Hiking in Kodachrome Basin State Park

After our hike in Bryce yesterday, we drove to Escalante for the night. Escalante seems like it is in the middle of nowhere. The little town feels like it is fading away, and probably would if not for folks like us. There are few accommodations and they are pretty basic. For the uninitiated, a visit to the town might seem like a small, poverty-stricken settlement in the middle of barren desert. In fact, those were our thoughts the first time we passed through the area. Luckily, we learned the Grand Staircase National Monument is a treasure just waiting to be explored.

I had in mind exploring the narrows of Cottonwood Canyon, but a stop at the visitor center to check on conditions put that on hold. The road was closed for repair. However, we could go as far as Kodachrome Basin State Park and then on to Grosvenor Arch.

We did a six mile loop hike in the state park, passing by many of the unique sedimentary pipes. It was an enjoyable hike, but one visit will be enough for me.

Driving on south from the park we made a brief stop for photos at Grosvenor Arch, a unique double arch high up on a cliff wall.

Tonight we’re staying in a nice B&B instead of a cheaper motel. I think accommodations were tough to find because Bryce was promoting a big event to view the annular eclipse tomorrow.

Links
—Kodachrome Basin 2012 photo gallery