You’ll no doubt want to spend some time exploring Zion National Park during your Cliffrose Lodge stay. We also recommend setting aside time to enjoy all that our Utah resort has to offer, from our on-site spa, Five Petals Spa, to beautiful pools and hot tubs. But an afternoon at the spa or a day in Zion is far from the only options during your visit.
There’s no shortage of unique day trips to enjoy during your stay in one of the best resorts Springdale has to offer. Bryce Canyon National Park, for instance, is just two hours away from our resort and offers views that rival its more popular neighbor. Another great day trip is to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
If you’re searching for a unique outdoor adventure that combines stunning natural beauty with some thrilling recreational activities, keep reading to learn how to plan a visit to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park during your Cliffrose Lodge stay.
Where is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park?
Nestled in the heart of Southern Utah, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is truly a hidden gem. This state park is situated just outside of the town of Kanab, near the border between Utah and Arizona. It’s just over an hour’s drive from one of the best hotels Springdale has to offer.
To get to the state park, you’ll actually travel through Zion’s Upper Canyon, passing through the famous Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, before continuing on to Mt. Carmel Junction.
What is the State Park Known for?
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park covers more than 3,700 acres. It’s home to vibrant pink-hued sand dunes that create a mesmerizing view, especially at sunrise and sunset. These incredible sand dunes are the park’s most famous feature. They were formed thousands of years ago by the erosion of Navajo sandstone cliffs in the area. Sunlight dancing on the dunes turns them a variety of shades of pink and makes for a truly breathtaking view.
What to Do in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
This beautiful state park has a plethora of activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. One of the most popular—and most unique—is sandboarding and sand sledding on the dunes. This is a thrilling experience for adults and children alike. You can rent a sandboard or sand sled from the park’s visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis for a small fee. Grab your sled or board, hike to the top of a dune, and slide away, just as you would on a snowy slope.
If you’re looking for a less-thrilling but no less fun way to explore the park, there are also several hiking trails to choose from. You can also hike directly on the dunes to take in the amazing views. Despite being largely covered by sand dunes, the park offers a surprising amount of native plant species, which create an oasis in the landscape.
Don’t forget to bring your camera with you for your visit. The striking contrast between the pink sand dunes and bright, clear blue skies makes for some amazing shots. Whether you’re an amateur with a smartphone or a professional with high-end equipment, you’ll find something to snap at every turn. Make sure to pay close attention to the changing patterns in the sand or those clusters of shrubs surrounded by dunes.
This state park also has picnic areas perfect for enjoying a quick lunch. Because it’s only an hour from our Springdale hotel, this is a great spot to head for a morning or afternoon of fun before returning to the resort to enjoy some of our many amenities.
Planning Your Stay at the Best Hotels Springdale Has to Offer
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a captivating escape located just a short drive from one of the best hotels Springdale has to offer. With its surreal pink sand dunes, thrilling activities, and amazing views, this day trip is certain to be a hit with every member of your travel party. Whether you plan to go sandboarding, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the dunes, or simply want to capture some pictures of this incredible landscape, you’ll find no shortage of ways to spend your day.
While Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park can draw a crowd, especially during weekends in the summer, it’s often less busy than Zion. This makes it a great escape and an alternative to visiting the national park if your visit to Cliffrose Lodge falls on a summer weekend or around a popular holiday.
Ready to start planning your next visit to one of the best hotels Springdale has to offer? Book your next stay at Cliffrose Lodge today!