Trail Name: Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail
Location: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Kanab, Utah
Distance: About two miles
Trail Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: About 200 ft, depends on the sand dune you choose to go
Point of Interest: The iron oxides and the minerals and the sunset create a magical weaving pattern on the sand grains.
Entry Fee: $15 per car and sand sledges can be rented for $25 (please note that the fee may change) Wheelchair friendly: Yes, until the viewpoint
Pet friendly: Yes but got to be on leash
Rating: Easy
Sand, high winds, and a unique influence called the Venturi effect upon the wind are the three factors behind these 10,000 to 15,000 years old coral pink sand dunes.The iron oxides and the minerals and the sunset create a magical weaving pattern on the sand grains. The hike up to the sand dunes is a good work-out but rewards us with 360° panoramic views of the area.
From State Park site: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/coral-pink/discover/
The geology of the sand dunes is an intriguing subject. The sand comes from Navajo sandstone from the geologic period call Middle Jurassic. The same iron oxides and minerals that give us spectacular red rock country are responsible for this landscape of coral pink sand.
Sand dunes are created by three factors: Sand, high winds, and a unique influence upon the wind. The notch between the Moquith and Moccasin mountains causes this unique influence. The wind is funneled through the notch, thereby increasing wind velocity to a point where it can carry sand grains from the eroding Navajo sandstone.
This phenomenon is known as the Venturi effect. Once the wind passes through the notch and into the open valley, the wind velocity decreases, causing the sand to be deposited. These dunes are estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 years old.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes support a diverse population of insects, including the Coral Pink tiger beetle that is found only here. Melting snow sometimes creates small ponds in the dunes that support amphibians such as salamanders and toads.
The park is also a popular destination for ATV riders. About 90% of the dunes are open for riding, but all of the dunes are open for hiking and just playing in the sand.
Opened to the public as a state park in 1963.
Park Elevation: 6,000 feet
Happy hiking & exploring!
Please watch our trip video here: