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Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park state park in Springdale, UT
Photo: Michele Stivers
View of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Springdale, UT
Photo: Uddyami Agrawal
View of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Springdale, UT
Photo: Ingo Elektro

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

4.6(3,180 reviews)$Adventure
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children love playing in the sand and sledding down smaller dunes, while older kids and teens enjoy the challenge of climbing the steeper slopes and trying sandboarding. The soft sand makes falls gentle, though toddlers may tire quickly from walking in the deep sand.

About

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers an otherworldly playground where kids can experience the thrill of sledding down massive pink and coral-colored sand dunes year-round. This unique desert landscape provides endless opportunities for adventure, from sandboarding and ATV riding to simply running and rolling down the soft, towering dunes that feel like a giant natural sandbox.

Highlights

  • Sledding and sandboarding down massive pink sand dunes
  • Unique coral-colored sand that's soft and safe for play
  • Wide open spaces perfect for running, jumping, and rolling
  • Scenic views of surrounding red rock formations
  • Off-highway vehicle area for families with ATVs or sand buggies

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Bring plastic sleds, boogie boards, or cardboard for sand sledding,they work great and are much cheaper than buying specialty sandboards. Wax the bottom with candle wax or cooking spray for extra speed.
  2. 2.Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and enjoy the most beautiful lighting for photos when the dunes glow pink and orange.
  3. 3.Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen,there's no shade and the sand reflects heat intensely. Also bring a small tarp or blanket to create a base camp area.
  4. 4.Wear closed-toe shoes or water shoes as the sand can get extremely hot. Bring extra clothes and plastic bags for the car ride home, as sand gets everywhere.
  5. 5.The dunes area closest to the parking lot is perfect for younger kids, while adventurous families can hike deeper into the dunes for bigger slopes and fewer crowds.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for active dune play. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid extreme heat and enjoy stunning golden-hour lighting. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, especially during Utah's spring break season.

What to Know

Day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. The park has basic restrooms and picnic areas but no food services, so bring all supplies. The nearest town is Kanab, about 20 minutes away. The sand can be challenging for strollers; baby carriers work better for little ones.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round, but summer temperatures (June-August) can exceed 100°F, making midday visits uncomfortable. Winter months can be surprisingly cold with occasional snow dusting the pink dunes, creating unique photo opportunities. Spring brings wildflowers around the dunes' edges. The OHV area may have restrictions during extremely dry conditions.

Nearby Eats

In Kanab (20 minutes away), try Rocking V Cafe for family-friendly American fare with a creative menu, or Escobar's Mexican Restaurant for kid-approved tacos and burritos in a casual atmosphere.

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