St. George to Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Stunning coral-pink sand dunes created from eroding Navajo sandstone. Perfect for ATV riding, sandboarding, photography, stargazing, and family camping in one of Southern Utah's most unique landscapes.
I-15 South → US-89 → Hancock Road
60 miles
Distance
1 hr
Drive Time
east
Direction
March-November
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Route: I-15 South → US-89 → Hancock Road
Head south on I-15 to Hurricane, take UT-59 (which becomes AZ-389) east toward Fredonia, then turn north on Hancock Road to reach the park. Alternatively, take US-89 through Mt. Carmel Junction from the Zion side.
About Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is one of Southern Utah's hidden gems and a favorite destination for families, photographers, and off-road enthusiasts. The dunes get their distinctive coral-pink color from the surrounding Navajo sandstone cliffs, which erode and are blown by prevailing winds into a concentrated dune field between the Moquith and Moccasin Mountains.
The park is divided into two main areas — an open dune field for OHV (off-highway vehicle) riding, and a day-use/camping area with hiking trails, a nature boardwalk, and access to the tallest dunes for sandboarding and photography. The contrast between the pink sand, blue sky, and red rock surroundings creates a visual landscape unlike anything else in Utah.
Camping at Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a special experience. The campground sits right next to the dunes with gorgeous sunset views. The night skies are spectacular for stargazing — far from any city lights, the Milky Way arcs overhead in vivid detail. The park is also an important habitat for the Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle, found nowhere else on Earth.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Hurricane — 30 miles / 25 min (fill up here)
- Kanab — 60 miles / 1 hr (if approaching from the south)
- No gas at the park — fill up before going
Weather & Climate
The park sits at 6,000 feet with a semi-arid climate. Summer highs reach 90-105°F, winter lows drop to 15-30°F. Spring and fall are ideal at 55-80°F. Occasional thunderstorms bring brief but intense rain in July-August.
Best Time to Visit
March-November
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal temperatures (60-80°F) for dune activities. Summer is very hot (95-105°F) — visit early morning or evening. Winter is cool and quiet with few visitors. Full moon nights are beautiful but not ideal for stargazing.
Things to Do in Coral Pink Sand Dunes
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah.
Activities & Adventures
ATV & UTV Riding
$100-$250 for rentalsThe open dune field is a playground for off-highway vehicles. Ride the sweeping dune crests with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Rental companies near the park offer ATVs and UTVs.
Sandboarding & Sledding
Free (bring your own board)Bring a sled, snowboard, or sandboard and ride the dunes. The tallest dunes provide excellent runs. Wax your board for better speed. Available at the day-use area.
Apply wax or cooking spray to your board for more speed on the sand
Dune Hiking
Free with park entryWalk barefoot through the soft coral sand to the highest dunes for panoramic views. The Dune Trail is a 0.5-mile interpretive walk. Trekking to the tallest dunes takes about 30-45 minutes.
Photography
Free with park entryThe coral-pink sand against deep blue skies and red rock cliffs creates stunning photos. Sunrise and sunset produce the most dramatic colors and shadows on the dune faces.
Golden hour and blue hour produce the most dramatic photos on the dunes
Stargazing
FreeFar from city lights, the park offers exceptional dark skies for stargazing. The Milky Way is clearly visible on moonless nights. Bring a blanket and lie on the dunes for an unforgettable experience.
Nature & Wildlife
Nature Boardwalk Trail
Free with park entryAn accessible boardwalk trail through the dune ecosystem with interpretive signs explaining the geology, plants, and wildlife of the dune field.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle
FreeThis tiny beetle is found ONLY at Coral Pink Sand Dunes — nowhere else on Earth. Rangers occasionally lead programs about this endemic species.
Wildflower Season
Free with park entrySpring (April-May) brings desert wildflowers to the areas surrounding the dunes. Indian paintbrush, desert marigold, and other blooms add color to the landscape.
Camping & Lodging
Coral Pink Sand Dunes Campground
$25-$35/night22 camping sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms (including showers). Sites sit right next to the dunes with stunning sunset and sunrise views. Reservable at stateparks.utah.gov.
Reserve early — weekend sites sell out fast, especially in spring and fall
Dispersed BLM Camping
FreeFree dispersed camping is available on surrounding BLM land outside the park boundaries. No facilities — bring your own water, shade, and Leave No Trace supplies.
Kanab Lodging
$80-$200/nightThe nearby town of Kanab (20 minutes south) has hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants for those wanting more amenities.
Nearby Attractions
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
FreeThe largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the US is just 20 miles south in Kanab. Free guided tours available.
Moqui Cave
$8Unique museum in a natural sandstone cave between the dunes and Kanab. Dinosaur tracks, fluorescent minerals, and Native American artifacts.
Peek-a-Boo Canyon
FreeA fun, short slot canyon on BLM land accessible from a trailhead near the park. Narrow walls of colorful sandstone — great for families.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Coral Pink Sand Dunes Drive
The sand is HOT in summer — wear shoes and visit in the morning or evening
Bring a sled or boogie board for sandboarding — the steeper dunes provide great runs
Rent ATVs or UTVs from companies near the park if you do not have your own
The campground fills fast on weekends — reserve at stateparks.utah.gov well in advance
Bring plenty of water — there is limited shade and the desert heat is intense
Sand gets everywhere — bring towels, bags for sandy shoes, and a brush for your car
Moonless nights offer spectacular stargazing — check the moon phase calendar before your trip
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Coral Pink Sand Dunes
How far is Coral Pink Sand Dunes from St. George?
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is approximately 60 miles (1 hour) from St. George via I-15 South and US-89 East.
Can I rent ATVs at the park?
ATV and UTV rentals are not available inside the park, but several rental companies operate nearby. Book in advance during peak season.
Why is the sand pink?
The sand gets its coral-pink color from the surrounding Navajo sandstone cliffs. Wind erodes the pink-colored rock into fine sand particles that accumulate in the dune field between the Moquith and Moccasin Mountains.
Is the park good for kids?
Excellent for kids! Sandboarding, building sandcastles, exploring the dunes, and the nature boardwalk are all great family activities. Just bring shoes — the sand gets very hot in summer.
How much does it cost to enter?
Day use is $15 per vehicle. Camping is $25-$35 per night. OHV riding is included with park entry — no additional fee for the dune field.
Nearby Destinations from Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Kanab
Known as "Little Hollywood" for its Western film history, Kanab is a charming gateway town to The Wave, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Zion National Park
The crown jewel of Southern Utah and one of America's most visited national parks is just 45 minutes from St. George. Towering 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, world-famous hikes, and the emerald Virgin River make Zion an absolute must-visit.
Grand Canyon (North Rim)
The quieter, cooler, and closer rim of the Grand Canyon is just under three hours from St. George. With one-tenth the visitors of the South Rim, the North Rim offers a more intimate and serene Grand Canyon experience.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Coral Pink Sand Dunes
St. George to Coral Pink Sand Dunes — 60 miles, 1 hr Drive
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is one of Southern Utah's hidden gems and a favorite destination for families, photographers, and off-road enthusiasts. The dunes get their distinctive coral-pink color from the surrounding Navajo sandstone cliffs, which erode and are blown by prevailing winds into a concentrated dune field between the Moquith and Moccasin Mountains.
The route from St. George, Utah to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah covers 60 miles and takes approximately 1 hr via I-15 South → US-89 → Hancock Road. Head south on I-15 to Hurricane, take UT-59 (which becomes AZ-389) east toward Fredonia, then turn north on Hancock Road to reach the park. Alternatively, take US-89 through Mt. Carmel Junction from the Zion side.
Things to Do in Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Activities & Adventures: ATV & UTV Riding, Sandboarding & Sledding, Dune Hiking. Nature & Wildlife: Nature Boardwalk Trail, Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle, Wildflower Season. Camping & Lodging: Coral Pink Sand Dunes Campground, Dispersed BLM Camping, Kanab Lodging. Nearby Attractions: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Moqui Cave, Peek-a-Boo Canyon.
Best Time to Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal temperatures (60-80°F) for dune activities. Summer is very hot (95-105°F) — visit early morning or evening. Winter is cool and quiet with few visitors. Full moon nights are beautiful but not ideal for stargazing.
Travel Tips
The sand is HOT in summer — wear shoes and visit in the morning or evening. Bring a sled or boogie board for sandboarding — the steeper dunes provide great runs. Rent ATVs or UTVs from companies near the park if you do not have your own. The campground fills fast on weekends — reserve at stateparks.utah.gov well in advance.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Kanab, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon (North Rim).