Sandboarding on the dunes

If you’re road-tripping through Utah, do not miss Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. This place is a hidden gem, and yes—the sand really is a magical shade of coral pink! We stopped here on our way from Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas, and it quickly became one of the most exciting spots on our trip. Nestled in the southwest corner of Utah, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is about a 1.5-hour drive from Bryce and just 3 hours from Las Vegas, making it the perfect pit stop for any adventure seeker.


Getting There: A True Desert Adventure

One of the first things to know: this park is remote. You’ll be driving through miles of stunning desert with no cell service, so download your maps and playlists before heading out! Once you turn off the main road, you’ll find yourself on a dirt road that adds a bit of “off-the-beaten-path” charm to the experience (but don’t worry—no 4-wheel drive needed).


When you arrive, entry is about $15 per vehicle, paid at the visitor center. Speaking of the visitor center, it’s your oasis in the desert, complete with bathrooms, a small museum, and a gift shop. From here, you’re just a quarter-mile from the dunes!

Exploring the dunes

The Overlook: Epic Views in Every Direction

If you’re looking for a view that shows off the whole coral pink wonder, head to the overlook! It’s ADA accessible, so anyone can enjoy this stunning panorama. With dunes stretching out like rolling hills in every direction, this view alone is worth the trip. But if you’re here for a bit of adventure, you’ve got to take it one step further—onto the dunes themselves!


On the Dunes: Sandboarding & Sledding Fun!

Exploring the dunes is where the real fun begins. You can walk all around these expansive dunes, and we found that it was easiest to leave our shoes at the overlook platform. It’s also a workout, so pack water and sunscreen because desert heat and endless sand climbs will wear you out!


But here’s the insider tip: rent a sandboard or sled from the visitor center for around $25. You can stand and slide on the board, or sit and slide on the sled. We chose to sit on the sled!


This was the highlight of our visit! You’ll carry your board or sled up to the top of a dune, hop on, and slide right back down! Everyone around us was having an absolute blast, and with the dunes’ open space, there was plenty of room to find your own spot to slide. This activity brings out the kid in everyone, guaranteed.

Ready for sandboarding!

More Thrills: UTV Tours Over the Dunes


For those seeking even more adventure, check out the UTV tours offered at the park. These vehicles are made for cruising up and down the dunes, taking you on a thrilling ride over the sand hills. Though we didn’t try it ourselves, it looked like a blast and a fantastic way to cover more ground and see more of the park.


Insider Tips: What to Bring and Know

  • Water & Sunscreen: It’s hot and strenuous climbing the dunes, so keep yourself hydrated and protected from the sun.
  • A towel or brush for sand: After all the sliding and sandboarding, you’ll definitely want something to brush off all the sand before getting back in the car!
  • Sturdy backpack: Perfect for carrying your essentials, especially if you’re leaving your shoes behind.


We spent about an hour sandboarding and exploring before we were completely wiped out—but it was so worth it! After our adventure, we did a quick sand shake-off at the parking lot (we’ll be picking sand out of our shoes for days!), and then hit the road to Las Vegas.


Walking to the dunes

Final Thoughts: Coral Pink Sand Dunes = Most Fun State Park Ever

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park isn’t just scenic—it’s a thrill-packed desert adventure. From incredible views to exciting activities, this place is unlike any other park. Whether you’re here to take in the beauty, experience the thrill of sandboarding, or ride UTVs across the dunes, this spot is an absolute must-do.


So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your water bottle, sunscreen, and sense of adventure and head to Coral Pink Sand Dunes! Enjoy every moment, and let me know if you have questions for planning your own trip.


Kelly's Travel Tips

Check out all of the activites you can explore in Southwest Utah:

✈Here are the best tours at the dunes and around Kanab.


Need a place to stay for a night (or two)?

✈Here are nearby hotels & campgrounds.


My blog post may contain affiliate links where I make a commission on qualified purchases.

Kelly Buchalski

Kelly Mahar

Kelly, 34, American. I've explored all 50 US states & 32 countries, quit my corporate job to inspire others to chase their dreams, and now teach how to monetize social media.

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