Coral Pink Sand Dunes
State Park

Photo: Travel Utah

Utah's Shifting Sea of Pink Sand

When I first heard the name Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, it seemed like a misnomer. When I think of coral, I think of something that is rough-edged. Hard as rock and static.

These are sand dunes though. They are constantly-changing quite often right before your eyes. Then I figured out that the crescent-shaped dunes get their name from the fine, rose-colored granules they are composed of and have nothing to do with coral.

There are other colors here also. “Red-rock” sandstone cliffs, sapphire skies and jade forests are all visible on 3,730 acres of breathtaking scenery in southern Utah’s Color Country.

What causes these sand dunes to form? Eroded sandstone from the Moquith and Moccasin Mountains funnels down through a gash between them and, borne by winds, is deposited here.

This is the only major sand dune field on the Colorado Plateau.

The result is a wondrous outdoor playground for hiking, OHV riding, camping, photography and sight-seeing. If you are an off-road lover, there are more than 1,000 acres of play area in this Utah State Park. There are also hundreds of miles of trails nearby.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a fabulous destination in itself. Its location, however, makes it a great place to stop and play while journeying to many of the other sights not too far away.

Photo: Travel Utah

A Playground for Adventure

Tucked away in southern Utah's Color Country, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers this mesmerizing landscape of ever-changing dunes at an altitude of 6,000 feet on the Colorado Plateau. The fine sandstone particles create a dynamic environment that shifts with the wind.

Whether you're an off-road enthusiast, a hiker, a photographer or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is another place that has something for just about anyone. Approximately 90% of the dunes are open to off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on the more than 1,000 acres of terrain mentioned above.

For those preferring a quieter experience, designated non-motorized areas provide opportunities for hiking, sandboarding and photography.​ Park facilities include:

• a 22-unit campground
• modern restrooms
• hot showers
• a sewage disposal station
• a boardwalk
• overlook trails
• a nature trail

Photo: Travel Utah

Sandboarding and Sand Sledding

One of the park's most popular activities is sandboarding and sand sledding down the sandy, pink dunes. Visitors can rent sandboards and sleds at the park's visitor center for a nominal fee. It is recommended to arrive early, though, as rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Not being an experienced sandboarder myself, I’ve read that it is recommended to wax your board before each run for the best experience.​ The people who are renting the boards out can answer any questions you may have.

Hiking and Nature Trails

As with most Utah State Parks, you can explore the park's natural beauty by hiking several trails:​

• Nature Trail: A half-mile accessible boardwalk that offers educational insights into the park's unique ecosystem.​
• Overlook Trails: Short paths leading to panoramic views of the dunes and surrounding landscapes.​
• South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs: Located approximately four miles northeast of the park, this trail leads to ancient Native American rock art.​

Photo: Travel Utah

Camping and Facilities

The park offers two campgrounds catering to different preferences:​

• Old Campground (Sites 1–22): Dry camping sites nestled among juniper and pinyon pines.​
• New Campground (Sites 23–34): Sites equipped with water and electric hookups.​

Both campgrounds provide access to modern restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, fire pits and a sewage disposal station. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the official Utah State Parks reservation system.​

Coral Pink Sand Dunes Visitor Center

The park's visitor center serves as a hub for information, rentals and those always must-have souvenirs. This is where you can also:​

• Rent sandboards and sleds.​
• Purchase snacks, drinks and other unhealthy food (kidding). And don’t forget those souvenirs. 
• Learn about the park's geology, flora and fauna through interpretive displays.​

Special Events And A Unique Resident

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park hosts several events throughout the year including:​

• An Annual Easter Egg Hunt: A family-friendly event featuring egg hunts and activities for all ages.​
• Stellar Star Parties: Hosted in collaboration with local observatories, these events offer guided stargazing experiences under the unparalleled dark skies of southern Utah.​

The park is home to the Coral Pink tiger beetle, a species found nowhere else on Earth. To protect its habitat, a 265-acre conservation area within the park is designated off-limits to motorized vehicles.

Visitors are encouraged to respect these protected zones to help preserve the park's unique pint-sized residents and their environment.​

Facts About And How To Get To Coral Pink Sand Dunes

• The sand comes from Navajo Sandstone. It has the same mineral component as that which gives us the color of southern Utah’s famous red rock country.
• These sand dunes are believed to be between 10,000 and 15,000 years old.
• The park covers 3,730 acres.
• The elevation is 6,000 feet above sea level.
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is located 12 miles (19.3 km) southwest of U.S. Hwy 89 near the town of Kanab right off the Utah-Arizona border. It is about 22 miles (35.41 km) northwest of Kanab.

Park Information and Fees

• Operating Hours: Open year-round, seven days a week during daylight hours.​
• Entrance Fees: Rather than list them here, I’ve decided they change too frequently and in only one direction – up. For the most current fee information, please visit the Utah State Parks official website.​
• Camping Reservations: Reservations can be made through the Utah State Parks reservation system.​
• Activities: OHV riding, sandboarding, hiking, camping, photography, wildlife viewing and stargazing.​
• Facilities: Visitor center, campgrounds, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, boardwalks and nature trails.​
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome but only if kept on a leash at all times.​

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
P.O. Box 95
Kanab, UT 84741-0095
Phone: (435) 648-2800
Website: stateparks.utah.gov/parks/coral-pink

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