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Explore Utah's Iconic Coral Pink Sand Dunes

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 12:05 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah – A Quick Takeaway

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park article on Travel + Leisure gives readers a vivid snapshot of one of Utah’s most photogenic natural wonders. Located in the heart of the Uinta Basin near the town of Bluff, the park is renowned for its striking coral‑colored sand dunes that appear to rise from a deep‑blue desert landscape. The article’s main goal is to help travelers understand why the dunes are worth a visit, how to get there, and what to expect once you’re on the ground.

1. A Short History of the Dunes

The writer begins by tracing the geological timeline that produced the pink dunes. These sands are a product of ancient seas and volcanic activity that left behind iron‑rich minerals. When wind scours the surface, the iron oxidizes to a reddish‑pink hue, giving the dunes their signature color. The article points out that the dunes were only officially designated a state park in 2009, a relatively recent move that helped protect the fragile ecosystem and regulate visitor traffic.

For more context, the article links to the Utah State Parks official page (https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/coral-pink-sand-dunes/), which gives background on the park’s establishment and the legislative process that turned a privately owned area into a protected public space. Readers can also explore the “History” section on the state parks site, which provides photos from the early 2000s and discusses the role of the Ute tribe in preserving the land.

2. The Park’s Layout and Key Features

Travel + Leisure then moves to a practical guide. The park covers about 13,000 acres and is divided into several zones:

• Visitor Center & Parking – The main entrance, equipped with a small museum that explains the dunes’ geological makeup and offers maps.
• Dune Buggies – The article emphasizes the most popular activity: off‑road dune buggies. A quick link takes you to the Utah Department of Transportation page that details the rental companies operating within the park and the safety guidelines for buggy riding.
• Camping & Picnicking – The park has five campgrounds, all equipped with electric hookups and restrooms. The Travel + Leisure article cites a link to the campgrounds’ reservations page, letting readers book their spot in advance.
• Hiking & Biking – While the dunes themselves are best enjoyed by vehicle, the surrounding flats offer trails that wind through sagebrush and provide views of the distant La Sal Mountains.

The piece highlights the park’s unique “no‑trailing‑footprint” policy. Visitors are urged to stick to designated paths and leave no trash behind, a rule that the Utah State Parks site outlines in a dedicated “Leave No Trace” section.

3. Why the Dunes Are Worth the Trip

The article then paints the picture of the ideal experience. The pink dunes glow in the early morning light, especially at sunset, when the sun casts a golden wash over the sand. Photographers, in particular, will be drawn to the dunes for their dramatic backdrops. The writer quotes a photographer who says that “the dunes change color with the light, so you’re never looking at the same thing twice.”

The park also offers a “free ranger tour” on weekends. The ranger explains the history, the wildlife (including the occasional mule deer or the elusive Bighorn sheep that occasionally roam the flats), and how the dunes are maintained. A link to the park’s ranger schedule helps travelers plan their visit.

4. Practical Tips for Travelers

The Travel + Leisure article includes a handy list of dos and don’ts:

• Bring plenty of water and sunscreen – The desert can get hot, and there are limited shade structures.
• Use a good pair of hiking shoes – Even if you’re planning a dune buggy ride, you’ll likely do some walking around the perimeter.
• Check the weather – A sudden storm can produce flash flooding in the surrounding valleys. The linked U.S. National Weather Service page gives up-to-date forecasts for Bluff.
• Respect wildlife – Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid feeding them.
• Leave the sand – The dunes are fragile; staying on marked paths preserves the ecosystem.

The article also suggests visiting the park in the spring or fall for cooler temperatures, and it offers a link to a Utah State Parks seasonal guide that lists the best times for different activities.

5. Getting There and Getting Around

Transportation is a big part of the planning process. The article recommends driving the 30‑mile scenic route off Interstate 80, which winds past historic mining towns and offers great photo ops of the high desert. For those who prefer a more sustainable approach, a nearby bus route—linked from the Utah Department of Transportation—runs from the town of Bluff to the park’s entrance during peak season.

Within the park, most visitors rely on rented dune buggies or their own four‑wheel‑drive vehicles. For families who want a more relaxed experience, the article notes that the park offers “car‑accessible” picnic spots and a playground for children, making it a family‑friendly destination.

6. What’s Next?

Finally, the Travel + Leisure piece closes by suggesting that readers look beyond the dunes. A short drive south leads to the historic town of Bluff, where the Travel + Leisure article links to an entry about the “Soda City” ghost town. Downstream, the Colorado River’s “Rainbow Falls” provides a contrasting, lush environment for those who want to combine a desert adventure with a water‑fall hike.

Bottom Line

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park article on Travel + Leisure is an excellent primer for anyone planning a desert getaway. By combining geological history, practical visitor information, and a dash of local lore, the article offers a 500‑word snapshot that’s both informative and enticing. Whether you’re a photographer, a thrill‑seeker looking for a dune buggy ride, or a nature lover, the coral‑pink dunes promise an unforgettable experience in the heart of Utah’s high desert.