Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
4.6(3.3K)google
4.2(71)yelp
DesertHikingOutdoorPhoto SpotAdventurous
Overview
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park presents a visually stunning, surreal landscape located near Kanab, characterized by shifting mountains of fine sand that exhibit a striking, brilliant pinkish-orange coloration. This unique geological phenomenon was created over thousands of years as wind systematically eroded the adjacent red Navajo sandstone cliffs, deposits trapping fine grains across a high valley. The park operates as a premier haven for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, allowing ATVs and dune buggies to roar across 90 percent of the dunes, while nature lovers can enjoy high-energy sandboarding and photograph the dramatic shifting contrasts of light at sunset.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeMust be visited during the cooler autumn and winter months (October to April) to preserve safety, as mid-summer desert sand temps can effortlessly scorch bare feet. The absolute untouchable hour is from 5:30 PM to sunset; the low evening sun strikes the shifting crests directly, projecting a fluid masterpiece of deep coral pink and pure gold waves across the ridges.
Getting ThereSecluded in a dense high-desert basin west of Kanab along Coral Pink Sand Dunes Road. Driving is the only choice: from Kanab, follow US-89 N north for 10 miles, turn left south onto the unpaved Hancock Road (fully packed and graded), and drive 9 miles to its dead end straight into the park boundaries. The historic site features a free, wide flat paved asphalt visitor parking field.
Travel Tips
- ATV/OHV Right-of-Way Alert: This park caters primarily to off-highway motorized vehicles across 90% of the dunes. Hikers must yield to speeding ATVs and avoid standing in blind drop-offs or behind dune crests where drivers cannot see you.
- Specialized Sandboard Rentals Only: Standard winter plastic snow sleds fail to slide on sand; specialized sandboards with performance wax must be rented at the visitor center. Ensure the slope path is entirely clear before descending to prevent collisions.
- Blistering Sand Temperatures & High Wind Face Shields: Mid-day summer sand easily reaches 120°F, capable of blistering bare feet; closed-toe sneakers are required. Afternoon gusts whip fine quartz crystals aggressively—bring goggles and neck gaiters.
Reviews
Positive
- The unique pink-orange soft sand dunes radiate dreamlike pastel colors under the sunset glow, 100% living up to its name as a photographer's paradise.
- Beyond stunning scenery, the sandboarding rentals offer great thrilling speed; the park has built flat accessible wooden boardwalks to the dune edges.
- The visitor center is tidy, providing multilingual sand safety brochures and free foot-washing spray nozzles, keeping infrastructure excellent in a harsh desert.
- The admission pass is reasonably charged per vehicle with effortless parking; crowd density is far lower than nearby national parks, offering rustic calm.
Heads up
- The park allows ATVs to roar through select core sand dunes; the deafening engine noise slightly disrupts nature's peaceful, pristine ambiance.
- With zero tree shade across the open desert, midsummer sun-baked sand temperatures get high enough to burn bare feet, making midday hiking exhausting.
- Sandboard and sled rentals are slightly pricey, and because the sand is ultra-fine, high winds blow it into camera lenses and shoes, making cleanup a chore.
- Located over a half-hour drive from Kanab with zero public transit; the core dune fields provide no public restrooms to strictly preserve the sands.