Utah's visitors, concentrating their sightseeing on the main parks of the Grand Circle, may miss out on the area's less publicized natural wonders. Eager to get to neighboring Zion National Park, an opportunity visiting the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park may be overlooked. This state park, with the only major sand dunes in the Colorado Plateau, features 2000 acres of sweeping salmon colored sand hills. A photographer's delight, the park is surrounded by rich, red Navajo sandstone cliffs, leaving little doubt where these tiny sand particles came from.
   For those interested in a tranquil view of the dunes, the key is arriving early. ATVs, dune buggies and motorcycles are only held in check until 9 o'clock. The 3700 acre park includes the standard amenities, along with a boardwalk, nature trails and overlook. Here in the park, winds passing through a gap in the Moquith and Moccasin mountains seem to keep the dunes in an ever-changing state. The coral dunes, more of a pinkish hue during sun-up and sun-down, provide a rich contrast to Utah's deep blue sky, evergreen junipers, and impressive red rock outcroppings. The park's eight dollar day-use fee is well worth it.

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