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Show KODACHROME BASIN STATE RESERVE I 1 " - - i' -- . -, east from the junction, passes the Bryce Canyon National Park tumoff, and continues east and south, actually crossing a part of the national park. The road leads down into beautiful Bryce Valley which lies under the flaming cliffs of the national park, and through the sleepy little town of Tropic. Continuing on the highway, it is only Ave miles to Cannonville, the tumoff for Kodachrome, where nine miles of improved dirt road bring the traveler to one of the most beautiful scenic spots. Resourceful youth skateboards on one of Kodachrome Basin's graceful rock formations. This smooth flat surface sur-face contrasts with the towering monolithic spires, or chimneys, which Jut up from the valley floor or protrude from sandstone rocks at Kodachrome Basin State Reserve (B). Visitors to Garfield County looking for a quiet camping spot in a beautiful setting will appreciate the colorful and unique surroundings of Kodachrome Basin State Reserve. While many have discovered this special place only after finding other campgrounds filled to capacity, it should, in reality, be included as one of the most unique attractions in the area. At an elevation1 of 5,800 with easy access, Kodachrome is one of Utah's most colorful and peaceful sites, providing the often weary traveler with a restful communion with nature in a restful setting. More than 2240 acres have been set aside to provide relaxing satisfaction in a dramatic natural setting. The richly-colored geological area was named Kodachrome Basin by the National Geographic Society a name nationaly recognized and associated with color photography. The rich hues of 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 unsual, but for the artists and photographers who want to capture the varied moods of color. Natural rock formations, a geologist's delight, are the feature attraction of Kodachrome. The towering monolithic spires, or chimneys as they have been called, jut up from the valley floor or protrude from sandstone rocks surrounding the campground. They inspire in-spire an infinite array of subjects limted only by one's imagination. Opinions differ among geologists as to how the unusual 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 is surrounding rock. In recent years a magnificent natural arch was discovered not far from his headquarters by park Superintendent Tom Shakespeare while hunting a coyote den one day. The arch was named Shakespeare Arch, honoring early settlers of the Bryce Valley area, from whom the ranger is descended. A Dath leading to the arch has been constructed con-structed so that the visitor may enjoy one of nature's wonders. Plant and animal life found in the park are typical of a semi-desert environment. en-vironment. Pinyon and juniper trees are common as well as yucca a prickly pear cactus. Mule deer and mountain lions are the largest animals found in the park. Coyotes, gray foxes, bobcats, striped skunks and spotted skunks made their home at Kodachrome but are seen less often because of their nocturnal habits. ' The coyote is usually 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. Kodachrome Basin is a i ideal spot fa establishing i base camp ;rum which to explore fascinating places. Numerous rocks and coves offer unlimited opportunity for the hiker to explore. The photographer also will find ample subjects for unusual and colorful pictures. pic-tures. Trail guides are furnished for the clearly-marked interpretive in-terpretive trail, and the visitor who takes advantage of this opportunity will learn much about the area. A new trail, "Panorama Trail" has just been opened this year. Exploring the famous Grosvenor Arch and Cottonwood Cot-tonwood Canyon areas located just 10 miles southeast of Kodachrome is a must. Paria River, close to the park, offers rare possibilities to see and enjoy nature at its finest via four-wheel four-wheel drive, motorbike or hiking. Motorcyclists wiL find hundreds of miles of ole roads near the Reserve to explore. Lake Powell, accessible by . automobile through beautiful Cottonwood Canyon is just an hour's ' drive way on an unpaved road. Within the park is a comfortable 24-unit campground cam-pground protected from the wind by a circle for cliffs. Each well-spaced campsite is provided with a picnic table, cement slab and barbecue grill. Cool, clean spring water is available year-round. An atractive group use area is also provided. Located only 35 miles southeast from the junction fo U.S. 89 with Utah Highway 12, the traveler takes U-12 |