We have an “extra” day here in Mt. Carmel (Zion east) and head out to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. We get an early start knowing that sand dune hikes can be quite a challenge in mid-day sun.

OHV tracks zig-zag through National Forest and BLM land all along our route to the park and we pass several boondocking sites filled with buggies.  Off-roading is the biggest use on the dunes but we are hoping to get the feel for the natural place before the riders show up.

As we wind our way back to the park, glimpses of dune tops are definitely pink; noticeably different than the dunes in Mohave.  The dune field is smaller too with just two large living dunes and many outlying forested hills.  I opt to not rent a sand sled despite Kent’s insistence that there could be some great video come out of that!  We could have rented 4-wheelers too.  I prefer foot power.

It is quiet, only a few walkers on the sand; and beautiful with the morning sun bringing out the unique color.  We hike to the ridge of the highest dune and find a comfy spot to take it all in.  There are many inter-dunal pools and lots of wild-life tracks.  Beetle and lizard tracks are everywhere plus a very odd track made by a grasshopper (we saw him make them else likely would have had no idea).  Larger critters have passed through as well.

From the entrance trailhead sand-boarders begin to make their way toward the sand slopes.  The first set are about our age.  Guess I could/should have tried it?!  The younger folks are a little faster, especially on the narrower stand-up boards.  Physics?  Lots more friction area on the wider sleds.  The kids likely had a bit more practice at it too.

We head back down with one last stop. Sand castle building.  I had a couple sand forms in the backpack and it worked out every well.  Wish you were here to build with me again, Willa.

Interesting factoid.  The impetus to create this park was two-fold: to set aside the unique formations for recreation (Off roading predominantly it turns out) and to protect a species of tiger beetle known to exist on only this dune field.  Not sure who thought those two objectives were compatible but they have been somewhat successful (the beetles are not yet extinct) and continue to try to make it work.

Dune riders must sleep in?  It is still pretty quiet as we head out late morning.