Our visit to Kodachrome Basin State Park was on May 16, 2011.
After our ride out to Grosvenor Arch we stopped at Kodachrome Basin State Park. This park is known for monolithic stone spires called sedimentary pipes. The pipes are quite distinctive and stunning (I know, there is that word again, but, really, they are, you'll see.)
Below, the ride into the park:
And, below, the first pipe we spy:
According to the Wikipedia page:
"Geologists believe Kodachrome Basin State Park was once similar to Yellowstone National Park with hot springs and geysers, which eventually filled up with sediment and solidified. Through time, the Entrada sandstone surrounding the solidified geysers eroded, leaving large sand pipes. Sixty-seven sand pipes ranging from two to 52 meters have been identified in the park."
Below, lots of white and more interesting formations thanks to Mother Nature.
Below: Chimney Rock, look close, you can see Man standing at the base, shows how large some of these formations are:
Next up, a chance to stretch our legs, we took the time to walk part of the Shakespeare Arch/Sentinel Trail. It is about 1.7 miles all the way around, we only did a portion, walking to the arch and then back out by the same trail. I felt I was too tired to attempt the second half of the trail which reportedly was more difficult. This was our second really long day in a row and I just felt it was smart to be safer than sorrier and end up with an injury. OK, I was dragging, and just did not have the energy for more, I did not want to take the hike to begin with, but, was so glad we did. We walked with a lady from The Netherlands who was visiting the area for her second time, alone, in a rented small motorhome. She was in the US for about 6 weeks total. We chatted, a LOT, along the way, she was a fascinating woman, enhancing our day by sharing our walk with us.
Below, when I process a photos like the next two, with the deep reds, busting out with color, I always sigh in delight. They remind me how I really am a gal with the love and need of color. Color fills my soul, for me, beige on beige just does not do it, not like this. Toss in a dead Utah Juniper Pine, and really, how much better can it be?
Below, contrast in the formations, here a softer look. Not that if you walked out there the surface would feel soft, but, compare to, say, the photo above, with the higher hills looking sharper. Love all that contrast, it is almost as good as all that red! LOL
Below, Shakespeare Arch:
One last photo, from our walk back to Big Butt, this one has it all, red, white, sharpness, softness, and a live Utah Juniper Pine this time.
Next we will jump back in Big Butt and drive through the rest of the park, about another 10 to 20 photos to share, and then, our stay in the Bryce Canyon area is over. SIGH
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4 comments:
I am so enjoying my travels through your pictures. Hate to see the end of this trip with your last few pictures but can hardly wait for the next trip.
So..do you know if the red stuff is anything similar to the red stuff in Georgia? Beautiful photos, I especially like the red and white contrasts in some of them.
I loved these photos, almost as much as how you described what you saw. Also wonder if anybody climbs that tall rock Al was standing next to.
Sharon, thank you. THE Trip is not quite over, there is still Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Custer South Dakota and a few other tidbits here and there.
Lisa, I am not sure about the red being the same, that is a great question tho. I did not do a lot of "scientific" research on that kind of thing, I was too wide eyed taking in the views to concern myself a lot over the why. SNICKER, did not particularly care why, only cared that it WAS!!
Barb, In Kodachrome Basin State park they do not allow any rock climbing on the structures at all, in fact, they don't even want you stepping off the existing paths/trails. Stuff is too fragile. Guess it is a lot different than the stuff in Moab where we did see rock climbers.
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