Hype:
Winding its way across the floor of Kodachrome Basin, the Grand Parade Trail is popular with hikers, equestrians, and cyclists. A variety of plants, birds, and reptiles can be observed on a stroll or ride along the trail. The effects of millions of years of erosion by wind and water can also be observed in the redrock faces along the trail. Two box canyons can be accessed and explored from the main trail and several sandpipes, including Dinosaur Spire, are also visible.
Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)
Time: 30-60 minutes
Length: 1.5 mile loop
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Fees: Park Admission
Recommended Ages:
0-3 | |
4-11 | |
12-19 | |
20-49 | |
50-69 | |
70+ | |
Recommended Months to Visit:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Navigate to 37.522722, -111.991692.
Park in the parking area on the east side of the road.
From the trailhead, head northeast, then turn east at the first junction. This will take you counterclockwise around the loop. Two spur trails let you explore box canyons, which are short canyons that have nearly vertical walls on 3 sides. At the north end of the loop is Dinosaur Spire, one of the largers spires in the park. From Dinosaur Spire, you can head south back to the trailhead, or you can curve around to the north to the alternate trailhead.
Closest City or Region: Kodachrome Basin State, Utah
Coordinates: 37.523285, -111.991151
By Jeremy Dye
I wasn't very impressed with Grand Parade Trail. It was my least favorite trail in the park. I had a hard time locating the trail near the north box canyon and ended up on a shortcut trail trail back to the start, so I didn't hike the northern part of the trail to Dinosaur Spire. It was approaching evening, and I still had to drive to camp and set camp up before nightfall, so I'll save that stretch of trail for another time.
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