Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Winter is actually one of my favorite times to explore Southern Utah. Hotels often have off‑season rates, the crowds are thinner, and those crisp temperatures make hiking and exploring much more enjoyable.

If you find yourself in southwestern Utah and you’ve already checked off the big names like Zion National Park, consider heading to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, near the town of Kanab. It’s a bit unexpected, a little surreal, and definitely worth the stop.

A Sea of Pink Sand

A wide expanse of soft pink sand rising and falling in waves isn’t exactly what most people picture when they think of Utah. So how did sand dunes end up in a landscape better known for towering cliffs, sagebrush, and juniper trees?

The dunes are nestled between the Moquith and Moccasin Mountains. Over thousands of years, wind has eroded Navajo sandstone from these surrounding cliffs. That sandstone (naturally pink in color) breaks down into sand and gets funneled through a trough‑shaped valley. The shape of the valley actually increases wind speed, helping transport and deposit the sand here. The result? These ever‑changing dunes began forming roughly 10,000 to 15,000 years ago and are still on the move today. Some dunes can shift as much as 50 feet (15 meters) per year.

Exploring the Dunes

Take your time wandering around. Climb a dune or two (it’s harder than it looks), enjoy the sweeping views, and then give in to temptation and run back down like a kid again. It’s playful, peaceful, and surprisingly meditative.

As you make your way back toward the parking lot, keep an eye on the sand beneath your feet. You might spot small, dark spheres scattered across the surface. They’re not seeds or pebbles, they’re moqui marbles, iron‑oxide concretions with a sandstone core. These natural formations are mostly found in southern Utah and northern Arizona. While they’re fascinating to look at, collecting them is prohibited in state parks and national monuments, so it’s best to leave them right where you find them.

If you visit in spring, you may also be lucky enough to see patches of bright desert sunflowers. They bloom twice a year and add an extra pop of color to an already striking landscape.

How to Get There

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is located in southern Utah, near the Arizona border, between Zion National Park and Kanab.

From Kanab, head north on Highway 89, then turn left onto Hancock Road. Follow this road for about 9.5 miles—and keep an eye out for free‑roaming cattle along the way. Turn left onto Coral Pink Sand Dunes Road, and after about 3.5 miles, you’ll see the sign for the state park. Turn left into the entrance (and yes, taking a photo by the state park sign feels almost mandatory).

What You Can Do Here

All of the dunes are open for hiking and exploring on foot, and about 90% of the park is accessible to off‑road vehicles. If you’re walking, just be sure to stay visible and aware of ATVs sharing the space.

If you want to try something different, you can rent ATVs, sandboards, and sleds. Not feeling adventurous? Simply walking the dunes is more than enough to appreciate the scale and beauty of the place.

We spent about two hours in the park. Starting from the parking lot, we walked to the viewing platform overlooking the dunes, then hiked up the tallest dune for incredible 360‑degree views. It was wonderfully quiet and peaceful, with only a handful of other visitors scattered across the sand.

Just a heads‑up: if you walk the dunes, expect to keep finding sand in your shoes, clothes, and bags for days afterward 😊

Logistics

• Hours: Open daily during daylight hours

• Entrance Fee: $15 per vehicle

• Camping: Two campgrounds (one with hookups, one without)

• Facilities: Small state park shop with souvenirs, an information desk, and an educational exhibit featuring sand from around the world. Restrooms near the park entrance.

  
  

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is an easy, rewarding stop that feels a little off the beaten path.

Planning a trip to Utah? I love sharing places that make this state so special, both on the trail and in the city. If you’re spending time in Salt Lake City, take a look at my guided walking tours for a deeper, more local perspective.