Sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes: I Was Terrified (Honest Beginner Review)
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Sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
I watched videos of people sandboarding, standing up on the board and gliding down the dunes like it was nothing. Then I got to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, stood at the top with a board in my hands, and realized I was actually scared. I knew it would take me a few minutes to ground myself and find the courage to push off the edge and slide down the dunes.
On that first run, I didn’t even try to stand. I went slow, with both hands on the board for control, and there’s no video evidence because I was so nervous and just trying to make it down. Honestly, I didn’t even make it all the way to the bottom because I dug my hands into the sand behind me to control the speed. I was trying to go as slow as possible, because I was nervous I would get hurt somehow.
But it was exhilarating, and after that first ride, I was ready to go again, and I even flipped over. I still feel like I’m trying to get the sand out of my shoes, and it’s been a few months.
In this post, I share what the Sandboarding Tour was really like, what you need to know before you go, and more sandboarding tips for beginners.
What is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park?
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a State park in Southwest Utah that is made of warm, pink sand formed by the erosion of pink-colored Navajo Sandstone.
To enter the State Park, you have to pay $15; you can use a credit card or pay online. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is open year-round, seven days a week, during daylight hours.
How to get to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park(from Kanab)
If you are staying in Kanab and heading to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, it will take 25-30 minutes. Keep in mind, part of it is on a highway and then a paved road. You might lose phone service during your trip, so I recommend downloading your favorite songs on Spotify so you can listen to music if you need to. I didn’t realize I had only downloaded one album that I liked years ago, so that was all I had to listen to. Also, download offline Google Maps of the area so you don’t get lost on the way.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a great add-on if you are checking out Zion National Park or going to White Chamber.
Overnight lodging near Coral Pink Sand Dunes
If you stay in Kanab, I highly recommend staying at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab or White Camel Camping Kanab. I loved my stay at both and recommend them to anyone visiting Southwestern Utah.
You can also go camping. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park has two campgrounds with hot showers and flush toilets (22 sites are dry camping, 12 sites include water and electricity), plus two RV dump stations. Advance camping reservations are recommended.
How much does Sandboarding cost?
You have a few options for sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
If you want to go without a tour company, you can rent a sandboard or sand sled for $25 from the visitor center after paying the entry fee. They do include wax with the board. After renting the board, head to the dune viewpoint and walk to the top of the dunes to begin your adventure.
Your other option is to go with a tour company. I went with Roam Adventures, booked via GetYourGuide. Roam Adventures also offers day or night tours with s’mores. I had to pay the state park entry fee before driving down to Roam Adventures to start my tour.
For the Roam Adventures tour I took, I paid $140 and tipped $10. I also paid the $15 entry fee to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
What to expect on your Sandboarding Tour with Roam Adventures
My Roam Adventures tour was one of the best I have ever been on. As a solo traveler, I rode the UTV with the tour guide driving.
After I arrived and got into the UTV, the group headed straight to the sand dunes while the other half went to see the slot canyons. We spent about 45 minutes at the sand dunes, where we slid down the dunes, and the driver drove us back up each time. It was so much fun, but there was so much sand. I literally cannot believe how much sand got into my clothes, hair, and body.
When we went to the sand dunes, our instructor gave us an intro to the dunes before showing us how to wax our boards. Then we were ready to go! I went down at least 10 times, but the first time was the scariest, and flipping off the board was definitely not what I was trying to do, but I feel like that first flip made sandboarding so much better because I was no longer scared of flipping.
After Sandboarding, we were offered water, and then we headed to the Slot Canyons to explore. After parking, we grabbed some water before the short walk to the start of the canyons. We walked through the slot canyons and learned more about how they formed. We took some pictures and then headed back to the utv’s.
The ride back was scary in the best way: drifting sideways through the sand at full speed, sand flying everywhere, and I loved every second of it. It felt freeing, and I cannot wait to head back to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park with Roam Adventures.
Things to expect on your Sandboarding Tour
If you are planning a tour at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, keep these things in mind.
- Buy goggles or a neck gaiter: I didn’t think I would need either, but I regret not bringing at least one. As you plow through the sand, it flies everywhere, including in your face. They sell them at Roam Adventures, and I’d buy at least one.
- Bring a bag for your gear: Since you are surrounded by sand for miles, I would bring a bag to hold your phone and any other items that you may need. You won’t be able to find an item in the snow once you lose it. I bought this pack on Amazon for the weekend and loved it.
- Small Towel: I had a small towel in my bag and used it after the sandboarding to wipe my hands and face so they weren’t covered in sand for the second part of the tour.
- Bathroom: There are no bathrooms on the tour, so use the bathroom at their headquarters before you head out.
Is sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes worth it?
Absolutely. This was a 10/10 experience, and I cannot wait to go back and do it again. Hopefully this time I can actually stand up on the board. I loved having a tour guide who could share more about Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, in addition to the Slot Canyons. I feel like a fake history aficionado because I love that part of tours, especially when they share personal anecdotes.
If Peru is out of budget and you want to sandboard in the United States, I highly recommend Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
When is the best time to visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes?
The best times to go are spring, early summer, and fall, when temperatures are mild and the weather is usually cooperative. I also recommend going in the morning or late afternoon.
How much does it cost to enter the State Park?
It costs $15 per vehicle, payable upon entry or online. You can also use the Annual Utah State Park Pass.
Do you need a tour to see Coral Pink Sand Dunes?
No! You can enter on your own and pay the entry fee, then rent a board, or take a tour with a company like Roam Adventures.
Do you have to stand up while sandboarding?
No! I slid down each time because I was scared and had zero balance.
How much did the Sandboarding Tour with Roam Adventures Cost?
I paid $140 for the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Sandboarding and Slot Canyons tour and tipped $10. I also paid $15 to enter the state park.
Is sandboarding Safe?
Yes, as long as you listen to your tour guide’s instructions and don’t try anything that would cause harm.
What is included in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes UTV Tour?
If you do the Roam Adventures tour during the day, it includes sandboarding, UTV, slot canyons, and water!
If you are headed to Kanab, check out these guides
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