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Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
All sand is not alike, and the fine-grained texture of the sand at Coral Pink Sand Dunes in southern Utah makes it particularly appealing. It is a place to play and also a place to ponder.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes near Kanab are a popular playground for many tourists.
Ravell Call, Deseret News |
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, established in 1963, is located 12 miles off U.S. 89 about halfway between Mount Carmel Junction and Kanab.
People come to roll Easter eggs on the dunes. They come to fly kites in the wind. They come to take pictures and to enjoy the solitude. They come for a wild ride along the crests and ridges of the sand. They come to enjoy the contrasting colors and moods of the scenery and to see the shifting artwork of nature.
The nature of the sand makes it ideal for dune buggies and other off-road vehicles. And while use is permitted and encouraged here, it is also carefully regulated. Helmets and flags are required, as are other safety measures. Vehicle users are asked to check with park personnel to make sure they understand the laws and rules before venturing out on the dunes.
Rentals are available in Cedar City or St. George, but not in Kanab or at the park.
The dunes can be viewed from a boardwalk viewing deck at the visitors center. A marked nature trail also takes off from there that provides a 20- to 25-minute walk around the dunes.
Coral Pink is open year-round. Because of the park's elevation — 6,000 feet — it is cooler here than in most deserts. Snow even accumulates on the dunes at times during the winter and makes the dunes ideal tubing or sledding.
More information on the park is available by visiting parks.state.ut.us/parks/www1/cora.htm.
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