Wendy B.
Yelp
Just one day after that infamous rainstorm and subsequent flash flooding of Sept 14, 2015 that killed at least 20 people in Southern Utah/Zion, we were seeking redemption. Unlike for other visitors, Zion that day had treated us well, but we had gotten the h*** out before the storm hit. And the following day, we had spurned nearby Bryce Canyon after recommendations from Yelpers and friends alike told us of great inspiration in lesser known places:
From tiny Cannonville, we passed by vast ranch lands and rustic fences, colorful rocky cliffs, seeing occasional free-range cattle wandering alongside the road, some of which found it amusing to direct traffic and require the infrequent traveler to stop while they made a cursory vehicle inspection. A very pleasant drive.
The usually lazy Paria River was still swollen, churning up the red and white sandstone to become an angry, pink, muddy, insatiable eating machine. We travelled the thankfully elevated highway that paralleled it for some time, grateful that the storm had now passed, while the watery latecomers still bullied the landscape as they had for millions of years before. The view was magnificent, but we still had no idea of what was to come.
At last, we reached the entrance to Kodachrome. So typical of the area, the ruggedly textured walls that surrounded this lesser known park were ribboned with brilliant red and grey and white. But the crowning glory were the solitary spires, *suggestive* monoliths that rose up from the ground and pointed to the skies. Such a pretty little park with a campground in a most perfect spot. I could imagine this spot as a nearly perfect canyon for corralling cattle, maybe even some smuggling. And while we did not stay the night, I have to imagine that on a clear night, the starscape had to be wonderful.
With less people, definitely less traffic, much space, there are trails to hike, arches to see, biking, guided horseback rides, and the awe inspiring red chimneys Mother Nature had carved. There are a few cute log cabins for rent (see Redstone Cabins or Bryce Canyon Villas with a Cannonville address) and a small store just outside the park, and inside, a beautiful little campground that offers very limited RV hook ups and more basic camping sites, hot showers, toilets.
Reservations are a very good idea. The payoff....priceless beauty and solitude.