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Show The unusual rock formations available at Kodachrome State Reserve offer not only spectacular views by day, Resourceful youth skateboards on one of Kodachrome Basin's graceful rock formations. This smooth flat sur- but provide the park visitor with scenes such as this breathtaking silhouette of rocks at sunset. face contrasts with the towering monolithic spires, or chimneys, which Jet up from the valley floor. Opinions differ among geologists as to how rock spires such as the one above Here formed but artists and By Nancy Bales Spotlight Staff Writer Living up to it's name, symbolic of color, Kodachrome Basin Stale Reserve, with its towering monolithic spires, or chimneys, which jut up from' the valley floor or protrude from ?andstone rocks is a photographer's delight. e richly-colored geological area,, actually located in Kane County; but accessible from the north only through Garfield County, is one of the least known and most spectacular of state administered attractions in Utah. Aptly named by the National Geographic Society, the rich hues of Kodachrome's spectacular rock formations vary from gray and white to several tints of red and are ever changing with atmospheric conditions and position of the sun's rays. It is a place, not only for the tourist wanting to see something unusual, but for artists and photographers who want to capture the varied modes of color. Opinions differ among geologists as to how the rock spires were formed. One theory suggests that ancient underground springs filled up with sediment and then solidified. The spires were left standing after the softer Entrada sandstone surrounding them eroded away. Another view merely points out that the columns are for some reason more resistant to erosion than the surrounding rock. Located only nine miles south of Cannonville on an improved dirt road, a discovery in just recent years of a natural arch within walking distance of the ranger's cabin in the park shows how little explored is some of the terrain. Superintendent Tom Shake- Katli camp site at Kodachrome has been conveniently equipped with a cement slab, barbeue grill and large photographers alike are just grateful for the end results which provide beautiful scenes. Kodachrome's Colorful Scenery Lives Up to Name speare discovered the arch while hunting a coyote's den one day. State recreation and parks representatives after a contest, named the arch Shakespeare Arch, honoring early settlers of the Bryce Valley area, from whom the ranger is descended. An ardent and accomplished photographer himself whose pictures accompany this article, Shakespeare .helps "visitors' find "some of the mosF photogenic scenery in the park. Plant and animal life found at Kodachrome are typical of a semi-desert environment. Pinyon and juniper trees are common, as well as yucca and prickly pear cactus. Mule deer and mountain lions are the largest animals found in the park which is open all year. Coyotes, gray foxes, bobcats and striped and spotted skunks make their home at Kodachrome but are seen less often because of their nocturnal habits. The coyote is often heard, if seldom seen, yapping at dusk and dawn. Except for the common raven seen gliding about the rock spires, the soaring eagle, and the chattering pinyon jay, most birds are seasonal visitors, such as the mourning dove, a common migrant to the reserve. Trail guides are furnished for the clearly-marked interpretive trail, and the visitor who takes advantage of this opportunity will learn much about the area. A new trail, the "Panorama Trail" has just been opened this year. Kodachrome, with its meticulously maintained 24-unit campground makes a good base camp for some of the other attractions nearby. The famous Grosvenor Arch and Cottonwood Canyon areas are located just 10 miles south. The Paria River, close to the park, offers an area with miles upon miles of taMe. A group urea is also provided featuring two large barbeques. electricity, five tables and u central fire pit. old roads for the motorcyclist or four-wheel drive enthusiast to explore. Lake Powell is accessible by automobile and only an hour away via the same unpaved road which led to the park. At an elevation of 5,800 feet with easy access, Kodachrome is one of Utah's most peaceful and colorful sites, with rtnWthan""2240 acres "set aside to provide the visitor with relaxation in a dramatic natural setting. To reach the park, the traveler turns east at the junction of U.S. Highway 89 and Utah Highway 12 for about 26 miles to Cannonville where the well-marked turnoff to Kodachrome is located. Originally dubbed "Thorley's Pasture," after rancher Tom Thorley, the name stuck until an expedition from the National Geographic Society in 1949 comprised of representatives of the society and various government agencies renamed it "Kodachrome Flats." The expedition was exploring what they called "Escalante Land" In search of natural bridges and arches. Although the name "Kodachrome" was originally associated with the flats nearby, it subsequently was bestowed upon the park itself. Kodachrome Basin State Reserve first became one of Utah's state parks on June 5, 1963. Upon the recommendation of the Bryce Valley Lions Club, it was given the name of Chimney Rocks because of a rumor that had been started that Eastman Kodak was objecting to the use of their famous "Kodachrome" film name In connection with the park, but Eastman Kodak soon Informed the Lions Club that the company would be pleased and honored to have the beautiful park bear the name "Kodachrome," so on August 15, 1970, that officially became the name of the colorful spot. An interesting side note is that Ellis LeFevre, president of the Lions Club, became the first seasonal ranger stationed at Kodachrome. He was instrumental in bringing water to the park through the development of a six-mile pipeline which carried water from a small spring in Horse Valley. The Bryce Valley Lions Club and the residents of the three little towns In the valley, Cannonville, Henrieville and Tropic have always taken a personal Interest In the development and improvement of the park just outside their backdoor. The first improvement at the park was construction of a fire pit and pit toilet by the Lions Club. Although the fire pit remains, flush toilets have replaced the old ones and each campsite is complete with a cement slab, table and barbecue grill. The group area, often used for family reunions, is furnished with electricity, two large barbecues and five long tables, Firewood is supplied and cool spring water is plentiful. Man's basic need to experience the purifying qualities of unique wilderness areas like Kodachrome has prompted Utah to preserve the special peace and magnificant scenery of Kodachrome for the recreation needs of the people. i |