing their color. In addition to its geological wonders, the park is home to various wildlife species, including mule deer, coyotes, and numerous bird species, making it a great spot for nature lovers to enjoy both landscape and wildlife photography. Camping in Kodachrome Basin is another highlight for visitors, with well-maintained campgrounds that offer stunning views of the night sky. The park’s remote location means minimal light pollution, allowing for incredible stargazing. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a peaceful retreat into nature, Kodachrome Basin State Park provides a serene escape filled with natural beauty and adventure.

Aside from the Big 5, Utah has beautiful state parks galore. Located 20 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon is Kodachrome Basin State Park filled with spires, colorful layered sandstone, and great views from narrow overlooks for the more adventurous. Utah is well known for its majestic parks, often called the Big 5 - Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. The natural beauty found in these parks is second to none, however, there are numerous other parks without the national park designation that should not be missed. Located about 30 minutes southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park lies Kodachrome Basin State Park. While smaller in scale, this park still offers plenty of hiking trails, a vast landscape of red rock formations, campgrounds, and various other activities. Popular activities include horseback riding and mountain bike riding along the many trails. Also within the park is an 18-hole disc golf course. Discs can be bought or rented at the Visitor Center. The unique landscape of the park will dazzle visitors as they wander around. Located within are 67 monolithic spires of varying sizes and shapes. Some have unique names guiding the imagination to see varying things such as Ballerina Slipper - what appears to be the leg of a ballerina rising in the air. These spires are likely a result of sediment filling either ancient springs or cracks leftover from seismic activity and then revealed over time after ages of erosion. For a little excitement, there is the Angel’s Palace Trail which leads to some vertigo-inducing overlooks with phenomenal views. After climbing a couple of hundred feet in elevation, one finds themselves with the invitation to walk out onto several narrow portions if they dare. Those with a fear of heights might find their legs wobbly! If you’re unsure if this is for you, our video detailing the experience can be found so you may judge for yourself!

This episode did not go according to plan. The original intent was to dive into a couple viewer questions I received from the comments, along with a live code demo, but the weather caused a rain delay. A severe delay that busted a brand new tent shade I purchased. The events in the episode get me to reconsider some of the strategy I am taking with Campvue. The setting is my campsite at Kodachrome Basin State Park, and as you'll see, the weather quickly goes from sunny to treacherous, as we experienced the brunt of a microburst. At the least you can experience some campground life at Kodachrome!

Embark on a scenic journey from Kodachrome Basin State Park to Capitol Reef National Park. Traverse vibrant desert landscapes, winding through red rock canyons and open vistas, showcasing the natural beauty of Utah's rugged terrain. View an unforgettable journey from the vibrant landscapes of Kodachrome Basin State Park to the awe-inspiring Capitol Reef National Park. This route showcases the rich geological wonders of Utah’s red rock country, where striking formations and desert panoramas create a breathtaking visual experience. As you leave the sandstone spires and natural amphitheaters of Kodachrome, the road meanders through open desert valleys, offering expansive views of the rugged terrain ahead. Along the way, stop at the Anasazi State Park Museum in Boulder, Utah, a fascinating detour into the region’s ancient history. The museum is situated on the site of one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) communities west of the Colorado River. Here, you can explore artifacts, reconstructed structures, and exhibits detailing the daily life of the Anasazi people who thrived in this region over 800 years ago. It’s a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of the early inhabitants who left their mark on the land you are journeying through. As you continue toward Capitol Reef, the scenery shifts once again. Towering cliffs, winding roads, and dramatic canyons begin to emerge, setting the stage for the unique geology of Capitol Reef. The park itself is renowned for its Waterpocket Fold, a wrinkle in the earth's crust that extends nearly 100 miles. You’ll arrive ready to explore hidden valleys, ancient petroglyphs, and the majestic fruit orchards of the historic Fruita settlement, where pioneers once lived. This journey not only connects two of Utah’s remarkable parks but also weaves through history, culture, and natural beauty. Each stop along the way, from Kodachrome’s colorful landscapes to the Anasazi Museum and Capitol Reef’s geological splendor, offers a new layer of discovery.

Hole in the Rock Road winds through Utah’s remote desert, leading adventurers to stunning sites like the surreal Cosmic Ashtray, the unique rock formations of Devil's Garden, and the historic Batty Pass Caves. Hole in the Rock Road is an iconic, rugged backcountry route that takes explorers deep into Utah’s Escalante Desert. Originally blazed by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s, this unpaved road now invites adventurers to discover some of the area’s most unique and remote attractions. Stretching over 60 miles, Hole in the Rock Road is surrounded by sweeping vistas, colorful desert formations, and landmarks that offer a fascinating look into both natural and human history. Along the journey, visitors can hike to incredible sites like the Cosmic Ashtray, a surreal, crater-like sandstone formation that appears almost alien in its design, carved by millennia of wind and water erosion. Further along, Devil’s Garden showcases a striking collection of sandstone hoodoos, arches, and towers that feel like stepping into a natural sculpture garden, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and photography. The Batty Pass Caves add a touch of mystery; these man-made caves, carved into the cliffs, were used by the Batty family as a unique homestead in the early 20th century. Hole in the Rock Road is more than just a drive—it’s an adventure that promises solitude, spectacular scenery, and a glimpse into the past. Its many side trails lead to secluded wonders, perfect for those seeking to explore Utah’s lesser-known desert marvels.

Discover the thrill of Escalante Petrified Forest State Park! Unveil ancient fossils, vibrant petrified wood, and stunning landscapes. Dive into campground adventures with hiking and mesmerizing geology. Watch now for an unforgettable journey! Escalante Petrified Forest State Park in Utah is a captivating destination known for its vibrant petrified wood and breathtaking scenery. Nestled near the town of Escalante, the park features a stunning array of ancient fossils, colorful mineral deposits, and striking geological formations. Visitors can explore the Petrified Forest Trail, a loop that winds through a landscape dotted with petrified wood dating back millions of years. The park also boasts the serene Wide Hollow Reservoir, perfect for fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The park's campground offers a memorable stay amid nature's splendor. With 52 campsites, including RV hookups, tent spaces, and even a group site, the campground provides ample facilities for a comfortable visit. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and access to clean restrooms and showers. The campground's prime location allows easy access to hiking trails, the reservoir, and a visitor center where guests can learn more about the park's rich history and geology. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park's campground is an ideal base for your outdoor explorations.

Hell's Backbone is a scenic route in Utah that winds through dramatic canyons and rugged landscapes. The road, known for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain, offers an unforgettable adventure for intrepid travelers. Hell's Backbone is a scenic byway in southern Utah that offers a thrilling journey through some of the state's most rugged and remote landscapes. Stretching between the towns of Boulder and Escalante, this 38-mile route navigates the spine of a high plateau, providing breathtaking views of deep canyons, sheer cliffs, and dense forests. The road, originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, includes the famous Hell's Backbone Bridge, a narrow span that arches 1,500 feet above the canyon floor, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness. Travelers on Hell's Backbone can expect a mix of gravel and dirt roads, often narrow and winding, making it a challenging drive best suited for high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles. Along the way, several pullouts and viewpoints invite visitors to stop and take in the dramatic scenery, while numerous hiking trails beckon those looking to explore the backcountry. This remote and less-traveled route provides a sense of solitude and adventure, capturing the wild beauty and rugged spirit of Utah's backcountry.

Take a scenic ride from Panguitch, Utah to Kodachrome Basin State Park, stopping at Red Canyon, showcasing vibrant red rock landscapes and Mossy Cave, with its Bryce Canyon-like formations and beautiful waterfall. Embark on a relaxed drive from Panguitch, Utah, to Kodachrome Basin State Park, a route filled with striking landscapes and fascinating stops. As you head out from the charming town of Panguitch, your first stop could be the Red Canyon Visitor Center. Nestled along Highway 12, this area offers vibrant red rock formations that preview the dramatic scenery of Southern Utah. Stroll through its easy trails or simply admire the towering hoodoos and cliffs that glow in the sunlight. Continuing your journey, stop by Mossy Cave, a hidden gem that feels like a piece of Bryce Canyon. Here, you’ll find a unique blend of towering red rock spires, a small cave, and a scenic waterfall. Though not lush like its name suggests, the area provides an opportunity for a short, rewarding hike with Bryce-like views and the refreshing sight and sound of flowing water in a desert landscape. The drive then winds through more of Utah's scenic beauty before you arrive at Kodachrome Basin State Park. Known for its colorful, layered rock formations, Kodachrome Basin feels like stepping into a natural painting. The park is perfect for hiking, photography, or simply soaking in the vibrant surroundings. Whether you're spending the day exploring or just passing through, this laid-back drive offers a taste of Southern Utah's natural wonders.