St. George to Kodachrome Basin
Named by a National Geographic expedition for its vibrant colors reminiscent of Kodachrome film, this hidden gem features 67 unique sandstone chimneys (sediment pipes) found nowhere else on Earth, plus miles of trails through red, orange, and white rock formations.
I-15 N to UT-12 E to Cannonville
155 miles
Distance
2 hr 30 min
Drive Time
northeast
Direction
Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October)
Best Time
5,800 feet elevation
Driving from St. George to Kodachrome Basin
Route: I-15 N to UT-12 E to Cannonville
Head north on I-15 to UT-20 East, then south on US-89 to UT-12 East through Red Canyon and past Bryce Canyon. Turn south at Cannonville on Cottonwood Canyon Road to reach the park. The drive through Red Canyon and Highway 12 is spectacular.
About Kodachrome Basin
Kodachrome Basin State Park is one of Utah's most underrated outdoor destinations, featuring a geological phenomenon found nowhere else on Earth — 67 towering sandstone pipes (chimneys) rising from the valley floor. These unique formations were created by ancient springs that deposited sediment inside underground channels, which were later exposed as the surrounding softer rock eroded away. The park was named by a 1949 National Geographic Society expedition that compared its vivid reds, oranges, and whites to the famous Kodachrome color film.
The park offers excellent hiking and biking trails through its colorful landscape. The Panorama Trail (6-mile loop) is the signature hike, passing through dramatic rock formations, natural arches, and several of the park's tallest chimney rocks. Shakespeare Arch and Sentinel Trail provide shorter options with impressive payoffs. The Angel's Palace Trail offers panoramic views of the entire basin from an elevated viewpoint. Mountain biking is permitted on select trails.
Kodachrome Basin makes an excellent day trip from St. George or a stopover when visiting Bryce Canyon (just 20 minutes away). The park has a well-maintained campground with full hookup sites, making it a comfortable base for exploring the Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante area. The small nearby towns of Cannonville and Tropic offer basic services. For a unique experience, Trail Head Station inside the park offers horseback rides and stagecoach tours through the basin.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 55 miles / 50 min (full services)
- Panguitch — 85 miles / 1 hr 20 min (gas, food, lodging)
- Cannonville — 150 miles / 2 hr 25 min (limited gas and services)
Weather & Climate
Kodachrome Basin sits at 5,800 feet in a protected valley. Summers are warm (85-95°F) with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Winters are cold (20-45°F) with occasional snow. Spring and fall are ideal at 55-80°F. The sheltered basin is often warmer and less windy than exposed areas like Bryce Canyon.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October)
Spring and fall provide ideal hiking weather at 55-80°F. Summer is hot (85-100°F) but the 5,800-foot elevation is cooler than St. George. Winter camping is cold but uncrowded. The park is enjoyable year-round with the best photography conditions in spring and fall when the light is warmest.
Things to Do in Kodachrome Basin
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah.
Hiking Trails & Attractions
Panorama Trail
Included with entryThe signature 6-mile loop passing through the heart of the park with views of sandstone pipes, arches, and colorful formations. Moderate difficulty with some elevation change. Allow 3-4 hours.
Shakespeare Arch Trail
Included with entryEasy 0.4-mile round trip to a beautiful natural arch. One of the most accessible and photogenic features in the park. Great for families.
Angel's Palace Trail
Included with entryModerate 1.5-mile loop with panoramic views of the entire basin from an elevated viewpoint. Stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Sentinel Trail
Included with entryEasy 0.5-mile loop around the base of one of the tallest chimney rock formations. Interpretive signs explain the geology.
Grand Parade Trail
Included with entryModerate 1.5-mile trail to some of the park's most impressive sediment pipe formations lined up like a parade. Less visited than Panorama.
Activities & Experiences
Horseback Riding
$$Trail Head Station offers guided horseback rides through the basin ranging from 1 hour to half day. Experience the formations from a unique perspective.
Stagecoach Tours
$$Old-fashioned stagecoach rides through the park with narration about geology and history. Fun for families and those who prefer not to hike.
Stargazing
Included with campingKodachrome Basin has excellent dark skies, far from any major light sources. The campground is ideal for stargazing with wide-open horizons. Milky Way visible from the park.
Photography
Included with entryThe vivid colors and unique formations make this a photographer's paradise. Sunrise and sunset light up the sandstone pipes dramatically. Less crowded than nearby Bryce Canyon.
Nearby Dining & Services
Trail Head Station
$Small cafe and general store inside the park. Snacks, drinks, and basic supplies. Also the booking desk for horseback rides and stagecoach tours.
Pizza Place
$-$$Pizza and casual dining in Cannonville, just outside the park. Reliable option for dinner after a day of hiking.
IDK Barbecue
$$BBQ restaurant in Tropic (10 minutes from park). Smoked meats and classic sides. Popular with Bryce Canyon visitors.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Kodachrome Basin Drive
Combine with Bryce Canyon National Park — just 20 minutes away on Highway 12
The campground is one of the best in Southern Utah with full hookup RV sites and tent pads
Bring water and snacks — limited services inside the park
Best photography light is sunrise and late afternoon when the formations glow orange
The road to the park is paved and accessible to all vehicles
Less crowded than Bryce Canyon — a great addition or alternative
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Kodachrome Basin
How far is Kodachrome Basin from St. George?
Kodachrome Basin State Park is approximately 155 miles (2 hours 30 minutes) from St. George via I-15 North, US-89, and Highway 12. The drive passes through Red Canyon and skirts Bryce Canyon National Park, making it a scenic journey on one of America's most beautiful roads.
What are the chimney rocks at Kodachrome Basin?
The 67 sandstone pipes (chimneys) at Kodachrome Basin are unique geological formations found nowhere else on Earth. They were created by ancient hot springs that deposited calcium-rich sediment inside underground channels. Over millions of years, the softer surrounding rock eroded away, leaving these towering pillars standing up to 170 feet tall.
Is Kodachrome Basin worth visiting?
Absolutely. While less famous than nearby Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin offers unique geology, excellent hiking, fewer crowds, and a beautiful campground. The formations are found nowhere else on Earth. Combined with Bryce Canyon (20 minutes away), it makes for an outstanding day trip or weekend from St. George.
Can I combine Kodachrome Basin with Bryce Canyon?
Yes, Kodachrome Basin and Bryce Canyon are only about 20 minutes apart via Highway 12 and Cottonwood Canyon Road. Many visitors explore Bryce Canyon in the morning and spend the afternoon hiking Kodachrome Basin. The campground at Kodachrome is less crowded and often more available than Bryce Canyon campgrounds.
Is there camping at Kodachrome Basin?
Yes, Kodachrome Basin has a well-maintained campground with 24 full-hookup RV sites and tent-only sites. There is also a group campsite. The campground has restrooms, showers, and drinking water. Sites can be reserved online. It is one of the best campgrounds in the Bryce Canyon area.
Nearby Destinations from Kodachrome Basin
Bryce Canyon National Park
A wonderland of orange, red, and white hoodoo rock spires unlike anything else on Earth. Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ feet, offering cooler temperatures and some of the darkest night skies in the world.
Grand Staircase-Escalante
Nearly 1.9 million acres of untamed Utah wilderness — the largest national monument in the US outside of Alaska. Slot canyons, arches, petrified forests, and backcountry adventures await in one of the most remote landscapes in the Lower 48.
Capitol Reef National Park
The least-visited of Utah's Mighty Five national parks is arguably the most rewarding. A 100-mile geological wrinkle in the earth, pioneer orchards where you can pick free fruit, and legendary homemade pies at the Gifford House.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Kodachrome Basin
St. George to Kodachrome Basin — 155 miles, 2 hr 30 min Drive
Kodachrome Basin State Park is one of Utah's most underrated outdoor destinations, featuring a geological phenomenon found nowhere else on Earth — 67 towering sandstone pipes (chimneys) rising from the valley floor. These unique formations were created by ancient springs that deposited sediment inside underground channels, which were later exposed as the surrounding softer rock eroded away. The park was named by a 1949 National Geographic Society expedition that compared its vivid reds, oranges, and whites to the famous Kodachrome color film.
The route from St. George, Utah to Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah covers 155 miles and takes approximately 2 hr 30 min via I-15 N to UT-12 E to Cannonville. Head north on I-15 to UT-20 East, then south on US-89 to UT-12 East through Red Canyon and past Bryce Canyon. Turn south at Cannonville on Cottonwood Canyon Road to reach the park. The drive through Red Canyon and Highway 12 is spectacular.
Things to Do in Kodachrome Basin
Hiking Trails & Attractions: Panorama Trail, Shakespeare Arch Trail, Angel's Palace Trail. Activities & Experiences: Horseback Riding, Stagecoach Tours, Stargazing. Nearby Dining & Services: Trail Head Station, Pizza Place, IDK Barbecue.
Best Time to Visit Kodachrome Basin
Spring and fall provide ideal hiking weather at 55-80°F. Summer is hot (85-100°F) but the 5,800-foot elevation is cooler than St. George. Winter camping is cold but uncrowded. The park is enjoyable year-round with the best photography conditions in spring and fall when the light is warmest.
Travel Tips
Combine with Bryce Canyon National Park — just 20 minutes away on Highway 12. The campground is one of the best in Southern Utah with full hookup RV sites and tent pads. Bring water and snacks — limited services inside the park. Best photography light is sunrise and late afternoon when the formations glow orange.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Capitol Reef National Park.