Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Explore 3,700 acres of unique, wind-sculpted coral pink sand dunes. Perfect for sandboarding, ATV adventures, and stunning desert photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 3,700 acres of unique, wind-sculpted coral pink sand dunes. Perfect for sandboarding, ATV adventures, and stunning desert photography.
"The highlight of our trip! Unforgettable experience riding UTVs over the sand dunes."
Rent Sandboards Here
Sandboards can be rented at the visitor center for $25/day. First-come, first-served!
Book ATV Tours in Advance
Popular tours like ROAM or Coral Pink ATV Tours fill up quickly. Book ahead!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Vast, undulating dunes of soft, pinkish-orange sand offering a unique desert landscape.
Sandboarding & Sledding
Slide down the sandy slopes for a thrilling and fun-filled activity.
ATV & UTV Tours
Explore the dunes and surrounding areas on guided off-road adventures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Sandboarding & ATV Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rent Sandboards Here
Sandboards can be rented at the visitor center for $25/day. First-come, first-served!
Book ATV Tours in Advance
Popular tours like ROAM or Coral Pink ATV Tours fill up quickly. Book ahead!
Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking or sandboarding. The desert heat is intense.
Protect Your Paws
If bringing a dog, be mindful of hot sand. Consider booties or visit during cooler hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Rent Sandboards Here
Sandboards can be rented at the visitor center for $25/day. First-come, first-served!
Book ATV Tours in Advance
Popular tours like ROAM or Coral Pink ATV Tours fill up quickly. Book ahead!
Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking or sandboarding. The desert heat is intense.
Protect Your Paws
If bringing a dog, be mindful of hot sand. Consider booties or visit during cooler hours.
Sun Protection Essential
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must to protect against the strong desert sun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe Coral Pink Sand Dunes as a unique and fun destination, particularly for sandboarding and ATV adventures. While some find it a bit out of the way and note the sand is more orange than pink, the experience of playing on the dunes is widely praised. A few reviewers felt the park was overly dominated by OHVs, detracting from a serene natural experience.
"This made the third Dunes we've been to but the first one we climbed to the top of the dunes at!
And though it's out of the way, as most Dunes tend to be, it was worth the pop in and out.
The temps were great for this, being able to walk bearfoot in the sand because it wasn't lava hot, was a first as well! Dog loved it too, and was also happy it was cooler. 🐾
We did not get a sled, but observed others, it didn't seem worth the $25 to get one, let's say that.
We all agreed it's not really "pink", moreso orange.
The texture of the sand is soft and fine.
And if you dig just a tiny bit down, the sand is cool and moist.
A fun family trip to check it out was worth it."
Lea Rose Bell
"If you already have a state park pass and are in the area, I'd say this is a nice place to make a quick stop to walk out on the dunes. If you don't have a park pass and aren't in the area, I don't think this is worth seeing. They have dune buggy/OHV tours you can do that looked like fun (if you can go deeper into the park) but we didn't have time to schedule one so we just walked out to see the dunes and walked back. There's an overlook area you can stand on if you don't want to walk in the sand too. This is a dog friendly park but please bring a lot of water for your dog. Also - the sand gets very hot very quickly, so make sure their paws are protected."
Rachel Brower
"I usually don't do reviews of natural landmarks, but this place is an absolute letdown. Utah definitely shouldn’t sell this as a "state park". It is nothing more than a gigantic ATV race track and OHV staging area. If you are looking for good hikes or simply to enjoy a beautiful scenery - as you can expect when visiting state or national parks - this is not the right place for you. I hiked into the dune field and anywhere you go all you can see is those ATV tracks all over the place, hear the roar of the ATVs all around you, and smell the gasoline in the air. Definitely a fun place for those who come here just for that, or who are willing to spend some bucks to do a guided tour! For the average visitor of state / national parks who are looking for a PRISTINE & SERENE landscape: don't come here!"
David Maiwald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located about 20 miles from Kanab, Utah. From Kanab, take Highway 89 North for about 10 miles, then turn west onto the unpaved Pink Road (County Road 102). This road leads directly to the park entrance. The drive can be a bit rough, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended, though many sedans can manage if driven carefully.
Yes, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is approximately a 1-hour drive from Zion National Park, making it a feasible day trip or stopover for those visiting the popular national park.
Many visitors drive their own vehicles. For those without off-road capabilities, guided ATV tours are a great option to explore deeper into the park and surrounding areas.
The final approach to the park, Pink Road, is unpaved. While generally manageable, it can be rough. Check local conditions before your visit, especially after rain.
Yes, most regular cars can access the park, but drive cautiously on the unpaved Pink Road. High-clearance vehicles are beneficial but not strictly necessary for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park entrance fee is typically $10 per vehicle. Some reviews mention $15, so it's best to confirm current pricing upon arrival.
Sandboard rentals are available at the visitor center for approximately $25 per day. These are rented on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, guided ATV and UTV tours are highly recommended. Prices vary, but expect around $120 for a 2-hour tour, which often includes sandboarding opportunities and visits to nearby slot canyons.
Yes, the park is open to OHVs, dune buggies, ATVs, and motorbikes. However, be aware that some visitors find the noise and tracks disruptive to the natural scenery. +1
Park entry does not typically require reservations, but it's first-come, first-served. For popular ATV tours, booking in advance is strongly advised, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main activities include sandboarding, sledding down the dunes, riding ATVs/UTVs, hiking on the dunes, and enjoying the unique landscape. Some tours also visit nearby slot canyons.
Sandboarding can be physically demanding as you have to climb back up the dune after each slide. It's fun but can be exhausting!
Yes, children can enjoy sandboarding and playing on the dunes, but adult supervision is essential. The sand is soft, making for softer landings.
Absolutely! You can explore the dunes on foot. Digging a little into the sand reveals cooler, moist sand beneath the surface.
The sand is described as soft and fine, with a distinct coral pink to orange hue. It's cool and moist just a few inches below the surface.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services directly within Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially water.
The nearest town with dining options is Kanab, Utah, which is about a 20-mile drive away. Kanab offers various restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
Yes, picnicking is allowed. There are designated areas, and it's a great way to enjoy a meal surrounded by the unique desert scenery. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. Given the desert environment, staying hydrated is crucial.
While not directly at the dunes, Kanab offers local eateries. Exploring Kanab's dining scene can provide a taste of the region's culinary offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting and enhances the pink and orange hues of the sand. Midday can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the dunes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating interesting textures or distant formations. Protect your gear from sand.
The entire dune field offers photographic opportunities. Climbing to higher points on the dunes provides panoramic views. The overlook area is also a good spot.
The sand's color is most vibrant in direct sunlight. Adjusting white balance in post-processing can help bring out the pinkish tones, though some find it more orange.
Focus on the wind-sculpted patterns in the sand, the contrast between the dunes and the sky, and people interacting with the landscape (sandboarding, hiking).
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a guided UTV tour for a more structured and exciting experience. Many tours are family-friendly and can include stops at unique spots like slot canyons, adding an extra layer of discovery. Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as the desert sun can be intense. Visiting during cooler parts of the day will make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
+1🚗 Budget Travelers
While sandboard rentals are an additional cost ($25), they provide a full day of fun. If you're looking to save even more, consider bringing your own sled or even a sturdy piece of cardboard to slide down the dunes. Packing your own food and drinks will also significantly cut down on expenses, as dining options are limited to the nearby town of Kanab.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the expansive landscapes and telephoto lenses to highlight the intricate wind patterns etched into the sand. Don't forget to protect your gear from the fine sand. While the dunes themselves are the main subject, the surrounding desert flora and fauna can also provide interesting photographic elements.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Coral Pink Sand Dunes
+1The park's location is also key to its formation. Situated in a valley, it experiences unique wind patterns that funnel sand into the dune field. This phenomenon is what allows the dunes to persist and grow. Visitors can observe the intricate patterns left by the wind, showcasing the ongoing geological processes. It's a fascinating place for anyone interested in natural history and the forces that shape our planet.
While the sand appears pinkish-orange, some visitors note it's more orange than pink. Regardless of the exact hue, the visual impact is stunning, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light accentuates the colors. The fine texture of the sand is also notable, being cool and moist just a few inches below the surface, offering a pleasant contrast to the desert heat.
Adventure Activities: Sandboarding & Off-Roading
+1Alternatively, guided ATV and UTV tours are a popular way to explore the vast dune system and surrounding areas. Companies like ROAM Outdoor Adventures and Coral Pink ATV Tours offer guided excursions that can last a couple of hours. These tours often provide a more comprehensive experience, sometimes including visits to nearby slot canyons and opportunities for sandboarding. Prices for these tours can range from $120 upwards, offering a memorable adventure.
+3While many visitors enjoy the freedom of riding their own OHVs, some reviewers note that the noise and tracks from these vehicles can detract from the natural serenity of the park. For those seeking a more peaceful experience, focusing on sandboarding or opting for a guided tour that emphasizes scenic exploration might be preferable.
Visiting with Dogs
The primary concern is the heat of the sand. During warmer parts of the day, the sand can become extremely hot, potentially burning your dog's paws. It's highly recommended to visit during cooler hours, such as early morning or late afternoon, and to consider protective booties for your dog. Always have plenty of fresh water available for your pet to prevent dehydration.
Remember to keep your dog on a leash when required and to clean up after them. The soft sand can be a lot of fun for dogs, but responsible pet ownership ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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