Coral Pink Sand Dunes State ParkAbout Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 7° | -4° | 38 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 9° | -1° | 45 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -3° - 12° | 2° | 63 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 0° - 17° | 6° | 32 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 4° - 22° | 13° | 20 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 9° - 28° | 18° | 12 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 13° - 31° | 22° | 34 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 12° - 30° | 21° | 44 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 8° - 26° | 17° | 31 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 20° | 11° | 33 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 12° | 2° | 36 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -7° - 8° | -3° | 29 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
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).