Angel’s Palace

The phrase ‘bang for your buck’ definitely applies to this short but sweet hike called Angel’s Palace. The hike is in Kodachrome Basin State Park. If you look up from the trailhead parking lot you will see the massive rock formation you will be hiking to the top of. You initially wind along the edge of some smaller rock formations and come out onto a ridge with expansive views in all directions. Continue for a short distance further and you will reach the best part of Angel’s Palace, a long, narrow fin with sheer drops on either side. It is well worth the bit of exposure in order to have the 360-degree panoramic views of the entire region around you. Truly breathtaking and you don’t have to work much at all for it!

Difficulty: Mild for initial climb then easy thereafter. There is a bit of exposure at the end though that section is optional.

Trail Stats: 1.5 miles, loop or out and back, 223 feet elevation gain.

Trail Finding: Not difficult, it is clear where you should be going.

Conditions: Packed dirt and mostly hiking on sandstone.

Would I Repeat This: You bet, and we have!

Parking: There is a good size paved lot with bathrooms.

Timing: Recommend doing when temperatures are not high due to lack of shade.

Downloaded Map: Not necessary.

Fees: This trail is within Kodachrome Basin State Park. You will need to pay the entrance fee or present your Annual Utah State Parks Pass.

Trails: Panorama Trail, Grosvenor Arch, and Bryce Canyon National Park are all in this general area. Check out the Kodachrome’s Visitor Center for good merchandise and icecream!