Shakespeare Arch Trail

Shakespeare Arch Trail combines two of Kodachrome Basin's most appealing features — a graceful natural arch and panoramic canyon views — in a 3-mile out-and-back hike that gains 300 feet through the park's characteristically colorful sandstone terrain. Shakespeare Arch is one of several natural arches in the basin, formed by differential erosion of the Entrada Sandstone along vertical joint planes that left a curved span of harder rock standing while the surrounding material collapsed away over time.

The arch frames views of the surrounding canyon country in the manner of a natural picture window, and the photographic opportunities from beneath the span are exceptional, particularly in the warm light of early morning or late afternoon. The trail continues past the arch to elevated terrain with broader views across Kodachrome Basin and toward the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument that surrounds the state park. The route passes several smaller geological features including eroded hoodoos and colorful cliff bands before reaching the arch. Visitors to Kodachrome Basin often combine this trail with the Grand Parade Loop to create a comprehensive full-day exploration of the park's geology. Leashed dogs are permitted throughout. The $15 per vehicle fee applies at the park entrance station, which is staffed year-round.