Kodachrome Basin, Utah
This is one of the most unusual places for rock formations that I’ve ever seen. And interestingly enough, the scientists have no agreement as to why or how these pillars formed.
Kodachrome Basin State Park is never included in the list of the Mighty 5 in Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches and Capitol Reef). It is, however, one of the most peculiar places and deserves to be on the list. In fact, they claim that these monoliths are not found anywhere else on earth.
There are at least 67 of these sand pipes. One theory is that this area was similar to Yellowstone with geyser activity that filled up with sandstone and eventually solidified, but the absence of any outflow creates problems with that. Another theory is that they were caused by intrusion created by uncharacteristic seismic activity. Whatever their origination, they are certainly unusual and leave one wondering about these strange formations.
The area was named for a 1948 National Geographic expedition for a feature article where the newly developed Kodachrome color film was used. The state park was formed in 1962 and briefly renamed but then the original name returned with permission from Kodak.
If you’re making a visit to Southern Utah and visiting Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon, another half hour on Utah Highway 12 toward Cannonville and 9 miles south to Kodachrome Basin State Park is well worth it. While the Mighty 5 are super-impressive, you’ll be part of the minority who really get to see some of the most unusual and weird places on earth.
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