Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park sits in a broad valley outside Kanab where wind funnels sand off the Navajo sandstone cliffs and piles it into 1,200 acres of rolling, coral-colored dunes. It's a strange, striking detour if you're working your way between Zion, Bryce, and the North Rim — an entirely different landscape than the canyon country around it, and an easy half-day stop.

What to do

• Sandboard or sled the dunes — rentals are available in the park and boards typically need to be returned by early evening
• Ride designated OHV and dune buggy areas if you've brought your own machine
• Hike out into the open dunes, especially early morning or late afternoon when the sand is cooler and the light brings out the pink and coral tones
• Stay for dark sky viewing — there's no light pollution out here and the park is a popular stargazing spot

Reviewers consistently point to sunset as the best time to visit, when the dunes glow orange-pink and the crowds thin out. The sand is fine and soft, closer to powder than typical beach sand, which makes the climb up the dunes more of a workout than it looks. Bring water and sun protection; shade is essentially nonexistent. There's a small vehicle entrance fee, and cell service is unreliable once you're off Highway 89, so get directions locked in before you leave Kanab.