Yesterday I returned from what felt like a whirlwind 4-day trip to Utah. Our plan was to head into the Vermillion Cliffs wilderness and visit the Wave, as well as Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass. Unfortunately, December snow and recent warm temperatures have made the roads into those trailheads extremely muddy, and nothing ruins a trip faster than having to call a tow truck to pull you out of the mud. As a compromise, we spent a couple of days in Zion National Park, as well as one day in Bryce Canyon National Park. I’ll be sharing some images from those parks in the next few days.
On our second night there, we made a trip to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park near the east entrance to Zion. I had never been here before, but because of my love for sand dunes I’ve always wanted to. The geography of the region has allowed the dunes to form here, and the sand is derived from Navajo Sandstone which surrounds the area. As the name implies, the dunes were very pretty pink, turning a brilliant red as the sun went down. With the Vermillion Cliffs as a backdrop, this place would make for some great grand landscapes, however I was somewhat disappointed with the number of OHV tracks on the dunes (for grand landscapes, it would be best after a large wind storm). In the spring, the place would also make for great floral photography. On this trip, however, I focused on the macro landscape. I hope you enjoy this image; its one of my favorites from the whole trip.
The Sands of Time, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, January 2010
Nice photo Greg! I’ve reluctantly passed up that state park twice now due to lack of time, guess I’ll have to stop next time. Thanks for sharing!
Went through there a couple of months ago. We drove in, looped clear through the area to the west and then south and exited back out in Arizona. Interesting and different country. Too bad about all of the ATVs though.
I have always wondered about that place Greg. Looks great from your wonderful shot. I’m surprised part of it is not seperated from OHV.
SS
Thanks for all the comments!
Steve, its a little confusing for me too, because talking to the ranger, and reading the literature, my understanding is that it is separate from the OHV, however, its clearly not, as it was covered with tracks.