The final stop on my US West road trip was Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It isn’t exactly a world-famous tourist hotspot, so I honestly didn’t know much about it before visiting. However, since it was located right near my accommodation in Kanab, I decided to make a quick stop on my way back to Las Vegas. I’m glad I did—the scenery was surreal and far more beautiful than I expected, making it a memorable part of the trip.
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Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
As the name suggests, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a place filled with sand dunes that glow in a distinct coral pink hue.
Located in southwestern Utah, it sits comfortably between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. If you are touring those two major parks, it’s the perfect place to bundle into your itinerary. The massive sand dunes here are impressive and offer a landscape you don’t see every day.
These dunes are the only major dune field on the Colorado Plateau, stretching out for about 7 miles (approx. 11 km). The sand here was formed by the erosion of the surrounding Navajo Sandstone layers, with strong winds channeling through the mountains to deposit the sand grains here.
The most unique feature—that striking color—comes from the high concentration of iron oxide in the sand. While you can find plenty of red sand across southern Utah, this is the only place where it forms such massive, shifting hills.
Another distinct characteristic is the texture. The sand particles are incredibly fine. Since the dunes were created by wind transport, heavier, coarser sand simply couldn’t be carried this far.
Because Coral Pink Sand Dunes doesn’t draw massive crowds, you can enjoy the dunes in a generally quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It truly delivers that classic “desert” vibe you imagine. While the sheer scale isn’t comparable to global giants like the Sahara or the Gobi Desert, the dunes still cover a significantly large area.
The contrast between the sand—which shifts between orange, soft leather tones, and subtle pinks—and the deep blue sky is stunning. It is much more marvelous when seen in person.
I had a particularly special experience because I saw the desert while it was wet. It is generally a dry area, but luckily, it had rained the day before my visit. Thanks to the intense sunlight following the rain, I could see both completely dry sand and sand that still held moisture at the same time. The colors and textures were clearly distinct, creating an even more mysterious look.
It was fascinating to see rain marks still stamped on the surface, or how the damp sand clumped together, cracked, and tumbled down from the peaks of the dunes.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Official Website
Activities and Fees
While the exotic scenery is reason enough to visit, the ability to enjoy active sports on the dunes makes it even better.
The first option is the ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle), often called a 4-wheeler. If you want to zoom across the dunes, you can use tour operators located near the park entrance. While the ATVs might look small, the dunes are quite steep, so I’ve heard the ride is thrilling. Just keep in mind you’ll have to deal with flying sand and dust.
The second activity is Sand Boarding or Sand Sledding. You can rent these at the Visitor Center near the entrance for $25 each. I skipped the sledding because it felt a bit pricey, but watching others slide down looked incredibly fun. If you are traveling with children or plan to stay for a while, renting one is definitely recommended.
Finally, there is an entrance fee of $15 per vehicle. Since this is a State Park, the National Park Annual Pass is not accepted here. However, you can technically pull your car over anywhere along the road leading to the entrance and walk onto the dunes. If you don’t need to park in the official lot, stopping midway to enjoy the view for free isn’t a bad choice.
Visitor Information
- Entrance Fee: $15 per vehicle (National Park Pass NOT accepted)
- Standard Camping Site: $28
- Site with Electricity: $45
- Location: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Kanab, UT 84741
Kanab: The Hub of the Canyons
Kanab is a small town in southern Utah. If you are doing a “Grand Circle” road trip—especially one including the three major canyons—you will likely pass through here at least once.
A quick look at the map explains why: Kanab is centrally located right between Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.
You can reach Zion in about an hour, while Bryce and the Grand Canyon are roughly 1.5 hours away (one way). This makes Kanab an excellent base camp for day trips to any of the “Big Three.” It also serves as a great rest stop before heading toward Page, Arizona, to see Horseshoe Bend.
Because of this geographical advantage, many travelers stay in Kanab. For a rural town, it has surprisingly good infrastructure, including supermarkets and restaurants. If you are passing through the region, it’s a great place to stop and recharge.
Where to Stay in Kanab
I stayed in Kanab for 5 days and 4 nights, using it as a base to visit the surrounding National and State Parks. If you plan to stay in town, I can recommend two accommodations.
Grand Circle Lodge
The first is the Grand Circle Lodge. It has an Airbnb-style structure where a large house is divided into individual guest rooms. I was told this is one of the oldest houses in Kanab, making it quite historic. Despite its age, it is well-maintained, clean, and spacious.
The large living room on the first floor was lovely, and the kitchen was fully equipped with cooking facilities, including two large refrigerators. This is a huge advantage if you want to save money on food costs.
- Address: 250 N 100 W, Kanab, UT 84741
The Flagstone Boutique Inn & Suites
My second stay was at The Flagstone Boutique Inn & Suites, which felt more like a typical American lodging experience. It’s a single-story building with ample parking right in front and private spaces.
I can’t seem to find my other photos, but the room was a clean studio layout with large twin beds and a bathroom. Like the lodge, it also had a well-equipped kitchen, allowing for cooking.
- Address: 223 W Center St, Kanab, UT 84741
Both accommodations offered reasonable prices (considering high US accommodation costs), were clean, and included kitchen facilities. Regardless of which one you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
Final Thoughts
In this post, we explored Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and the town of Kanab. The dunes offer massive landscapes and fun activities, while Kanab serves as a crucial hub for any Grand Circle road trip. Since these two locations are right next to each other, I highly recommend stopping by if your travels take you through the area.
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