Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Jill
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What a fantastic stop in Arches National Park with our friends. Time to move on for our Next Stop: Willis Creek Slot Canyon. Packed up and headed out of Canyonlands RV park at 8:21 a.m. to Kodachrome Basin State Park. This would be our longest travel day while we had our friends with us. Beautiful Scenery all the way from one stop to the next.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome for those of you who don’t know was named after a National Geographic expedition in the late 1940s. It was named after their Kodak film at that time because of its color accuracy. This park was absolutely beautiful and so peaceful we arrived at 1:45 p.m. On top of all the beauty it had brand new very nice showers, laundry facilities, and restrooms. Our campsite was at the end of the row, which was just perfect.
Kodachrome is also part of the dark sky parks program. We saw tons of beautiful stars. Around 80 % of Americans have not seen the Milky Way. Isn’t that incredible? This is because of soo much light pollution. Light Pollution also affects nocturnal animals. The Dark Sky Program is set up to bring back the night so to speak. You can read more by clicking here. Sorry about that little sidebar, back to our afternoon. We got settled and got our camelbacks filled and out the door, we went. Our next hike was the much anticipated Willis Creek Slot Canyon.
Willis Creek Slot Canyon
This hike was about 10 miles from our campsite. Linda and I checked in with the ranger at the visitor center and got more detailed information. She gave us a directions map to get there and told us a little about the road. The road is ideal for 4 wheel drive vehicles. We have an all-wheel-drive vehicle and we made through. We did struggle a bit through one spot. Low clearance vehicles may have a hard time getting through. There was a honda accord that ending up parking and the couple hiked in. The road was probably a little to difficult for their car.
Once you get to the parking lot the trail picks up just a short way off to the left. This hike did not disappoint. It actually might be one of my favorites of our entire trip. It was so unique and beautiful. I really enjoyed how the sides of the canyon just slowly grow up around you. Before you know it, your in the middle of the slot canyon. There are breaks throughout the trail where you are just walking along the river and the canyon is open. Absolutely stunning a must-do if you are in the area. The hike is about a 4.8-mile round trip. It is classified as an “easy ” hike and I would agree. There are not a lot of elevation changes and the ones that there are, aren’t bad. An enjoyable afternoon hike as well, because of being shaded in the canyon.
That evening we grilled outside had smores by the fire and sat and enjoyed the stars, what a perfect end to another beautiful day.
Cheers,
Jill
