Coral Pink Sand Dunes Utah

 
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Last updated 02/05/2011

Raw file: Coral Pink Sand Dunes Utah.csv (344 bytes)

Includes 4 locations in the following areas:

  • United States: UT
  • some may be in: AZ (near a border)

Name: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Location:
Southern Utah, near Kanab

Description:
The dune complex is actually a valley in a deep notch between the Moquith Mountains to the east and the Moccasin Mountains to the north. Its location serves as a natural collection area for the fine sands blown off the surrounding mountains' steep red cliffs and outcroppings. The dunes are surrounded on three sides by roads and on the south side by the Moquith Mountains and the Moccasin Mountains.

The lower area is under the protection of the Utah State Parks Department; the larger, upper portion of the dunes and the surrounding land are under BLM control.

The park is a 3,730 acre recreation area with over 2,000 acres of sand open to OHVs. The area open to OHVs is about six miles long and approximately one mile wide. Sitting at an elevation of 6,000 feet the park enjoys mild winters and warm summers. The Coral Pink dunes have laid down several hundred feet of sand along the 200 mile long Sevier Fault. A "notch" between the Moquith and Moccasin mountains directs the windblown sand (the venturi effect) to this corner of Southern Utah . The reddish colored sand is supplied courtesy of ancient Navajo Sandstone that is carried from the Virgin River to the bottom of the Cane beds and the eroding Navajo Sandstone around the park.

The park is open year-round, but spring, early summer, and fall are the most ideal times. Memorial and Labor Day weekends are usually very crowded.

Due to its high elevation the dunes area receives relatively high precipitation and as a result, has surprisingly abundant plant life, such as Ponderosa pines, tall dune grasses and many wild flowers in the spring.

Elevation - 6000 ft.

Directions to Coral Pink:
From Kanab, Utah: Take Highway 89 north for 10 miles to Hancock Road, designated a Scenic Backway. Hancock Road is seven miles long and meets at a "T" with Yellowjacket Road. Turn left (south) onto Yellowjacket. The main park entrance is five miles up on the left.

From Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks: Take Highway 89 south past Mount Carmel Junction. Six miles farther south, watch for Coral Pink State Park signs that lead you to Yellowjacket Road. Take Yellowjacket and follow the signs to the Coral Pink State Park headquarters and campground.

Coral Pink Camping Areas:
Main Camp - Utah State Parks
The state park has a well-maintained campground in a wooded area. There are 22 pull-through RV Trailer Sites with picnic tables and a barbecue grill; open year round (though the water is shut off from November to May);
Reservations 800-322-3770 (Monday-Friday); $14/night.
- Restrooms w/showers
- RV Dump (available for $5 for people camping at the Dry Lake)
- Ice and firewood is available.
- Quiet hours enforced 10pm - 9am (no night riding).
- Hiking - boardwalk, overlook trails, and a nature trail.

Dry Camp "Meadows" - BLM
On the northern end of the park a large open area coined the dry lake bed sits on BLM land. From the intersection of Hancock Rd. and Yellow Jacket Rd. travel 1/2 mile towards the State Park on Yellow Jacket Rd. The Dry Lake area is on the left. People are allowed to camp here for free, however, there are no facilities and no quiet hours. BLM is very sensitive about this area. If you want to keep it open, please follow a few simple rules:
- Do Not Dump Gray Water.
- Fires allowed in metal containers only. Do not dump coals.
- No trash collection. Pack it in. Pack it out.
- Do not ride is areas closed to OHVs.
The area by the tree in the Dry Lake bed was closed in 2005 to camping. BLM will close more area if people do not follow the rules.
The Dry Lake is surrounded by a Wilderness Study Area. Please do not ride in areas closed to OHVs.

Ponderosa Grove Campground - BLM
Located on Hancock Rd. between Hwy 89 and Yellow Jacket Rd. OHV access is no longer allowed from this campground. No ATVs allowed on Hancock Rd. Access to the dunes is prohibited by an emergency closure along the south edge of the Hancock Road.
- Pit toilets.
- No water
- 20 ft. max. RV length

Fees (for Utah State Parks access only)
Camping - $14

Day use - $5

Rules:
Vehicles must remain on pavement within developed areas of the park.
Speed limit in the park is 15 mph; 5 mph in the campground; 30 mph on country roads.
Camping is allowed only in designated campsites.
It is unlawful to remove, destroy or molest all plants, animals and minerals in the park.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Fires can be built in specified locations only. Only in metal containers at the Dry Lake.
Pets must be on a 6-foot leash.
Firearms are prohibited.
Dumping waste water, except in specified sites, is prohibited.
Children under 8 years old cannot ride OHVs (Utah OHV rule)
Orange flags on whips are required on all vehicles.
Helmets are also required on all OHV riders under the age of 18.

2/5/11 - Took out commas in Col C for new 2.6 POI Loader