Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park   |  James Kay
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An off-the-radar expanse of photographic and OHV bliss, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is where weekend warriors can leave footprints in soft sand or adventure on the vast off-road playground. You can also walk among old juniper, and pinion and ponderosa pines. The dunes were formed by the continual erosion of the nearby Navajo sandstone cliffs and estimated to be 10,000 to 15,000 years old. The state park was first opened to the public in 1963.

About the Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is open year-round, seven days a week, during daylight hours. The best times to go are spring, early summer and fall, as the temperatures are the most mild and the weather is usually cooperative. The park stretches 3,730 acres. It's the only major sand dune field on the Colorado Plateau and the only place in the world where you can find the Coral Pink tiger beetle. The park has two concessionaires that generally operate from March-October. There is a daily use fee per vehicle, the annual Utah State Parks pass is also accepted. Tour buses are allowed. Pets must be on a six-foot leash at all times. Elevation is 6,000 feet.

A day-use entry fee is required, purchase in-person or online. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry.

Activities and Guided Tours

All of the dunes are open for hiking and kid-friendly playing. You can rent sand boards and sand sleds onsite. About 90-percent of the dunes are open for off-highway vehicles (OHV), a popular park attraction. Four-wheelers generally check out the Sand Highway, which is a one-way narrow trail in a small canyon on the boundary of the dunes, and the South Boundary Trail, which is several miles long and continues along the eastern side of the main dune area. Guided tours are available from ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co. (UTV) and All Ways Adventures (rappelling/rock climbing). The park features two campgrounds with hot showers and flush toilets (22 sites are dry camping, 12 sites include water and electricity) and there are two RV dump stations. Advance camping reservations are recommended.

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OHV Safety Tips

Utah's mountains and deserts are fragile, remote and often adjacent to private land, so it is important to heed all rules and restrictions in order to protect yourself and the landscape. While enjoying the dunes, remember to follow these off-roading rules:

  • All riders must have an orange whiptail flag on their off-road vehicle.
  • It's strongly recommended that all riders wear a properly sized, fastened helmet and required by law for riders under 18.
  • DUI laws apply to OHVs. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive and don’t ride.
  • Youth must be certified to legally operate an OHV on Utah public lands. Learn more about certification.
  • Obey OHV manufacturers warnings stating not to carry passengers. Carrying passengers changes the balance, weight and handling of the machine and can lead to serious accidents.

More Rules of the Trail

What's Nearby

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead
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