Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Complete Guide
There are places surrounded by sand scattered all around the country, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is one of them. Mounds of granules dance across the horizon every time the wind blows. Each place puts a beach covered with sand on the back burner as you climb, trek, and walk over sand that sits miles high.
While sand is not our favorite thing in the world because of its intricate way of maneuvering into everything you own, we would recommend sandboarding to anyone.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, outside of Kanab, Utah, is different from the other sand-focused parks because of the color of the sand. As you drive up, instead of being greeted with white or tan sand, you will see a masterpiece of deep orange sand that glistens on the horizon.
Where is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park?
The park is located in southwest Utah near many other Utah attractions.
- Zion National Park | 40 miles
- Kanab, Utah | 20 miles
- Bryce Canyon National Park | 75 miles
When is the best time to visit?
We have you covered if you are wondering about Coral Pink Sand Dunes weather. If you have ever visited Utah, you know how insanely hot it can get in the summer months.
While mid-day heat can easily break 100, temperatures will drop at least 30 degrees as the night goes on. For that reason, if you visit during the summer, make sure to plan to head to the dunes in the morning or later afternoon.
That being said, the park is open throughout the year, and you will also have great days to visit in Spring and Fall.
How much does Coral Pink Sand DUnes cost?
To visit, you should expect to pay $10 per car.
If you are a Utah Resident over 65, it will be $5 a car.
Things to DO at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Go Sandboarding
We knew we had to visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park mainly because of the sandboarding. We tried out sledding at the previous parks and knew we wanted to try something new. Sandboarding was an absolute blast, even if we wiped out a few times before actually making it down.
You can rent a sandboard or sled at the Visitor Center.
We had the best luck at the dune right behind the giant one. As you walk out, you will see a huge dune, walk behind it, and you will find a perfect spot to sandboard.
Let me tell you what was not nearly as much fun….hiking back up the dunes. The dunes sure don’t look that steep when you are going down them, but when you turn around and hike up it seems you are the next hiker on Mount Everest. The hike up the dunes is no joke; we took turns sandboarding so we could catch our breath.
We decided next time we sandboard; we will just rent an ATV to drive us to the top…?
Hiking
When it comes to Coral Pink Sand Dunes Hiking, there are only a few options to choose from. You can choose from the easy Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail or the moderate Coral Pink Sand Dunes trail. Whichever one you choose, remember that hiking in the sand is an entirely different experience and can be exhausting. Make sure to pack plenty of water in a CamelBak to ensure you stay hydrated.
Rent an ATV
Although we didn’t get to use Coral Pink Sand Dunes ATV rental, plenty of people were flying across the dunes on four wheels. It was fun to watch some catch air as they went full speed over dunes in the distance. There are multiple outfitters where you can rent an ATV, including Coral Pink ATV Tours.
Tips for Visiting
Leave your shoes in the car.
The main parking lot is where you can park and walk down to the dunes. Walking through dunes with shoes on will only land you with sand-filled shoes. The sand is soft, so just leave your shoes behind. Plus, when sandboarding, you can go barefoot or leave your socks on, so you truly don’t need your shoes with you.
Bring Water
As I mentioned earlier, hiking up dunes is full-blown cardio. Make sure to load up your Camelbak with water and have enough water for everyone to use. You wouldn’t think you would need water, but let me tell you…you definitely do.
Stay for Sunset
The orange of the sand, coupled with the sunset peaking over the miles of sand, is definitely a sight to see. After you have sandboarded for a few hours, you will want to sit back and relax, and what is better than soaking up a sunset?
Where to Visit nearby?
- Zion National Park | 40 miles
- Bryce Canyon | 75 miles
- Belly of the Dragon
- Moqui Caverns
- Antelope Canyon | 100 miles
There are so many adventures to be had in and around Kanab, Utah; One stop for all of the adventure seekers out there is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Check out our other travel guides here.
Here is to unravelling this life we love one adventure at a thyme.
