AZ, UT, NM Road Trip
(Day Two: July 28,2007 - Page 10)

Kodachrome Basin SP, UT:

Once we left the Glen Canyon Dam, we were charted to head to Bryce Canyon. US-89 turns to the West about 70 Miles then continues north going around the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. One of the guys on the trip spots a road on the map and sick of riding in the car argues that we should get off the main roads and take a back road to cut 120 miles into about 60 miles. Oh well, what the hell, we have a 4 wheel drive rental car. His shortcut took us on a dirt path which weaved along a low creek bed through the Grand Staircase National Park and the Kodachrome Basin State Park. This paved then dirt road is not labeled on the map and runs from West of Big Water, UT and ends in Cannonville, UT, just east of Bryce Canyon. While the distance was much shorter, it took about a hour longer in travel time because of the dirt road conditions, but I would take that path every time again as it was a blast. Totally awesome mesa and canyon views resulted and more than 200 pictures were taken. Not to mention the fun off road driving. I guess there is a little red neck in all of us. However about halfway through the trip, the skies started threatening and I was away of the danger of flash flooding through this area of the state as this canyon area and creek bed supports a huge watershed and knowing of the severe storms in the area and the flooding south earlier in our trip; this caused us great concern. But we all made it out ok. Towards Connonville there were more than 10 other vehicles also trying to get out before the great flood.
Kodachrome Basis State Park Website

Paul J. Lossner