Southwestern Utah

About a year and a half ago I was extolling my Utah love to my daughter in law Meredith.  She looked pensive and said, "Will you take me there?".  Well, of course!  I figured it was just one of those things people say.  Along the lines of "someday".   After all, my daughter in law had just given birth to twins 6 months before.  I figured she was going to be too busy to go on an extended trip for, oh say, at least 5 years. 

I was wrong (again).  She was determined to go.  Cool.  I still was unclear if my son would join us and what of the twin grandchildren?  As it turns out...the more the merrier.  The 2 year olds were comin'! In fact, there was even a last minute addition, Meredith's brother Matt who would accompany me on my drive while the grandkids and their parents would be in another car.  

I had asked Meredith if she wanted southeastern (Arches & Canyonlands, Four Corners) or southwestern Utah (Zion, Bryce).  She wasn't sure and although Zion has become a zoo I figured it was a closer drive and it is, after all, a must see.  Then I figured we'd go to Bryce and a favorite of mine - Kodachrome Basin. 

Zion National Park, while being world class in scenery, continues to get worse and worse as a destination.  My first trip there, in the early '80's was sublime.  Uncrowded, easily driveable, and scenically stunning it became a favorite and I've been there a dozen times over the years.  Sad to say this will probably be my last visit - perhaps in this lifetime.  I may return in winter sometime but the crowds and the associated Ranger Rules are not my cup of tea.   

While acknowledging that my back "going out" before leaving on the trip probably colored my point of view, I could spend paragraphs explaining my frustration and sadness with Zion National Park but I'll leave it like this - it ain't what it used to be and the West is too big and wonderful to go to a place that is being overrun and is poorly managed by an overwhelmed and unwelcoming National Park Service.   Maybe I'm just getting old and curmudgeonly but I don't think so.  I don't believe, unless you fully experienced these Western Parks before the great tourist invasion, you can understand the disappointment regarding what has happened here.  

By the way, "GET OFF MY DAMN LAWN!".

The weather was wonderful when we got there but changed, as forecast, to a steady and persistent rain on the second day.  It did provide for some good photography opportunities however.  I brought my camera as an afterthought, this was a family vacation, but I'm pleased with some of the photos.   As a reminder you can purchase relatively inexpensive prints at by clicking here.  Blog subscribers receive a discount.  E-mail me at SouthwestDude@SouthwestDude.com for more info. 

Here are some photos of the first day and a half before the big weather change. 

The rain started to fall heavily and all five of us were cooped up in my little trailer - El Correcaminos.  I decided to sleep in the truck for everyone's sanity but was told I needed to move the truck as we were "over the vehicle limit" despite having 50 feet of empty pavement in our campsite.  I really despise this kind of nonsensical bureaucratic foolishness but I moved the truck 1/4 mile away and sulked off to fitfully sleep.  No use raising Hell to an unresponsive, stodgy, overworked and underpaid Park Service.   

​The next day we took the kids on the Riverwalk trail, I tried my best to clear the trailer of the mud and mess from the rain, and made some more photos.  That night we had a wonderful dinner of shrimp and orzo salad.  We ate s'mores which I very rarely do and enjoyed a long conversation around the campfire.  When  the world pisses me off with its stupidity nothing gives me more relief than family.  I loved every minute. It was a good day and we geared up to move to Kodachrome Basin.  Here are some photos of the walk.

After the Riverwalk I stopped at the Courtyard of the Patriarchs. Don't forget you can click on the photos to make them larger. 

That evening I ran out to take some last minute photos before saying goodbye,  perhaps for the last time, to my beloved Zion National Park.  

 We left Zion, the weather was perfect, my back spasms had improved a bit and we drove the short distance to Kodachrome Basin State Park.  Now, this was my kind of camping — a quiet and secluded campsite with hikes and views and friendly, helpful State Park Rangers.  We settled in for a few fine days.  I had intended to take the short drive to Bryce Canyon but that would have necessitated taking two cars and we didn't think the Rim drive would thrill the 2 year olds.  Instead, we went on short hikes and wandered around Kodachrome saving awe-inspiring Bryce for another trip.  

I was really hoping to get in a long hike or drive with my son but it didn't work out.  Hopefully, next time.  He's quite a remarkable young man. I am deeply proud of his sensitivity, love of and devotion to his family, his affection for art and the poor and the indigenous people of our country.  He is a humanitarian. In short, he gets it and I probably don't deserve to have such an incredible person for a son.  We did have an unforgettable few days and I can't wait until the next time.  

​I got a few photos of the family and a favorite is the two year olds, Finley and Joaquin, in full flight, loving being outdoors.   I'm impressed with the emphasis that my son and daughter in law are putting on the little ones, already, to experience and enjoy nature to the fullest. 

In  discussing this trip with friends the question of how "Kodachrome" came to be the name of the State Park came up frequently.  My tiny bit of knowledge is that in 1949 National Geographic Magazine sponsored an expedition to the area (with funding from Kodak) and hence they donned the name Kodachrome State Park after their iconic film.  It is a beautiful place which features sand (or sedimentary) pipes.  Large sandstone formations that jut straight out of the ground.  I'm told that they are only found in this particular area.  Here are some photos of sand pipes and slickrock and typical southwest vegetation replete with junipers and pinon pines. 

Here is a striking example of a sand pipe.  This is known as "Chimney Rock".

The following was our campsite view in Kodachrome.  It was glorious. 

Lastly, I offer a couple of panoramas.  The first from Zion and the second from Kodachrome.  I don't know how many of my friends and subscribers have been to Utah but it is, to me, a sacred place.  I fell in love when I crossed the state line nearly 40 years ago and the state never leaves me.   Through the trials and travails this life provides I know, no matter what, I  have sweet Utah...here in photos, often in my mind, and thankfully just a few hundred miles down the road.

Thanks again for coming along.  

​Until next time...be well.