In our travels we get to spend some time in amazing locations and this month it was in Southern Utah. After a week of meeting and tours I took the opportunity to explore and spend a night in Kodachrome Basin State Park. The park gets its name from the film, after a National Geographic expedition described the site that way. It protects 67 monolithic sandstone spires that reach toward the sky and inspire visitors to do the same. The park offers adventures of all sorts, from horseback riding and archery opportunities to a campground, bunkhouses and mountain biking. My park adventure began on a Friday afternoon when I pulled in and met the park manager, Brandon Baugh.
Brandon has had an amazing career at the park starting in maintenance and working up to managing the site. He has not only seen the changes at the park but been instrumental in implementing them. From the visitor's center to the bunkhouses and the campground, you can feel the passion he brings to the site. When I arrived, kids were digging in the archeology pit, discovering treasures and building a passion. From the renovated bathrooms and bunkhouses to the repurposed building that became a guest laundry, he has made sure visitors to the park feel welcome and cared for. I was no different.
One of the greatest privileges in this job is touring sites with park professionals like Brandon. He shared the park's history, both geologically and infrastructure improvements. We talked about unique operations like managing grazing rights and the challenges of water, something a ranger from the east coast never had to worry as much about. After exploring some trails together, we parted ways and I enjoyed some more of the park before settling into one of the new Santa Fe huts for the night. Built on site, these one room cabins are a 5-star experience in a million-star setting. Comfortable beds, climate control, gas fire pit, a good book and the desert night sky, combined for a recharging experience.
Kodachrome Basin was a great experience and one I hope to return to. Thank you Brandon and Utah State Parks.
