The Coral Pink Dunes

Here we were, a day of exploring under our belts. We'd already been through the Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ and now we were in Utah just past Kanab. We were rapidly approaching Zion National Park when mom spied a sign, "Coral Pink Sand Dunes." She asked if I would be interested in checking this place out and I said "Sure!" So there we were at the dunes, mounds and mounds of orangey-pink colored sand. Not quite coral, not quite rust just somewhere in the family of orange and coral. The previous day had seen some snowfall in the area leaving some of the mounds dusted with white, giving the impression of a tasty orange dreamsicle.

We explored one small area of dunes before driving on to discover the official park entry. Mom paid the fee and in we went. Miles of the sand dunes stretched out in all directions. It was an impressive sight to see. Not to be confined to the car and simple walkways, since the dunes were open for exploration, we did just that. We slid-walked down the hills as we went along and each uphill was a challenge. Each step uphill was like taking two steps as your foot would sink deeply into the sand. Mom pointed to a rather high peak in the dunes and suggested we go up there, my initial response was absolutely not! My nose was already cold from the frigid winds, I was ready to pack it in. Then we got to a fence and took a picture together. My wanderlust got the better of me, next thing I knew I was wandering, just a couple steps down toward the base of the big hill. Just a couple steps, then a couple more, next thing I knew we were making our way, slide-walking up the hill toward the peak.

Nearing the halfway point to the peak, the ground had frozen a little making for easier walking. However, the wind had kicked up to a point that scarves, hats, gloves, and jackets were pretty much useless against the cold. Nearly to the top we decided to call it quits. Although I was cold (frozen might be more accurate) the view was not one to ignore. I had to take a video and some pictures. The wind was blowing so hard you could see the sand lifting from the top of the dunes. What a sight!

We slowly made our way back down and up and down and up the dunes until we made it back to the car. I had sunk into the dunes so many times, my shoes were now filled with enough sand to make a miniature sandbox, but at least my feet were warmer from the extra insulation. It was a fantastic experience and one that will stay with me for a long time.