Utah – Coral Pink Sand Dunes
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park has a very apt name with a series of warm pinkish sand dunes to frolic and explore. It is a lesser visited park in the southern Utah area, but can be a nice reprieve from the crowded National Parks and a fun geological phenomenon to explore. There are mountains surrounding the dunes, making the area scenic and beautiful. However, since it is a state park instead of a National Park, they allow dune buggies and ATV’s around the dunes. Though the ATV’s didn’t come close to us, there were plenty of tracks.
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What are the Coral Pink Sand Dunes?
Created by wind forced through a narrow gap in the surrounding mountain, the coral pink sand dunes are an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 years old. They get their color from the Navajo sandstone in the surrounding hillsides and mountains, which has the iron oxides and minerals. We visited mid-day, so the color of the dunes was more of an orange- coral, rather than a pink coral. With the right lighting, I bet it looks delightfully pink.
Exploring the Dunes
We arrived to the dunes very confused about what time it was. Also, we talked to the park ranger at the entrance booth for a while about the time zone and surrounding areas. Apparently, Arizona does not participate in daylight saving, but the reservations do. So pay attention if you are staying in the Lake Powell area. This state park is less visited and relaxed from the get go!
We parked the car and walked out on the viewing platform. From this vantage, you can view the sand dunes and the surrounding areas. There are a few information plaques about the sand, flora, and fauna of the area. We decided to venture out onto the sand dunes. As you trudge along, you will see little tracks in the sand, which we primarily saw tracks from lizards, bunnies, and ATV’s. We walked around and frolicked in the sand. This reminded me of our time on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, but much hotter.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 3 (out of 4) stars, was neat to see, but would prioritize other things in the future
- Intensity: Casual clothes that you don’t mind getting a little sandy
- Location: Southern Utah
- Cost: $8.00 per private car in the spring and summer, $15.00 in the winter, $5.00 per person for a tour ticket
- Restrooms: In the main parking lot area
- Timing: 1 hour
Highlights:
- Shifting sand dunes
- Remote park with only a few people in the park
Lowlights:
- State parks allow motor vehicles, so although there were no loud buggies when we went, there were a lot of tracks in the sand.
The dunes were an orange coral color with surrounding mountains and a humm of ATV’s in the background. We didn’t actually see any ATV’s, but the tracks were everywhere and we thought they would pop up over a dune without us knowing. This never happened and I get why state parks need to open their door to motorized vehicles, but I love the peace and quiet. I also wish we brought a piece of cardboard to ride down the dunes!
Getting There
We drove to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes using googlemaps. The park entrance is on Sand Dunes Road and is about 22 miles west of Kanab. It took us about a half hour to reach the Sand Dunes from Kanab. For detailed directions, you can take a look on the State Park website.
Pack This for Exploring Utah!
Overall Thoughts: Coral Pink Sand Dunes
I enjoyed our stop by the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. It was fun to frolic in the sand, but I probably would not go out of my way, if I was on a short trip in the area. Also know that you will be finding sand everywhere for hours, if you really get into it. From Lake Powell, we did a loop to apply for the wave permits (we arrived an hour late – whoops!) and visit the following areas:
- Playing with Kittens at the Best Friends Visitor’s Center in Kanab
- Grand Canyon North Rim
- Horseshoe Bend in the Colorado River
This was a big driving day, but boy was it a beautiful drive. You go from the desert area of Lake Powell to the forests surrounding the north rim of the Grand Canyon and gorgeous landscapes in between. Having these stops along the way, including the Coral Pink Sand Dunes made the day special instead of just passing by in the car.
I want to make a trip to visit the white sand dunes in New Mexico next. Where are there other sand dunes to check out? It’s so fun to visit these sandy places.
Happy Travels,
Hanna
