Permits and Politics - Kodachrome Basin, Boulder Creek, and an Escalante River Backpack - September-October 2013

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Back on the main Panorama Trail again, we continued our loop, following the trail along the base of the Entrada Sandstone escarpment. We were heading generally back towards the trailhead now, but following the southern arm of the loop.

Not an aesthetic trail

Precedence

Grader track

After stopping for an afternoon snack beneath the base of another big chimney, we continued on, soon coming to the final attraction along the route - a side trail to a place called "Panorama Point". Way off to the south, we could see a hill with a sign atop it. The side trail headed off towards it. Very likely this was Panorama Point.

Since Panorama Point was on a hill some distance south of the main cliffs of Kodachrome Basin, we figured it might give a very nice perspective back north, so we decided to visit it.

The first part of the side trail to Panorama Point was the same wide, flat path as the rest of the Panorama Trail, but as it ascended to Panorama Point itself, it became a nice little narrow footpath, winding around and up terrain features towards the highpoint. This was the only significant elevation gain encountered so far on our hike.

Towards Panorama Point

Nearing Panorama Point

Panorama Point

It was blustery and mostly cloudy when we arrived at Panorama Point. There was indeed an excellent view over a broad swath of Kodachrome Basin. We could see many of the park's chimneys poking up here and there. We could also see interesting terrain far off in other directions. Far off to the west, for example, the high 9000-foot cliffs of [closed] Bryce Canyon National Park were clearly visible.

courtesy JInnes

Distant Bryce

Light and Shadow at Kodachrome

Sandpipes everywhere

Although the wind was strong and chilly and we were often in the shade of clouds, the blustery weather actually made for some interesting shots. The play of patches of sunlight coming down through holes between the clouds created some very nice (if very brief) lighting on the multicolored cliffs to the north. Patience coupled with a quick trigger finger were needed to capture the sense of it.

More light and dark

Starting return journey

After enjoying the broad views from Panorama Point, we started back, bound for the trailhead. I began to think that, while this was indeed a worthwhile hike, the whole Panorama Trail loop would actually be more enjoyable - and not that hard - on a mountain bike. If I were to visit here again, I think I'd like to try it that way. Especially the side trail to Panorama Point - that would be fun on a bike (I checked, and the Panorama Point side trail was bikes-allowed). Surprisingly, we only saw three bikes along the entire trail today.

Cliff Closeup, Kodachrome

Crags, Hoodoos, and Pipes

Hoodoo and Sandpipe

courtesy JInnes

Like a smokestack

Scenic Sandpipe

Approaching Trailhead

We arrived back at the trailhead shortly before 4pm. We had finished the ten kilometre Panorama Trail (including all side options) in a quite quick 3.5 hours.

Interactive trackmap with photo points - Panorama Trail - click map to view

Interactive trackmap with photo points - Panorama Trail - click to view

Panorama Trail (Full) - Hike Data

Start Time: 12:15p.m.

End Time: 3:48p.m.

Duration: 3h33m

Distance: 10.05 km (6.25 mi)

Average Speed: 2.8 km/hr (1.8 mph)

Start Elevation: 5829ft (1777m) *

Max Elevation: 5990ft (1826m) *

Min Elevation: 5776ft (1760m) *

End Elevation: 5815ft (1772m) *