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Nature|National & State Parks

Kodachrome Basin State Park Is A Hidden Gem Park In Utah That Is Perfect For Your Next Outing

Kodachrome Basin State Park in Utah offers diverse outdoor activities and stunning landscapes, making it a hidden gem worth exploring.

Published Sep 17, 2021

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Discovering a hidden gem sometimes feels like we’ve hit the jackpot. After all, those of us who have lived in Utah for a long time probably know every inch of our beloved state. Next time you’re up for an outdoor adventure in a spot that certainly doesn’t get the same well-deserved attention as other Utah state parks, make your way to Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Spanning a cozy 2,240 acres in Cannonville, Kodachrome Basin State Park boasts a full menu of activities and some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Utah.

Sign for Kodachrome Basin State Park, surrounded by desert landscape and rocky formations under a blue sky.
Trip Advisor/JimH_Tarheel

The state park features an assortment of rock formations shaped like spheres and spires, most of which give off a reddish hue.

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A scenic view of red rock formations and a winding road under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Facebook/Kodachrome Basin State Park

Bring along your hiking shoes for a day exploring the gorgeous state park that’s home to the Kodachrome Basin, a breathtaking natural wonder that you really have to see for yourself.

A stunning canyon landscape with towering rock formations and a bright sun shining in a clear blue sky.
Facebook/Kodachrome Basin State Park

Trails that meander through the state park range from easy to moderate, so you’re sure to find a trek that’s perfect for your skills and interests.

A tall, narrow rock formation rises from a rugged, reddish landscape under a cloudy sky.
Facebook/Kodachrome Basin State Park

For a short, sweet, and easy hike, follow the Kodachrome Nature Trail. It spans just .04 of a mile, is accessible, and features numerous informational placards along the path.

A barren landscape with twisted trees, red rock formations, and a clear blue sky in the background.
All Trails/Alex S.

The trail is ideal if you want to learn more about the park, including the animals and plants that call it home.

Drink in some of the prettiest views in the state park along the Panorama Trail, an easy path that tallies just three miles. Because the trail doesn’t have much shade, you’ll definitely want to bring along plenty of water.

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A sandy path winds through a desert landscape with shrubs, red rock formations, and a blue sky with clouds.
All Trails/Ron DeShong

For a uniquely fun way to see the park, join a guided horseback riding tour or go for an invigorating ride on your bike.

A horse with a saddle stands near a wooden building labeled "Trail Rides" surrounded by trees and a fence.
Facebook/Kodachrome Basin State Park

Kodachrome Basin State Park welcomes guests daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. You’ll also have to pay a day-use fee, so keep that in mind when you head over to the park. (The fee is per vehicle.)

A scenic landscape featuring wildflowers in the foreground and rocky formations in the background under a clear sky.
Facebook/Kodachrome Basin State Park

Start planning your visit on the official website of Kodachrome Basin State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.

Star trails illuminate a night sky over red rock formations, creating a stunning celestial landscape.
Facebook/Kodachrome Basin State Park

Do you have a favorite hidden gem park in Utah? Tell us about it in the comments!  If you’re always on the lookout for new and fun things to do, check out these six hidden gems in Utah that are well worth a visit.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike Snow Canyon State Park’s Scout Cave Trail in Utah for an Unforgettable Adventure

In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real.

Published Nov 5, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Utah is a nature lover's dream, and we're blessed with some of the best hiking trails in the country. It just doesn't get much better than our vast canyons and stunning rock formations. I could spend the rest of my life hiking in the Beehive State and still get excited about hitting the trail each day! In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real. Plus, it's kid and pet-friendly!

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AllTrails Zach Schuster

Scout Cave Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike that passes over lava flow fields, Navajo Sandstone rocks, and stream beds. Although it's rated as intermediate on AllTrails, most hikers describe it as being easy, so you definitely don't need to be super skilled. The elevation gain is about 350 feet, and just a few moderate climbing sections make up the bulk of it. You're unlikely to get lost because the trail is very well-marked, and the variation in terrain makes for an interesting adventure from start to finish.

By far the coolest part of the trail (and the main reason anyone hikes it in the first place) is Scout Cave. It's located right before the turnaround point and showcases unbelievable panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city below. You can actually go inside the cave, which makes this trail a favorite among kiddos.

Shade is minimal, so if you're visiting in the summer, you'll definitely want to wear a hat and load up on sunscreen. Getting started early in the morning also helps with the temperature issue - although the views at sunset are equally as mesmerizing. You should also bring plenty of water and a snack or two, and make sure you have durable footwear for the rock scrambling sections of the trail (however brief they may be).

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Scout Cave Trail, including the parking fee for Snow Canyon State Park. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you do a lot of hiking. The app offers exclusive perks like offline and 3D maps, ensuring you never miss a turn.

Have you ever hiked this trail? If so, do you think it's one of the best hikes in Utah? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article for some of the best things to do in the nearby town of St. George. It's perfect for a family getaway!

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Utah Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

When it comes to iconic hikes in Utah, Zion National Park is the first place I think of (along with Arches and Bryce Canyon, of course). After all, it's home to some of the most stunning views our state has to offer, and millions of people travel from all over the world each year to revel in its magic. One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

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AllTrails Kristin Kozelsky

At 3.6 miles long, the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail is by no means the longest hike in the park, but it is one of the most challenging. The out-and-back trail is rated as hard on AllTrails due to its steep ascent. You'll climb over 1,100 feet in a relatively short distance, navigating tight switchbacks before arriving at the final viewpoint known as Scout Lookout.

While the view at the top is definitely the pièce de résistance, you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery along the entire trail. At the beginning, the path crosses the Virgin River on a bridge before paralleling the river for a short time. From there, the ascent begins, and as the scene unfolds before your eyes, it only gets more picturesque with every step you take. With the ancient, majestic canyon walls rising up all around, you'll swear you're looking at a painting or a postcard. That's just part of living in Utah - what a blessing to call such a state home where the scenery is almost too beautiful to be real.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue past Scout Lookout to Angel's Landing, but only experienced hikers should attempt this. Additionally, the trail does not offer much shade, so consider starting either in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat if you're visiting in the warmer months.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you're an avid hiker. The app is an incredible resource with features like 3D flyovers, wrong-turn alerts, and offline map access. Your first week is free, so there's no risk involved in trying it out.

Have you ever embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? What are your favorite iconic hikes in Utah? Tell us in the comments!

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