Scientists believe that the giant, colored sandbox known as the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is approximately 10,000 to 15,000 years old. Known as the only major dunes on the Colorado Plateau, the 3,730-acre sight was established as a park in 1968.

Nearly 265 acres are reserved for conservation efforts, and 2,000 acres of sand are contained on the property. It is well accepted that the pink hue of the sand dunes is formed by a thin hematite coating on quartz granules. These granules are a byproduct of the erosion of pink Navajo Sandstone, which was carried by the Virgin River and deposited at the bottom of the Arizona Cane Beds.

The Venturi effect is the name given to winds carrying the sand along the 200-mile long Sevier Fault between the Moquith and Moccasin mountains. Sand is then deposited on the existing dunes, constantly adding to the photo-worthy scenery of the land.

Pink dunes are contrasted with a background of red cliffs, and many visitors enjoy camping, hiking, off-road vehicle driving and taking pictures of the scenes. The park and campgrounds are open year-round.