Panorama Trail, UT

Panorama Trail is located in Kodachrome Basin State Park in Southern Utah near both Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The park encompasses much of what a 1949 National Geographic Expedition called Kodachrome Flats after the type of newfangled color film they were using called Kodak. The area is known most for it's sandpipes. Many geologists have different theories on how these sandpipes came about: petrified geysers, liquified sand injected into sandstone, just plain erosion, to name a few.


This trail does have several spur trails with side adventures that you can take. The mileage for this trail includes the spur trails to Old Indian Cave, Hat Shop, Secret Passageway, and Panorama Point. These are definitely worth the trip and add to the uniqueness of this beautiful scenery. Old Indian Cave appears to be a real cave that was used by real Indians. There are markings on the outside similar to many of the others I have seen at petroglyph sites. Hat shop sports some very unique geography. Secret Passageway takes you on a side loop to see some very interesting rock features, including the White Buffalo and of course through its namesake passageway. Panorama Point is a steep climb, but only about one tenth of a mile up, but affords the some of the best views in the park.About 1 mile along the trail, you will see a junction for Big Bear Geyser Trail. This listing does not include mileage for this trail, however, you can only access Big Bear from Panorama. If you were to choose to add on this trail, you will be adding only 2 miles to your trek.

Among the features you will see along the trail are Fred Flintstone Spire, Ballerina Spire, Petrified Lightning, and Hogan Temple.

The hike itself is fairly easy, and the trail is relatively easy to find. There are some spots where you need to look for the footprints to find your way, but the trail is pretty obvious for the vast majority of the hike. In the summer, it can get very hot here, and in the winter, snow and mud may be present, making some of the trail more difficult.

2009-03-11 iheartmonster