| Summary: |
A short
stroll on a nature trail across the only sand
dunes on the Colorado Plateau. Be aware that this
area is heavily used by 4-wheel OHVs on the
weekend. |
| Directions: |
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are
located in southern Utah roughly between Kanab
and Zion National Park. From Kanab, drive north
on highway 89 past Moqui Cave and the Best
Friends Animal Sanctuary. Turn left (west) on
Hancock Road (you can also get there on Sand
Dunes Road which lies further north on 89).
Drive to the entrance on the left (south) and
pay $5 at the self pay station (camping is also
available for an additional fee). The trailhead
begins a short distance down the road at a
parking lot and board walk on the left. |
| Road Conditions: |
Passenger Car - paved all the
way |
| Navigation: |
Easy |
| Length: |
1/2 mile |
| Date Hiked: |
September,
2002 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Nice & windy |
|
Required Skills: |
None |
| Hike Description: |
From the car park, walk to
the end of the board walk to a few signs which
explain dune formation. The Coral Pink Sand
Dunes were formed by high winds and eroding
Navajo sandstone cliffs to the south. There is a
constricting notch formed by Mouquith and
Moccasin Mountains which causes wind funneled
through the notch to increase in velocity
depositing Navajo sand in this one particular
area forming the dunes. The dunes are the only
major ones on the Colorado Plateau and stretch
for 7 miles along the Vermillion Cliffs. There
is a 1/2 mile nature trail which begins just off
the board walk on the right. The nature trail is
fenced off from the rest of the park to prohibit
the entry of OHVs. Signs at frequent intervals
explain the dune plant and animal ecology as
well as various aspects of dune formation. Half
way through the loop you can risk your life by
venturing out of the fenced area to climb one or
both of the largest dunes. It's actually sort of
cool to examine the semi-liquid properties of
the sand and action of wind across the dunes.
|
| Rating (1-5 stars): |
 
The author and his wife got an early
start and hiked the nature trail and climbed the
tallest dune before the OHV riders were out of
bed and on their stinky, noisy machines. |
| Maps: |
None |
| Books: |
None |
| Photos: |
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