Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Park State park featuring distinctive pink sand dunes
Fine pink-hued dunes of Navajo sandstone draw off-roaders and sandboarders to this Utah state park; visitors come for ATV rides, day hikes, photography and seasonal wildflowers along the surrounding desert hills.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a Utah state park that protects a distinctive dunefield of coral-colored sand formed from local sandstone. The dunes are noted for their unusual pinkish hue and recreational opportunities.
The dunefield provides open sand slopes for sandboarding, sledding, and off-highway vehicle use, with picnic and day-use areas at the park boundary. Visitors commonly walk short distances onto the dunes for photography, wildlife viewing, and easy hikes across the sand.
The sand originates from the erosion of nearby sandstone formations and has been reworked by wind into the present dunefield over time. The area is managed as a state park to balance recreation with conservation of the dune habitat.
The park lies in southern Utah near the town of Kanab and is accessed from U.S. Highway 89 and local roads. It sits on the Colorado Plateau in a semi-arid landscape of sandstone outcrops and scrub.
- Motorized recreation: Motorized recreation is allowed across much of the dunefield; check park regulations and seasonal closures before bringing ATVs or dirt bikes.
- Sandboarding and rentals: Sandboarding and sledding are popular activities and equipment rentals or guided trips are available from nearby towns.
How to Get to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park #
The park is located approximately 15 minutes southwest of Kanab, Utah, off U.S. Highway 89. From Kanab, follow local signage to the park entrance on Coral Pink Sand Dunes Road. The park is reachable by car; no public transit directly serves the dunes.
Tips for Visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park #
- Arrive at sunrise to see dunes glow pink-the color intensifies in the low light and crowds are minimal.
- Rent a sandboard from local outfitters in nearby Kanab rather than bringing one; sandboards and sleds are cheaper locally.
- Avoid mid-summer midday heat; temperatures in summer can climb into the high 80s-90s°F (30s°C).
Best Time to Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park #
Shoulder seasons offer the best combination of color, comfortable temps and fewer visitors; summer is hot and popular for OHV use.
Weather & Climate near Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park #
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with 63 mm of rain.
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April
April is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.
