It’s December and many of us are looking out at snow covered landscapes. I thought you might want to armchair travel with me through a different kind of landscape, one of sand but not the sands of a warm beach by the ocean. Instead, I’m taking us to Coral Sand Dunes State Park in Utah.
In August 2021, after spending the morning wandering among the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, we drove southwest, chasing a different kind of wonder: the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah. The name alone sounds like something from a dream and standing at the base of those windswept rose-colored hills, we discovered it was exactly that.
From the parking area, the dunes looked deceptively gentle, a soft ripple of red against the sky. But the moment we stepped onto the sand; we knew the climb would be its own adventure. Each foot sank deeply, swallowing our steps and testing muscles we didn’t realize we’d been neglecting. In a photo from our visit, you can see one of us standing ankle-deep with every stride, the footprints behind us already softened by the breeze.
There are no stairs, no handrails, no guided switchbacks. Just you, the open wind, and a vast desert of ancient sand. Formed from eroded Navajo sandstone and estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 years old, these dunes are alive. Held in place only in certain pockets by hardy desert vegetation, the “shifting sands” move with the seasons and can migrate up to fifty feet a year. The landscape you climb today won’t quite be the same when you return.
Reaching the crest of the first dune is a workout worthy of any gym, but the reward is extraordinary. The sand at the top feels almost powder-soft beneath your feet, warm from the sun yet velvety and yielding. From above, the curves of the dunes stretch out like an undulating red sea. The tiny white dots in the photo are fellow hikers as they move across the landscape, they emphasize the sheer scale of the place.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a playground for adventurers of every age. Portions of the park are reserved for off-highway vehicles like ATVs, and the entire dune field is open for hiking, exploring, and simply sinking your toes into the surreal landscape.
As the sun slipped lower, the dunes glowed deeper shades of amber and coral. Knowing how quickly desert darkness falls, especially in these wide-open western skies, we made our descent and headed back to our motorhome. Our legs were tired, our shoes were filled with sand, and we couldn’t have been happier.
For travelers physically up to the strenuous climb, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a stop that lingers long after you leave. It’s the kind of natural wonder you don’t just see but feel.
IF YOU GO: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Location:
Southwestern Utah, about 30 minutes from Kanab and 1 hour from Zion National Park.
Park Hours:
Open year-round, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entry Fees:
• Day-Use: $10 per vehicle
• Utah Seniors (65+): $5
• Non-resident OHV Permit: Required for ATV use; available at the ranger station.
Best Time to Visit:
• Spring & Fall: Ideal temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Summer: Stunning but hot—arrive early or near sunset for cooler sand and softer light.
• Winter: Quiet and beautiful; sand can be firmer after moisture.
What to Expect:
• Deep, soft sand—prepare for a leg workout.
• No handrails, stairs, or marked trails on the dunes.
• Portions of the dunes are open to OHVs; hiking areas remain plentiful.
What to Bring:
• Plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Lightweight hiking shoes or sandals
• A bandana or face covering on windy days
• Camera or phone for the sweeping views
Good to Know:
• Pets are allowed on leash.
• Sandboards/sleds are available for rent at the ranger station.
• Sunset brings spectacular photo opportunities but plan for rapid nightfall.
Nearest Services:
Kanab, Utah offers restaurants, fuel, lodging, and groceries.
I have many more stories to share about our travels out west, and you’ll find them on Fresh Fiction each month.
In between writing my fiction, one of my writing projects is a book about our first year living full-time in the motorhome, which includes our long go west trip from Ohio to the California redwoods and back to Memphis, TN. I expect to have it done by the end of 2026.
You can read more of my travel posts on my travel blog: https://beautifuldaytraveler.wordpress.com/2021/12/22/coral-pink-sand-dunes-state-park-utah/
If you have questions about our full-time motorhome lifestyle, or our travels, send me an email. I love to hear from you.
I wish you happy reading and a beautiful day, until next year, when I return with more Tales from the Trailer.
Debra enjoys writing military romantic suspense and making sure her veteran heroes have a happy ever after that will last.
She also writes historical romance, contemporary romance, dystopian romance, urban fantasy romance, fairytale romance, holiday romance, poetry, and nonfiction. In her Tales from the Trailer articles for Fresh Fiction, she shares the RV lifestyle and travel adventures in the U.S. from the point of view of a working author. As Debra Bishop, she writes fairytales and children’s stories.
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