Coral Pink Sand Dunes - Utah State Park (near Zion National Park)
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A Lot of Sand
The first sand dune I explored was at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It was March 2019, and I was on a Spring Break trip with my boys. I was looking for some spaces near Zion National Park that were less busy and stumbled upon information about this park. I hadn’t even realized there were sand dunes in the United States…
So, what do you do at a park with sand dunes? My favorite way to explore a sand dune is barefoot. That brings up an important logistical consideration. The sand is incredibly hot during a summer day. This is not the time to play. Visit in the summer but plan to arrive at sunset.
The sand shifts about a bit, so there aren’t really “trails” to explore at a park like Corak Pink Sand Dunes. It’s more of a hike up to the top of a dune. And then you have some options for how you choose to go down. You can run, roll, or bring a sled or sandboard (like a snowboard). To sled or board, the sand needs to be dry. Unfortunately, when we visited in March 2019, it had recently rained. We weren’t able to sled, but we had a lot of fun running and rolling down the dunes. We recently returned in June 2026 and went on a sunset tour with Coral Pink ATV Tours. Sand sledding and boarding worked much better this time in the drier sand.
One word of mom-advice: After visiting a dune, there is going to be sand, everywhere. It’s even worse than a beach where at least there is water to wash things off in, and maybe you use a beach blanket to contain the sand. This is different - it’s full out playing in the sand. Consider bringing clothes to change into when you get back to the car or at least have towels to sit on. Most hotels have at least one washer and dryer that guests can use. This might be a time to plan ahead and do laundry in the evening. Remember to pack a laundry pod, some quarters, and a couple of drier sheets. We rented a car when we were visiting in March 2019. I took it to a car wash to vacuum out the sand before I returned it. Dunes are so much fun to play in, but cleaning up afterwards does take some effort - especially if the sand is a little bit wet.
March 2019 - Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, after a recent rain
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Location
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is about an hour drive from Zion’s Visitor Center in Springdale, or 40 minutes from the National Park’s east entrance. Kanab, UT, is the closest town, and has both restaurants and hotels. Moqui Caverns and Belly of the Dragon are nearby places to explore that can easily be combined with a trek out to Coral Pink Sand Dunes. At the end of this post, I have other itinerary suggestions for what to combine in a day with this State Park.
The quickest way to get to Coral Pink Sand Dunes from either Zion or Kanab involves entering from the east side. Even when the shuttles are running in Zion, there’s only one way to get to the east side of the park, and that’s by driving along UT-9, which goes through the Mount Carmel Tunnel. The tunnel and the surrounding road seem to be often under construction, so this might add a bit to the drive time, but the east side of Zion is my favorite part of the park. From UT-9, turn on US-89, going towards Kanab. From US-89, exit onto Sand Dunes Road. The entrance to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is on County Road 1000. It’s well marked and any car will be able to drive to the park.
Map of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and other nearby places to visit (within an hour drive)
Logistics
As of 2026, the current entrance fee to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is $15 per vehicle for non-Utah residents. Sand sleds and boards can be rented at the small visitor center at the park entrance for $25 per sled / board, which need to be returned 30 minutes prior to the park closing.
As mentioned previously, it doesn’t work to sled / board on wet sand. This is a little hard to control or plan for, but if you have a few days near Kanab, pay attention to the weather to find your best option. If you are visiting in the summer months, closer to sunset or early in the morning are better options for sledding. The sun makes the sand very hot in the middle of the day. Plan for 1-2 hours to explore and play around the sand dunes.
If you are interested in going on a UTV tour, reserve this in advance. We went with Coral Pink ATV Tours and had a fantastic time!
June 2026 - Sunset Tour with Coral Pink ATV Tours
Things to Do at Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Below is a map of the State Park, and there’s not much for hiking trails. That’s because the sand shifts. There is just one small official hiking trail with an observation deck. But these sand dunes are very hike-able without the need for an official trail. To see the dunes, make your own path through the park. Climb up to the top of any of the dunes and sled, run, or roll down it. Repeat over and over again. The parking lot is up on a hill, and it’s easy to see to know how to get back to your car.
The trails on the map are for UTVs. There are several tour groups nearby that travel into the park. We returned to this State Park in June 2026 to try this out, and we used Coral Pink ATV Tours. As it’s hot in the summer months, we took the Sunset Tour that started at 6:45pm. We had so much fun! Not only did we get to ride the UTVs around the sand dunes, we also were able to sled and sand board. This is a fantastic tour group to pick.
June 2026 - Sand Sledding
Hiking
There is only one small official hiking trail, but it’s easy to just walk down into the dune area and make your own path for the day. In March 2019, we explored the dunes by foot for about 90 minutes.
March 2019 - Hiking at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Offroad vehicles are allowed on the dunes, which is why there are tire tracks all over. We arrived around 3:30pm and didn’t see any UTVs. It was very safe to explore up, down, and around the dunes by foot.
March 2019 - UTV tracks at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
It’s a little hard to tell from the pictures just how tall some of these dunes are. Most dunes are around 50ft, but some get up to 100ft. We were all quite tired at the end of this fun day having walked up and down several of these dunes.
If you don’t want to walk up the dunes, there are valleys in-between that can be explored in an easier manner. Having two younger boys though - “easy” isn’t ever the best option. But running or sliding or rolling down a sand dune is so much fun, it’s worth the trek to get back up to the top to do it again.
March 2019 - Hiking at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
It was frustrating that the sand was wet during our first visit, but it was also a unique time to experience the park with the dunes full of water, something else I didn’t imagine when I thought of what a sand dune looked like. And, this wet sand sent us on a return trip 7 years later. Believe me - this momentary frustration was a blessing - returning was one of our favorite evenings on our June 2026 summer family vacation.
March 2019 - This picture shows the height of the sand dunes a little bit more dramatically
Playing in the Sand
We’ve played hard at Coral Pink Sand Dunes during both of our visits. Zion is a beautiful place, but it’s not the only beautiful nearby space. I cannot say enough great things about this State Park. It’s secret, it’s quiet, and it’s so much fun. Get dirty, get tired, have fun playing!
March 2019 - Having a fun time being silly and enjoying these sand dunes largely to ourselves
Rolling down a sand dune is only for the brave!
March 2019 - Rolling down a sand dune
The sand being just a little bit wet was a lot like playing in the snow.
March 2019 - Making sand-angels
We ran up and down these dunes over and over. I had no idea how much fun sand could be. A dune is not at all like a beach - there are so many more options for playing.
March 2019 - Running down a sand dune
Sand Dune Sledding
Here is my link to explain what sand dune sledding is, what you need to bring with, and how to do. Essentially, you just need a plastic saucer snow sled with snowboard wax. Rub the wax on the bottom part of the sled before going down the dune each time. Sand sleds and boards can also be rented at the Visitor Center.
Sand Dune Sledding: A How-To Guide
When we returned to this park in June 2026, the sand was dry and perfect for sledding. We used the sleds and sand boards from Coral Pink ATV Tours.
Sand Dune Sledding with Coral Pink ATV Tours
Sand Boarding with Coral Pink ATV Tours
UTV Tours
I’m not a big fan of ATVs/UTVs just due to the loud noise, but in the right setting, like a park full of sand dunes, they are quite fun. We had an amazing evening when we went on the tour with Coral Pink ATV Tours.
June 2026 - Coral Pink ATV Tours
I mentioned this previously, but it might be important for anyone that skimmed over this detail. The sand is very hot in the sun during the summer. The sunset tour though, which started at 6:45pm was perfect! I was worried the sand might still be too warm, but it had already cooled off enough to play in it.
The tour had options to either drive the UTVs yourself or you could ask them to drive it for your group. Everyone stayed in a line, so it felt safe.
June 2026 - Driving the UTV during the Sunset Tour
The tour we were on stayed just north of the actual State Park boundary. There was one place we got out and did a short hike before exploring the dunes.
June 2026 - South Fork Indian Canyon Trailhead
Following the short hike, the rest of the tour was in the sand dunes. And this was a lot of fun!
June 2026 - Coral Pink ATV Tours
June 2026 - Sunset Tour
We stopped on top of this dune to go sledding and sand boarding. Our guide, Hayley, parked her UTV right at the edge. On the tour, it was just my family of 4 and a group of 2 other people. We would sled or board down, and Hayley would bring people back. About half the time we walked back up and the other half we had a ride up. Those rides back up were amazing!!!
June 2026 - Cheating while sledding down the dunes - we had an easy way to get back up the hill!
We stayed until the sunset. It was beautiful. For anyone looking for a bit of fun and a little different kind of adventure near Zion National Park, we cannot recommend Coral Pink ATV Tours enough! Or if tours aren’t your thing, just head to the visitor center and rent a sand sled. You won’t be sad!
June 2026 - Sunset on the Sunset Tour
Coral Pink ATV Tour - Driving over the sand dunes
Other Things to Do Nearby (within an hour drive)
Below are hyperlinks to other places I’ve visited that are located within a 90 minute drive from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is probably the reason for traveling to this part of Utah. There are so many fantastic hikes for all types of hikers - beginners through advanced. The east entrance to Zion National Park is a 40-minute drive northwest of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Belly of the Dragon
Belly of the Dragon is a cool place to stop for hikers of all ages. There’s a little cave that has been formed through the rock under US-89. Belly of the Dragon is a 20-minute drive north of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Kanab Sand Caves (Moqui Caverns)
The Kanab Sand Caves (also known as Moqui Caverns) are a small man-made cave that can be explored with a short hike. Note that there is a steep scramble that’s needed to get up to the caverns. The Sand Caves are a 20-minute drive northeast of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Peekaboo is a short and beautiful slot canyon near Kanab (not to be confused with the Peekaboo Slot Canyon in Escalante). This canyon requires an off-road vehicle to get to the trailhead. The off-road pullout from US-89 to Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a 20-minute drive northeast of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Water Canyon
Water Canyon, managed the Bureau of Land Management, is a rugged, wild canyon about 40 minutes west of Coral Pink Sand Dunes that has something for all adventurous souls. Enjoy a 2 mile out-and-back hike to the waterfall, a 6 mile out-and-back hike to White Dome or hike up into Water Canyon and rappel out.
Kanarra Falls
Kanarra Falls is a moderately difficult hike that travels through a slot canyon with four waterfalls. This trail goes through the water and feet and ankles will get wet. Permits are needed for this hike. Consider pre-purchasing as only 200 hikers are allowed in per day. Walking sticks will be helpful on this hike. Neoprene booties under hiking boots will keep your feet warmer. Kanarra Falls is an 80-minute drive northwest from Coral Pink Sand Dunes. It’s an awesome hike, but probably better paired with a day closer to the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park.
Sand Hollow State Park
Enjoy swimming, cliff jumping, or riding ATVs through sand dunes at Sand Hollow State Park. Jumping Rock is a short 0.3-mile relatively easy walk from the parking lot. This state park is going to be better suited for older kids. Sand Hollow is an hour west of Coral Pink Sand Dunes. On a really hot day, it might be worth the drive. It’s going to fit better into an itinerary for someone staying in St. George than Kanab.
Red Reef Trailhead
Red Reef Trail is a relatively easy 1.7-ish mile out-and-back hike along Quail Creek within a stunning canyon. The first obstacle involves some Moki steps that require a bit of courage to cross. The trail continues upstream but will likely be underwater in the winter and spring months. The trailhead is 90 minutes west of Coral Pink Sand Dunes. This would better fit into an itinerary for someone staying in St. George than Kanab.
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park is a free city park in St. George, UT. There are no playgrounds or swings, but there are arches, slot canyons, caverns, Moki steps, and tons of rocks to scramble over, under, through, around, up, and down. Pioneer Park is a 75-minute drive west of Coral Pink Sand Dunes. I love this park, but it would not be worth the drive unless you are staying in St. George.
Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is a unique place to hike which includes both a short slot canyon and lava tube caves that can be explored, in addition to some beautiful hikes. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for the lava tubes. Snow Canyon is a 90-minute drive from Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Same on thoughts above. This is better paired with an itinerary staying in St. George.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is about 90 minute northeast of Coral Pink Sand Dunes. This National Park has some amazing viewpoints, but the best parts involve some difficult hikes, and to do it justice, I would recommend 1-2 days here, at least. That being said, you could pair Bryce Canyon and Coral Pink Sand Dunes on the same day if you are switching lodging locations between Kanab and Bryce Canyon City.
Toadstool Hoodoos
Toadstool Hoodoos (also part of Grand Staircase-Escalante) are located a little over an hour east of Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The hike out-and-back to Toadstool Hoodoos is about 1.8 miles long, depending on how far one explores the hoodoos, and I do think this is a place worth pairing the day with Coral Pink Sand Dunes. There is minimal elevation change, parking is right off of the highway. This trail does not have shade. Bring extra water.
Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch can be accessed via a 1.7 mile hike along Wire Pass (one-way). The Wire Pass trailhead is about 90 minutes east of Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Enjoy an out-and-back hike, a long thru-hike between Wire Pass and White House, or a multi-day backpacking trip. Permits should be pre-purchased for day hikes (the day of) and several months in advance for overnight reservations. This is a great hiking option for anyone staying in Kanab.
Wahweap Swimming Spot at Lake Powell
The Wahweap Swimming Beach in Lake Powell is about 90 minutes east of Coral Pink Sand Dunes and isn’t an obvious option to combine with sand dunes. For someone switching hotels between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT as we did though in June 2026, this was a perfect day! We swam first and then did the sunset tour with Coral Pink ATV Tours.
Horseshoe Bend is another option, relatively near this swimming beach (20 minutes south). This is an amazing spot to view the Colorado River from the top of a canyon. Although this is technically north of Grand Canyon National Park, it’s the same river and the same canyon… It’s just a boundary in federal land jurisdiction.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is still the best slot canyon I’ve ever entered. Although it can only be accessed through a tour (fee required), I would highly recommend stopping here. It’s about 90 minutes from Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and similar to Lake Powell, it’s best on a day trip between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT.
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