Think Pink. Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes on Your Zion Getaway.

March 15, 2023
Featured image for “Think Pink. Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes on Your Zion Getaway.”

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a hidden gem located in Southern Utah, about 30 miles from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. The park is known for its unique pink sand dunes—created by the erosion of pink Navajo sandstone—that create a breathtaking, almost surreal landscape. Visiting this park in spring is a great way to experience this natural wonder at its best.

If you’re exploring Coral Pink Sand Dunes in spring, you should be lucky to see blooming cacti adding a pop of color to the pink sand dunes. The park’s vegetation is in full bloom during this time of year, providing an opportunity for nature enthusiasts to enjoy spring wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush, lupine, and Palmer’s penstemon creating a beautiful contrast against the pink sand dunes. Prickly pear and barrel cactus also thrive in this unique environment.

Adventures at Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Sand sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Spring sand sledding and sand boarding on the park’s massive dunes is a popular adventure with visitors. Think sledding or snowboarding, but with sand instead of snow. Both sand sleds (sitting) and sand boards (stand-up) are available for rent at the park, first come, first served. Sliding down the dunes at top speeds is a thrilling adventure that is sure to be a highlight of any visit to the park—and a heck of a leg workout climbing back up to the top!

At 6,000 feet elevation, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is primarily known as a sledding and off-roading playground but hiking around the dunes can be  a unique experience. The Nature Trail, a short, half-mile hike, is the only official trail in the park. 

For visitors seeking out a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, the sand dunes are a big draw for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, with designated areas for ATVs, dirt bikes and other ORVs. And of course, the park is  conveniently located near other popular attractions in southern Utah like Zion National Park. 

Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water. It’s best to avoid Coral Pink Sand Dunes on a windy day. But whenever you go, be sure to stop in the visitor center to check out their extensive collection of sands from around the world. 

Visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes from Zion

Coral Pink Sand Dunes in Utah

Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a fun and easy-to-access day trip from Zion Ponderosa and makes a great addition to your East Zion adventures. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a base camp for your Zion National Park vacation. Book your Zion vacation

From Zion National Park’s East Entrance, travel 13 miles east on Route 9 to US 89. Turn right on US 89, and drive south for 3.5 miles. Turn right on County Road 43 (signed) and continue south for 11 miles to the state park entrance.

Check out this epic 5-day/4-night Zion itinerary.


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