Go Beyond Bryce Canyon National Park and Discover a Whole Lot More.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument encompasses 1.7 million acres of desert wilderness, extending from the Kaibab Plateau (the north rim of the Grand Canyon) to the Pink Cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park. The Grand Staircase is known for a geologic history dating back 70 million years—and yes, there are dinosaur fossils here. Evidence of human history in the Grand Staircase dates back 1500 years. One of the most notable human adventures is the Hole-in-the-Rock expedition of 1879. Adventure opportunities abound is this vast and remote backcountry. Hike the canyons, view wildlife, explore and photograph the remote backcountry, travel the 66-mile Burr Trail scenic backway. The strange formations of Devil’s Garden are located just 10 miles down the Hole-In-The-Rock road within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, just to name a few.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin State Park is located about 20 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park and is surrounded by Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Kodachrome Basin State Park’s main attraction is the 67 iconic sand pipes that tower over the desert landscape. The multi-colored monoliths range in height from six feet to 170 feet, remnants of solidified sediment that filled the ancient geysers much like those found in Yosemite National Park. Kodachrome Basin State Park got its name from National Geographic Society photography expedition in 1948. The photographers were impressed with the colorful sand pipes accenting the landscape beneath brilliant blue skies—and it’s still a photographer’s paradise today. Chimney Rock is the largest sand pipe, towering 170 feet over the desert floor. There are several hiking, biking and equestrian trails that run through the park, including the easy, 1-mile Grand Parade Trail that follows the park’s main road, the very short and easy trail to Shakespeare Arch, and more challenging trails like the 3.4-mile Eagle’s View Overlook and 3-mile round trip Panorama Trail which brings you closer to the sand pipes. The 2,240-acre park can be explored in a day or less, leaving time for a side excursion to nearby Grosvenor Arch.
Grosvenor Arch
There’s something magical about Grosvenor Arch. Standing beneath it you feel small and awed by the power of nature. This rare double arch spans 92 feet across and stands 152 feet high. You can reach Grosvenor Arch via Cottonwood Canyon Road, about nine miles from Kodachrome Basin State Park. (Note: Cottonwood Canyon Road is not passable during wet weather).
