UTV Dune Cruise and Surf at Coral Pink Sand Dunes

The best part of this Coral Pink Sand Dunes tour is that it packs three very different southern Utah experiences into about two hours: a fast UTV ride, a short slot canyon walk, and sandboarding down a huge orange dune. You get the fun of a backcountry ride without giving up time to explore on foot.

I like the mix of thrills and scenery, and I like that the UTV brings you back up the hill after each sandboarding run. That matters more than it may sound. Climbing soft sand is tiring, especially in the heat. The main drawback is pace: this is a quick, active outing, not a slow nature walk. If you dislike fast driving or getting sand everywhere, choose another way to see the park.

Key points to know before booking

• Three activities in two hours: Ride a UTV, walk through a short slot canyon, and sandboard or sled at Star Dune.
• Good for beginners: Families and first-time sandboarders are welcome, with lie-flat sled boards and standing sandboards available.
• The ride back saves your legs: After sliding down the dune, the UTV can pick you up below and carry you back toward the top.
• Sunset can improve the timing: Late tours offer cooler sand and a chance to finish near sunset, though exact conditions depend on the day.
• Guides shape the experience: Guides including Drew, Mikey, Harley, Jack, Kyle, Tim, and Tony Collins have led outings with different strengths, from playful family help to local facts.
• Budget for the park fee: The tour costs $139 per person, plus a state park entrance fee of $15 per vehicle, subject to change.

Why this tour works so well at Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is easy to appreciate from a viewpoint, but the dunes are much more fun when you move through them. The orange sand rises and falls in broad waves, and the color changes with the light. A guided UTV ride lets you reach higher sections of the park quickly, then stops you at places where walking and photos make sense.

The tour also avoids making you choose between an off-road ride and sandboarding. You get both, along with a short canyon stop. That variety is the main reason I think the price can make sense for a family or small group that wants one memorable outing rather than several separate activities.

You should expect a fast pace. The experience lasts about two hours, and the route is designed to keep moving. It is not a full-day park tour, and it does not leave a lot of time for standing around. That is good if you want action. It is less ideal if your main goal is quiet photography or a long walk among the dunes.

The UTV ride brings the dunes to life

The first major part of the outing is the UTV ride across the sand. The route provides the bumps, turns, and quick climbs that make these vehicles more exciting than a standard scenic drive. Guides lead the way, so you can focus on the ride and the views instead of figuring out where to go.

The pace can be spirited. Several guide-led outings have included quick runs over the dunes, and the ride is clearly aimed at people who enjoy a little adrenaline. You may get a brief chance to spot the playful Sandsquatch, a Bigfoot-style figure connected with the experience.

At the same time, the tour is built for beginners. Families with children from about age five through the teenage years have enjoyed it, and first-time UTV riders have been able to take part. Your comfort level still matters. Tell the guide if you prefer a gentler pace, and keep in mind that this is not the right choice if you want a calm, smooth ride.

The UTV portion also gives you access to better photo positions than a short stroll from the parking area. The broad orange dunes, distant ridges, and changing shadows provide plenty of material for photos. Guides may also help with pictures, although that can vary by guide and how busy the outing is.

A short walk to Bigfoot’s Hideout

After the UTV ride, the group reaches a bluff with wide views. From there, you walk about five minutes to the entrance of Coral Pink Slot Canyon, also called Bigfoot’s Hideout. The walk is short, but the sand and sun can make even a brief approach feel more active than it sounds.

The slot canyon section lasts about 20 minutes and is described as a moderate, two-part exploration. This is not a long technical canyon trip. It is a compact change of scenery, with narrower rock walls and a more enclosed setting after the open dunes.

I like this stop because it breaks up the ride. The canyon gives you a chance to slow down, look at the rock, and hear some information about the area’s history, plants, and wildlife. Guides such as Mikey, Harley, and Tony Collins have been praised for adding local facts and helping the walk feel like more than a transfer between activities.

Do not book this tour expecting a major slot canyon expedition. The canyon portion is short and secondary to the UTV ride and sandboarding. If you want a long canyon hike, you will need a different outing. Here, its value is variety: after the open sand and engine noise, you get a brief walk through a more intimate setting.

Sandboarding and sledding at Star Dune

The final section is usually the crowd-pleaser. The group heads to Star Dune, where you can try a standing sandboard or a lie-flat sled-style board. The boards are included, so you do not need to bring your own equipment.

Standing sandboarding takes more balance and usually more patience. Sledding is simpler, and it can be a better first run for children or anyone who wants a fast, low-pressure introduction. You can try both styles, which makes the activity work for a mixed-age family. One person can practice standing while another races down on a sled.

The sand is soft, but the run can still feel quick. You will probably collect sand in your shoes, clothing, and hair. On windy days, eye protection becomes especially useful. Goggles may be available to buy, but they are not listed among the included items, so bring suitable eye protection if you already own it.

The helpful detail is the return uphill. Rather than forcing you to trudge up the dune after every run, the UTV can drive down and collect you. That lets you make several attempts instead of spending most of your energy climbing. Some outings have managed about five runs, though the exact number depends on group size, timing, and how quickly everyone gets ready.

This is also the best part for families with different energy levels. A child can sled, an adult can try the standing board, and someone who prefers not to ride can watch and take photos. The tour keeps the activity together without requiring every person to perform at the same level.

Picking the best time of day

The tour runs at different times, and timing affects comfort. Morning tours offer cooler conditions and can work well if you have another Kanab-area activity later. A 10 a.m. outing, for example, can leave part of the afternoon open.

Late-day tours have a different appeal. One family chose a 6 p.m. time to avoid the hottest sand and finish near sunset. A 5:30 p.m. outing also allowed time for sunset views after the main activity. The light can make the dunes especially attractive, and the cooler temperature helps during the walk and repeated sandboarding runs.

Do not assume every tour will end at sunset. The exact schedule depends on the departure time, season, and pace of the group. Still, if your schedule allows, late afternoon is worth considering for cooler sand and softer light.

How the guides affect the outing

The guide is important here because the experience has several moving parts. You need someone to lead the UTV route, explain the canyon, manage sandboarding, and watch the group’s comfort and safety.

Guides named in the activity feedback include Drew, Mikey, Harley, Jack, Kyle, Tim, Tony Collins, and Wyatt. Their strengths vary. Drew has been especially good with children, including ages eight and eleven. Mikey has combined a fun ride with canyon information. Harley has been praised for checking on safety and comfort. Jack has helped first-time UTV riders feel at ease, while Tim has been described as friendly and informative.

That range tells you what the company aims for: a guide-led outing that is social, active, and approachable. You should not assume every guide will give a long natural history talk. Some are stronger at driving and keeping the action moving, while others spend more time on plants, animals, and the park’s past.

The group can include up to 35 people. That is a fairly large maximum for a hands-on activity, although the feel may vary by departure. If you want a private or highly personalized tour, this may not be the right format. The benefit of a group is that the atmosphere can be lively, especially when people are trying different boards and laughing at their first attempts.

What the $139 price includes

At $139 per person, this is not a cheap park add-on. The value comes from combining several paid-style activities in one organized visit. You receive the UTV experience, bottled water, and sandboards, plus a guide for the full outing.

The return ride from the bottom of the sandboarding hill is another part of the value. Without it, repeated runs would require a hard climb through loose sand. For families, that saved energy can make the difference between trying once and enjoying the activity several times.

You also need to add the state park entrance fee, listed as $15 per vehicle and subject to change. That fee is not included in the per-person price. Since the tour begins and ends at 12500 S Sand Dunes Road in Kanab, Utah, you should allow time to reach the meeting point and make sure your group has the required vehicle entrance payment.

The price makes the most sense if you want action and do not plan to spend a full day exploring the park on your own. If you only want to take a few photos and walk near the entrance, paying for a UTV and guide may feel excessive. If your family wants an organized ride, a slot canyon stop, and several chances to sandboard, the cost is easier to justify.

Who should book this Coral Pink Sand Dunes tour

I would recommend it most strongly to families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants a compact adventure near Kanab and Zion. The activity suits mixed groups because you can choose between sledding and standing on the sandboard, and the guides can help beginners get started.

It is also a good fit for people who like variety. You will not spend two hours doing only one thing. The route switches from speed to walking to sliding, which keeps the experience lively.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility or strongly dislike uneven ground, loose sand, or bumpy vehicle rides. The supplied information says most people can participate and service animals are allowed, but it does not give detailed accessibility information for the canyon or dunes. Contact the operator before booking if you need specific assistance.

This is also not ideal for someone seeking a quiet, unhurried visit. The UTV ride can be fast, the group may include up to 35 people, and the itinerary keeps a clear schedule.

Practical details worth knowing

The meeting point is 12500 S Sand Dunes Road, Kanab, Utah 84741. The tour ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

The experience is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket. Confirmation is provided when you book. Bring clothing and shoes you do not mind filling with sand, plus eye protection for windy conditions. Bottled water is supplied, but you should still dress for sun and heat, particularly for daytime departures.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum is not reached, you can choose another date or experience or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, so watch the local cut-off time closely.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the most active way to see Coral Pink Sand Dunes in a short window. The UTV ride supplies the excitement, the slot canyon adds variety, and the sandboarding gives you a hands-on finish. The ride back uphill is a small but important comfort that lets you enjoy more runs.

Skip it if you want a quiet walk, a long canyon visit, or a low-cost look at the park. For families and first-time visitors who enjoy speed, sand, and a little harmless chaos, the combination is hard to beat. The best choice is likely a late afternoon departure if you want cooler sand and sunset light, while a morning tour works better for a busy Kanab or Zion schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Coral Pink Sand Dunes UTV tour?

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at 12500 S Sand Dunes Road, Kanab, Utah 84741, USA.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the UTV, bottled water, and sandboards.

Is the state park entrance fee included?

No. The state park entrance fee is listed as $15 per vehicle, subject to change.

Can beginners try this experience?

Yes. Beginners and families are welcome, and most people can participate.

What activities are included?

You ride a UTV through the dunes, walk to and explore Coral Pink Slot Canyon, and try sandboarding or sledding at Star Dune.

Are sandboards provided?

Yes. Sandboards are included. The experience provides standing boards and lie-flat sled-style boards.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.