Hiking Angel’s Palace Trail

We hiked on two hikes during our visit to Kodachrome Basin State Park.  The first trail was featured on our last blog post, the Grand Parade Trail.  In the afternoon, we decided to also set off for hiking Angel’s Palace Trail.  

We hop into our car, and probably drive no more than a minute or two, to arrive at the trailhead for the Angel’s Palace Trail.

By The Numbers

Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation change: 120 feet
Difficulty rating: Easy to moderate
Type: Loop
Season: All year

The Hiking Trail

This diagram of the trail comes from Alltrails.com. The trail is listed as a loop. But, as you’ll read a bit below about our confusion finding the loop, you can see from the photo that the loop aspect isn’t exactly clear.

Difficulty Level Rises Just A Bit

This hike is rated on the easier side of the scale. Still, we could see some folks noticing more of a challenge when compared to the nearby Grand Parade Trail.  We would say this is more of a moderate hike. This trails presents a few inclines that may be challenging a bit for some people.

Arriving at A Plateau and Overlook

After a modest effort to ascend the hilltop, we see a landscape that reminds us of space scenes.  There is desolation amidst interesting features.  Some of the rocks take on smooth shapes formed by erosion over thousands or millions of years.

Rewarding Views

You will take in red rock hoodoos on this trail.  After making the modest ascent on this hike, wonderful views offer a reward for the effort.  Be sure to have your camera with you, after all, this is Kodachrome Basin State Park. The name sure means something. This trail provides great opportunities for photography and exploration.  There are some great views and panoramas to be seen for sure. 

Cocoa Colored Rocks and Hills

Similar to the terrain we explored earlier during the day while hiking the Grand Parade trail, we see more of the cocoa colored rocks and hills of this landscape.  

Layers and Geological Diversity

Standing on the plateau, the cocoa colored rocks present a dynamic contrast to the layered hills in the distance.

Trail Marker Confusion

Upon our ascent to the highest area of this trail, we noticed a variety of trail markers to point the direction.  However, several had become detached from their original position, making it somewhat confusing to determine which way to go. Some of the trail markers were toppled over.  In some areas there were trail paths without markers. We thought this was a loop, but we had difficulty finding a looping path.  In fact, it was not just us who were confused.  Other hikers that we bumped into on the same afternoon, were similarly disoriented.  None of us could find exactly how the trail turned into a loop.  

Making Our Way Back to the Trailhead

After a bit of wondering and wandering, we decided to turn around and make our way back in the same direction from where we started.

Caution and Warning Notes

Rock faces on the trail are noted to be extremely brittle and can give way without warning.  It is recommended to stay back at least 10 feet from all drop-offs.  

Views from Above

Angel’s Palace Trail made for a nice afternoon hike.  While the Grand Parade trail provides a good way to survey the flat areas of Kodachrome Basin State Park, Angel’s Palace Trail provides views from on high.  

Back to the Campground

For those seeking a deeper exploration of Kodachrome Basin State Park, there are camping sites available directly within the park. We just scheduled a half day visit to this park. So after hiking two trails, it was back to our Airstream at the nearby Cannonville KOA.