“The huge variety of sand grains is astounding, and each one has a story to tell.”

– Gary Greenberg

Address:

Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/coral-pink/

Kanab, Utah- located between Mount Carmel Junction and Kanab, south and west of U.S. Highway 89 in Kane County.

Hours: Daylight hours, seven days a week

Phone:435-648-2800

Fees: 10$/car for day use, 5$ for Utah Seniors; sandboards can be rented at the visitor’s center for $25.

Prepay admission: https://parkspass.utah.gov/parks/UTCORA/dayuse

Elevation: 6,000 feet

Park Size: 3,730 acres.

Geology:

The sand comes from Navajo sandstone in the middle Jurassic geologic time period. The coral pink sand is a result of iron and minerals on the local red rocks. Dunes are created from: sand, high winds and a unique influence upon the wind. This unique influence is referred to as the Venturi Effect. Coral Pink Sands State Park arises from the notch between  Moquith and Moccasin mountains. This wind pushed into this notch raises in velocity and is able to carry the grains of sand eroding from the red rocks. Once the wind exits the notch, the velocity decreases and the sand falls to the ground eventually forming dunes. It takes approximately 10, 000-15,000 years for sand dunes to form.

Things to Do:

Camping, Hiking, ATV, and sandboarding/sledding. 90% of the dunes are open to off terrain vehicles.

Sandboarding:

1. Rent (or supply your own) a board at the Visitor Center. You will need to leave something for a deposit. The board comes with wax.
2. Put the board in your car and drive a short distance down the road- look for a covered pavillion on the right. Park your car (if lot is full- park across the road).
3. Water-water, water and more water! Hiking up the sand dune is a lot of hard work, especially under the burning hot sun.
4. Closed shoes- protect those feet from sand burns while breaking.
5. Sunscreen- it is essential
6. Sunglasses to reduce sand in the eyes!
7. Helmets and protective gear for elbows, knees etc.
8. Hike out to any of the dunes you see in the distance.
9. You can either sand board like one does on a snow board or ride the board like a sled- plenty of fun for everyone.

Tips for Sand Boarding: https://www.wingingtheworld.com/how-to-sandboard/#google_vignette

Sitting:

1. Position yourself 3/4 of the way to the front of the board
2. Put your feet up on the top of the board.
3. Steady yourself by holding onto the bindings
4. Use your hands, or feet to push yourself off
5. Control your speed by using your hands or feet.

Superman: Prone position

https://www.wingingtheworld.com/how-to-sandboard/#google_vignette

1. Lay down on the board
2. Your head should be near the top of the board
3. Tuck your elbows into your sides
4. Keep your legs elevated
5. Use your feet to push off
6. Use your feet to control speed.

Standing:

Not for the feint of heart.

1. Stand on the board so that you are sideways
2. Place your dominant foot in the front binding
3. Place your other foot in the rear binding.
4. Turn your head to face front
5. Use your arms to help with stability.
6. Head down the hill- you’ll most likely control your speed by falling back on your butt or forward on your face.

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