Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park — Attraction in Kanab

There is something beautiful about a large, unscathed sand dune. This is especially the case when they have been preserved for 15,000 years and reflect a pink-orange hue derived from erosion of the Navajo Sandstone bluffs surrounding the park. This is the same sandstone from which the crimson, vermillion, orange, salmon, peach, pink, gold, yellow, brown, and even black hues comprising the rock of surrounding regions are derived. These give regions such as Zion, which can be seen to the northwest, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument (exemplifies the vermillion-pink-salmon spectrum), Bryce National Park, Grand Staircase, and many others their magnificent color patterns. My experience in the park was amazing during the summer, though it was very hot (temps 105 F), as July brought monsoon season into play. The juxtaposition of the salmon dunes against beams of sunlight shining through patches of dark thunderstorm clouds was breathtaking. I could see the rim of Zion in the perimeter and was also able to see the Grand Staircase to my northeast as well as the Grand Canyon through a sloping corridor to the southeast. Magnificent. As far as flora and fauna, I was able to see Asclepias welshii, or Welsh's milkweed, for the first time. It is endemic to this region and can be found nowhere else in the world. It is to be protected as it is considered a threatened species by the federal conservation efforts. Other flora stood out distinctly with varying shades of green that shone brightly against the limonite infused dunes. Breathtaking. I knew it would be luck to see a Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle, on of the rarest species in the world which has been driven close to extinction. What an elegant species it is! However, I did see a giant Tarantula Hawk wasp which made up for it. They belong to the genus Pepsis and are certainly beautiful, large insects to be respected (although know that they are not aggressive and can be safely observed). Well known for paralyzing and laying eggs on the tarantulas they voluntarily fight in one of the most epic battles of nature there is. The larvae feast upon the paralyzed tarantula inside the wasp's den, providing plenty of nutrition for full development and continuation of the cycle. Yes, nature is savage! This entire region, epitomized by the sheer scale and conditions present within Zion alone, make that clear throughout the duration of one's visit to this wonder of the earth. Well worth a visit as one could spend a lifetime exploring northern AZ and the...

Entry to the park is very nice at only $15. Board rental is $25/board (seems a bit high for amount of time you use it). And we spring for the UTV dropoff at dunes for $5/person. So for our family (7) it cost us $75 for 3 boards, $15 entry, & $35 ride to dunes for a total of $125 to get out there and surf the dunes. The orange dunes are amazing looking and I felt the cost of the experience was a pretty good deal. The whole idea was fun, but when you get out there it can be less than ideal due to weather conditions. Of course it is a sand dune so tons of glorious sand. Pay close attention to how windy it is the day you go. When we went it did not seem too gusty. But we were pelted with sand, getting it in your eyes and mouth for the full desert experience. If you have goggles and head covering this may be less of an issue (but we were visiting and had no idea what to expect). Another surprise was just how AMAZINGLY EXHAUSTING it was walking up the dunes after a run. We knew it would be tough slogging through sand. But man the calves were burning! The kids were able to do 3-4 runs down the dune and were done (they are in shape). I was able to surf once and the walk up the dune was all I could take.

So plan to take breaks between runs. Get ready for the sun, kinda obvious…. But it is a sand dune with no structures or shade. So bring lots of water! We highly suggest taking the $5 ride to the dune otherwise walking in deep sand will tire you out before you even make a run. Lastly, if you bring bags or anything like a purse, make sure it is securely closed. Even a slight wind will start filling your bags with “souvenir” sand. Also no cell service at the park. So when you want to get picked up, you need to be realistic about how long you can last out there. Otherwise you may be waiting in the sun for a while (you can’t call the UTV to pick you up).

Don’t get me wrong. It was fun but a lot more exhausting than expected….just have to set...

We are from the midwest so understandably, we had a blast playing on the dunes & appreciate the opportunity! We stayed for a few hours but my kids thoroughly enjoyed sandsledding & sandboarding & didn't want to leave. It was exhausting making it back up the dune each time but we'll worth the added adventure.

We appreciated being able to bring our pup & that the state park even offered additional activities. The activities do cost but if it's in your budget and you're wanting to spend some time there, it's worth it. Sandsledding was much easier than the sandboarding, especially for the younger kids. My tween loved sandboarding. I have videos of them sandboarding & sandsledding to get an idea in Instagram @ life.on.serene.ave

We did see a spot just before the park where people were playing on a smaller dune. If it's not in your budget to be able to pay the park fee ($10), that is a good alternative. If it is in your budget, than definitely go into the park & hike the dunes. You get much more out of the experience!

We (my 5 year old son especially) enjoyed watching the atv's. But that brings me to my next point, it is a little nerve wracking when some of them get close to the pedestrians - and a little frustrating that we ate sand for quite some time when they sprayed it in our faces. But I get that all the people hang out at the top of the dunes & they want to ride the dunes too. Just be careful of little ones around the motor bikes & atv's because you share...