Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Mt. Carmel

Overview

( Rated 3.6 / 5 Ratings )

10 Todo Lists / 3 Ticks

RATING: Easy

LENGTH: 1+ hours (0.5 mile)

MAPS: Yellowjacket Canyon, UT;

Sun

58 | 34

Mon

60 | 33

Tue

55 | 32

Wed

48 | 29

Thu

47 | 25

View Full Weather Details

SEASON: Any, hot in the summer.

WATER: Available at campground.

FLASHFLOOD: None.

Sun

58 | 34

Mon

60 | 33

Tue

55 | 32

Wed

48 | 29

Thu

47 | 25

View Full Weather Details

hike

dog friendly

family friendly

beginner

access: paved

Evening at the dunes.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is known for, well, its Coral Pink Sand Dunes! This is the largest sand dune area on the Colorado Plateau. Unique geography, geology, and wind conditions have created an incredible and ever changing dunes area that kids and adults alike will enjoy. It is fascinating to see the gigantic dunes and realize they move up to 50 feet a year, all created by a gap between mountains that funnels wind and sand.

A bit over an hour from Zion National Park, this is a world away in scenery and crowds. Utah State Parks are very well run, and this is a highly recommended family friendly getaway, and a must visit for ATV enthusiasts. Though the park seems to cater to ATV riders, it is still a pleasant place for anyone to visit.

From my perspective, you haven't visited Coral Pink Sand Dunes until you've watched the sunset on the cliffs and dunes. It is a sight to behold.

Notes: The campground is excellent, though sites are a bit close together, and can fill up on busy weekends. Call ahead or make reservations online.

Sunset on the dunes.

Getting There

The first step is reaching Mt. Carmel Junction. From Springdale (or the Zion National Park West Entrance), follow highway 9 about 25 miles through the park to Mt. Carmel Junction.

From Mt Carmel Junction, go south (right from highway 9) on US-89 for 3.5 miles and turn right on the signed county road for Coral Pink Sand Dunes. 0.3 miles from US-89, go right again and continue 11.6 more miles to Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

Sand!

Route

Once at the dunes, I would highly recommend the Sand Dunes overlook, and from there venturing out to the tallest dune visible from the overlook. Though ATVs are allowed in 90% of the dunes (and most of the remaining area is closed to the public for conservation), it was surprisingly quiet and easy to wander in the dunes without feeling like an ATV might come over the dune at any moment the time we visited.

A short interpretive trail also leaves from the overlook, though is somewhat hard to follow. Finally, the park has an excellent visitor center with specimens and information about the animals and plants that make the dunes home. The visitors center is very much worth checking out.