Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Utah, USA
Only a slight detour on our way from Zion National Park towards the Grand Canyon, but so happy we made the choice to visit the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. One of the best desert like environemnts we have ever seen. Even though it was very hot and probably not wise to have done, but I went hiking in this place towards the highest dune I could see.
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Below are all the photos related to this travel experience including the relevant link to the shop.
Surprising to see flowers here
It was truly surprising to see flowers in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah, USA. With all that sand and the high temperatures we had not expected to find any at all. I looked it up later and these were called mule's ears.
Cute yellow mule's ears
Cute yellow mule's ears in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah, USA. We just loved these yellow flowers and they were literally everywhere.
People climbing the dunes
People climbing the dunes in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah, USA. Most of the park is freely accessible with some areas where it's even allowed to use quads or other motorised vehicles.
Some impressive dunes
Some impressive dunes in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah, USA. Stubborn as I tend to be I decided to go the highest dune at the far end since everyone else was going to the closest one. Looked closer than it was but I did get there eventually.
Mule's ears everywhere
Mule's ears are everywhere in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah, USA. Despite the harsh conditions they grow in, they seem to be doing very well.
Various desert plants
It's always astonishing to see plants growing in a desert, some even with flowers. Various desert plants seemed to survive in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah, USA.
How hard can it be?
How hard can it be? is what I asked myself when I started to climb the highest dune within the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah, USA. Well, it was hard, much harder than anticipated. With three steps up and gliding two down again I ultimately had to stop trying. My condition in combination with the heat was not up for the task.
Much higher than it looks
Making my way up to the top of the highest dune within the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah, USA. It's weird how your eyes can deceive you, as it was definitely much higher than it looked. Although I tried, I did not make it to the top.
An oasis
An oasis in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah, USA. Totally unexpected in the extreme heat (over 40 degrees Celcius), but there appeared to be a real oasis in this desert environment. I had to walk there to prove it wasn't an illusion. And yes, there was real water.
Dune reflections
Given the intense heat while conquering the dunes I did not expect to find a real oasis, water and all. Beautiful dune reflections within the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah, USA.