Road Trip Itinerary: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Posted: May 09, 2024 | Author: Lindsey Wessling | Read Time: 2 minutes
Cedar City is famous for being the gateway to Utah’s national parks. However, there are so many amazing state parks in southern Utah that deserve more attention. One of these underrated parks is the stunning Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. While the park might not boast the fame of Zion or Bryce Canyon, its unique national attractions make it a must-see. Only 1 and a half hours from Cedar City, a visit to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is the perfect weekend road trip.
Here’s all the information you need to know to plan your sand dunes road trip.
Pro Tips
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is open year-round. However, the best times to go are spring, early summer, and fall. The high temperatures in the summer can be unsafe.
- Bring extra clothes and shoes, as you will get very sandy.
- From personal experience, many report that sandboarding is more fun than sledding on the dunes.
- A day-use entry fee is required to enter the park. However, the Utah State Park Pass is accepted.
- While SUU Outdoors does not currently offer sandboards, they offer plenty of camping gear rentals at great prices for students. Check out SUU Outdoors before your trip!
Day 1
- Travel to Kanab, Utah
- Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in Kanab
- Set up camp or find lodging
Restaurant Recommendations:
- Wild Thyme Cafe (Burgers)
- Escobars Mexican Restaurant (Mexican)
- Peekaboo Canyon Wood-Fired Kitchen (Pizza)
Things to Do:
- Wire Pass Trail
- South Coyote Buttes
- Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon
Places to Stay:
Campsites :
- Dark Sky RV Campground*
- Kanab RV Corral*
*An RV is not required to camp
Hotels:
- Canyons Boutique Hotel
- BaseCamp 37
Day 2
- Wake up early and eat breakfast in Kanab
- Depart from Kanab and drive to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (approx. 40 min drive)
- Rent a sandboard or sled from the visitor’s center to fully experience the dunes
- Bring a camera, the dunes are a photographer’s paradise
- Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy
- As evening approaches, capture the sunset over the dunes
- After sunset, head to your campsite
- Cook a backcountry dinner
Restaurant Recommendations:
- Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant (Breakfast)
- Origin Breakfast Buffet (Breakfast)
- Jakey Leigh’s Cafe Bakery (Breakfast)
Things to Do:
- Sandboarding/Sledding
- OHV Riding
- Tiger Beetle Conservation Area
Places to Stay:
Campsites in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park:
- Loop A (sites 1-22)
- Loop B (sites 23-34)
Other options:
- Ponderosa Grove Campground
- Free dispersed camping
Day 3
- Cook a backcountry breakfast at your campsite
- If time allows, visit nearby attractions such as the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
- Begin your journey back home
This road trip itinerary to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is guaranteed to be a blast. It offers a perfect mix of adventure and serenity, from sandboarding down the dunes to enjoying quiet sunsets. With stops in the welcoming town of Kanab for good food, a weekend here is a great way to dive into nature. Simple tips like visiting in cooler weather and packing the right gear can make a huge difference in enjoying this underrated park to the fullest!
Tags: Outdoor Recreation College of Natural Sciences Outdoors Geosciences Student Life Summer
