I start our Bryce Canyon National Park series today. Like we did with Zion National Park, Peggy and I explored other parts of the Park and the surrounding area as well as the four miles of Bryce Canyon that most tourists visit. I am starting today with Kodachrome Basin State Park. From here, I will move on to Red Canyon, Mossy Cave, Highway 12, and Escalante National Monument. I’ll finish with two posts on Bryce Canyon. The message is the same as it was with Zion: There are several other areas outside of the main tourist area that are equally beautiful and worthy of a visit while being far less crowded.
Kodachrome Basin State Park has lots of red rocks. And some interesting characters. What famous movie star does this remind you of? He is a bit hairy, has a thing for blondes, and likes to climb tall buildings.
Peggy and I stayed at a campground in the small town of Cannonville, Utah on Highway 12 for our exploration of the Bryce Canyon area— miles away from the crowds of the National Park. Kodachrome Basin State Park was just down the road from us. It received its name in 1948 when a National Geographic team explored the area and decided the basin reminded them of Kodachrome film. If you are old enough to remember when photography meant film instead of digital images, you may remember that Kodachrome was a special film designed by Kodak to bring out the red in photos. There are a lot of red rocks in the area— thus the name.
I decided that black and white might be a better way to render the look-alike movie star above. In my mind, it is definitely King Kong. Peggy agrees.We decided this might be the skull of King Kong’s cousin.
Actually, we saw much more than red rocks and giant apes in the Park.
This white rock formation was on the road into Kodachrome Basin State Park…Plus this gorgeous white rock sculpture.Our first view of Kodachrome Basin State Park promised that we were in for a treat. We were not disappointed.These two large rocks were located at the entrance to the Park, like guardians.Given its face, I thought of this rock specifically as the Guardian of the Park. It was the back of the rock on the right that held the surprise, however. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.) An unusual white pillar shot straight up from the red rock. Turns out that they are found throughout the Park. The rocks are known as sedimentary pipes but the jury is still out as to what creates them. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)I took a closer photo of the finger-like projection.There were also sandstone spires created by the more normal process of erosion. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)A number of the red sandstone spires and other rocks were in a row. I show some of them here. They were probably part of the same formation before erosion wore them down.This spire still sported its caprock. I loved the color on the rock to the right. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)There were also hoodoos found throughout the park like the one on the left. Expect many more in my other posts on Bryce Canyon and other parks in the area. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)A number of trails lead into the park. This is the one we chose to hike.The trail wandered among the red rocks shown above and then shot up a steep but short wall. We came around a rock and discovered another hoodoo.It was a handsome rock…A big fellow…And colorful. I took a photo from the other side shooting straight up, and caught some of the rock’s color.Peggy’s photo on our return trip caught the color even more. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)There were many other things to see along the trail. Peggy caught this photo of a tall, slender, sedimentary chimney. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)And a short, stubby one. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)I took photos of red sandstone rocks…And more sandstone rocks…I found a small juniper that I felt looked like a Japanese bonsai.And, a twisted wood sculpture…Finally we came to a steep drop off, towering rocks and a massive cliff that signified the end of the trail.We weren’t any more willing to climb up the cliff than we were willing to drop into the canyon. Grin.Peggy took a close up. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)I took a similar photo that I rendered into black and white.Other trails in the park promised many more opportunities for exploration. Unfortunately, we had run out of time for the day.I took a final photo of the park before heading on to our next adventure.
Next Friday I will feature Red Canyon, which in some ways matches Bruce Canon for sheer beauty and fantastic hoodoos. You won’t want to miss it.
Meanwhile, we wrapped up our Rhine River cruise. Here’s another teaser. We were wandering through Germany’s Black Forest when we came across this donkey at a historic farm museum.
Living our bliss… I like the sound of that, Cindy. In a way, I/we have always had that as an objective, regardless of the rain that has fallen along the way! 🙂 Thanks. –Curt
I used Kodachrome a lot Sue. And Ektachrome, which did for blue that Kodachrome did for red. Someday, I have to go back and look at my old photos. 🙂 Thanks. Be sure to check out my post next Friday on Red Canyon. I’m not sure that even Bryce proper can match it. –Curt
Both of you created a magnificent collection of rocks. What a neat theme of having so many kinds of rock towers – I enjoyed that commonality in so many of these. Looking forward to many more, of course.
Thanks Crystal. We lived red rocks for a month and I wish it would have been for six. There are more rock coming your way. 🙂 Next up is Red Canyon, a few minutes away from Bryce. I’ve been drooling over the rocks there, –Curt
Many think this is the most beautiful of all parks. (I just remember how hot it was as a little kid…now appreciate the rocks a bit more). Always enjoy your landscape commentary
(and who could not love the donkey?) Thanks for letting us travel along!
Beautiful and strange. And yes it can be hot. We were lucky to catch it cool but not cold. I sort of remember seeing it after a fresh snowfall one time, but that may be my imagination. It was in my pre-photography days. Anyway, my imagination tells me it was quite beautiful.
The geology of the area is fascinating. I remember wondering at the instances of salt-white rock in the midst of all the red. We didn’t go to Kodachrome State Park, but it looks like a great stop for rock buffs and fans of Earth’s wonders. Great photos!
Thanks D. I can’t remember when rocks didn’t fascinate me. Even as a little kid I wandered around stuffing my pocket with rocks. Kodachrome is definitely worth a visit next time you are in the Bryce Canyon area, as is Red Canyon that I am featuring on Friday. Thanks. –Curt
I shot many a roll of Kodachrome back in the day. Now I wonder how I ever managed handheld exposures with ASA 25. And I never did manage to capture King Kong…
Just stunning photos!!! I think Utah is one of the most beautiful states in the union. I really don’t have the words for the feeling of being there amongst these rocks. I found it to be deeply moving.
I recognized King Kong immediately! I must say that the sedimentary pipes were a highlight here. I’ve never heard of such a thing, and am curious as can be about their formation. For some reason, I began thinking about the ocean floor, and the hydrothermal vents that form chimney-like structures. Could the sedimentary pipes have been formed in an anlogous way? Was this area seabed at some point? After all, in western Kansas the place known as Monument Rocks is nothing but Cretaceous seabed that’s ended up about the earth’s surface because of erosion and such. Geology is fascinating!
Laughing. Glad you did, Linda. I figured that the clues would help those to whom Kong wasn’t quite as apparent.
Here’s what the brochure said about the pipes:
“The pipes may be the remnants of ancient springs or perhaps pathways created by earthquakes in this seismically active basin. In either case, the cracks or springs could have filled with sediments, which ultimately cemented together and became harder and more resistant to erosion than the surrounding rock. Over time, the softer rock layers may have been worn away, exposing the sedimentary pipes.
A recent theory proposes that, over millions of years, water-saturated pockets may have been buried under many sedimentary layers. Finally, the pressure from these layers could have forced the mixture upwards creating pathways through the rock above and finally compressing it into hard rock.”
Wandering through Time and Place 
Great photos of these beautiful red rocks.
Thanks! 🙂 –Curt
The pillars and chimneys are especially interesting.
Always, Peggy. But it is all beautiful. Not as interesting as Red Canyon, however, which is up next Friday.
What a neat park! I unfortunately had to skip this one on my last Utah trip. This makes me wish I hadn’t.
It’s always good to have something to go back to, Diana, as you well know. Bryce is just waiting for your hand stand. 🙂 –Curt
What beautiful epic pictures Curt!
Thanks for sharing all of your amazing red rocks vistas. So happy you are living your bliss!!! 💕🙌🥰
Living our bliss… I like the sound of that, Cindy. In a way, I/we have always had that as an objective, regardless of the rain that has fallen along the way! 🙂 Thanks. –Curt
It’s magical and wonderful Curt! I love you listening and going with your instinct and joy! 💖
I did not know the meaning of Kodachrome but I definitely am old enough to remember film cameras! Beautiful photos.
I used Kodachrome a lot Sue. And Ektachrome, which did for blue that Kodachrome did for red. Someday, I have to go back and look at my old photos. 🙂 Thanks. Be sure to check out my post next Friday on Red Canyon. I’m not sure that even Bryce proper can match it. –Curt
Both of you created a magnificent collection of rocks. What a neat theme of having so many kinds of rock towers – I enjoyed that commonality in so many of these. Looking forward to many more, of course.
Thanks Crystal. We lived red rocks for a month and I wish it would have been for six. There are more rock coming your way. 🙂 Next up is Red Canyon, a few minutes away from Bryce. I’ve been drooling over the rocks there, –Curt
Many think this is the most beautiful of all parks. (I just remember how hot it was as a little kid…now appreciate the rocks a bit more). Always enjoy your landscape commentary
(and who could not love the donkey?) Thanks for letting us travel along!
Beautiful and strange. And yes it can be hot. We were lucky to catch it cool but not cold. I sort of remember seeing it after a fresh snowfall one time, but that may be my imagination. It was in my pre-photography days. Anyway, my imagination tells me it was quite beautiful.
So sorry about Molly. –Curt
So glad you are exploring these places and posting lots of photos. Perfect for my current armchair travel adventures!
The geology of the area is fascinating. I remember wondering at the instances of salt-white rock in the midst of all the red. We didn’t go to Kodachrome State Park, but it looks like a great stop for rock buffs and fans of Earth’s wonders. Great photos!
Thanks D. I can’t remember when rocks didn’t fascinate me. Even as a little kid I wandered around stuffing my pocket with rocks. Kodachrome is definitely worth a visit next time you are in the Bryce Canyon area, as is Red Canyon that I am featuring on Friday. Thanks. –Curt
I shot many a roll of Kodachrome back in the day. Now I wonder how I ever managed handheld exposures with ASA 25. And I never did manage to capture King Kong…
I used to use Kodachrome for slides, Dave.
Too bad about King Kong. It would have been like catching Big Foot. –Curt
Just stunning photos!!! I think Utah is one of the most beautiful states in the union. I really don’t have the words for the feeling of being there amongst these rocks. I found it to be deeply moving.
Thanks. It’s close to spiritual, maybe ‘awe-inspiring’ would fit.
I recognized King Kong immediately! I must say that the sedimentary pipes were a highlight here. I’ve never heard of such a thing, and am curious as can be about their formation. For some reason, I began thinking about the ocean floor, and the hydrothermal vents that form chimney-like structures. Could the sedimentary pipes have been formed in an anlogous way? Was this area seabed at some point? After all, in western Kansas the place known as Monument Rocks is nothing but Cretaceous seabed that’s ended up about the earth’s surface because of erosion and such. Geology is fascinating!
Laughing. Glad you did, Linda. I figured that the clues would help those to whom Kong wasn’t quite as apparent.
Here’s what the brochure said about the pipes:
“The pipes may be the remnants of ancient springs or perhaps pathways created by earthquakes in this seismically active basin. In either case, the cracks or springs could have filled with sediments, which ultimately cemented together and became harder and more resistant to erosion than the surrounding rock. Over time, the softer rock layers may have been worn away, exposing the sedimentary pipes.
A recent theory proposes that, over millions of years, water-saturated pockets may have been buried under many sedimentary layers. Finally, the pressure from these layers could have forced the mixture upwards creating pathways through the rock above and finally compressing it into hard rock.”
What gorgeous photos!
Thanks, Anne. The red rocks of the Southwest almost demand to be photographed. 🙂 –Curt
The textures and variations of red in the rock formations are striking. My favorite is the twisted wood sculpture 🙂
I’m a sucker for twisted wood, Arati. 🙂