Next stop – Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. We loved the White Sands in New Mexico and I was really excited to see this sand. Really pretty. But -
Unlike White Sands you can’t really drive out among the dunes unless you have an ATV. (Jeri, are you paying attention here?) About 90% of the dune field of 1200 acres is open to OHV’s. The dunes are seven miles long and you’re welcome to walk out to them. Just not going to happen for us.
We took a few pictures and walked a little ways in the dunes which were created by three factors: sand, high wind, and a unique influence upon those high winds. Here at the dunes, a notch between the Moquith and Moccasin mountains causes this unique influence. Wind is funneled through this notice, increasing wind velocity to a point where it can carry grains of sand from the eroding Navajo sandstone. This phenomenon is known as the Venturi Effect. After the wind passes through the notch and into the open valley, wind velocity decreases, depositing the sand.
The color of the sand is due to the high concentration of iron oxide in the sandstone.
Notice how the tracks just disappear into the sand. Wonder what kind of bug made these tracks.
Wow, I didn't know these existed. Most places other Rv bloggers have visited I have heard of, but not these pink sands. Learn something every day.
ReplyDeleteOur first year out here, we took our grandson there and we just loved it! The coloring of the sand was awesome!
ReplyDeleteok, i'm lost...........where R U? this place looks mighty cool.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP before. Good find! I could live without the ATV s though.
ReplyDeleteDidn't know coral pick sand dunes existed...kinda neat. Good choice not to venture out on the dunes in a vehicle as it looks like very soft sand.
ReplyDeletehad no idea that this place even existed..as for blowing sand?..can you say ouchie ouchie if you are wearing shorts!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and science lesson. Like the others, I had no idea this place even existed. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of that place before but I'd sure like to visit it now! Great pics!
ReplyDeleteI saw that place on the map when we were in Utah, but we didn't go there. Now I wish we had!
ReplyDeleteHaha Sandie. Yes, I did pay attention to that. Remember we're going to Arizona and not necessarily to drive on sand. Did you also remember that you're going riding too?
ReplyDeleteThat's the first I heard about Coral Sands. It's beautiful, thanks for sharing. I'm not sure exactly where you are either?
ReplyDeleteOH how beautiful! Never have seen pink sand. Love the pictures. Have no idea what that creature could be.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we've been there. We even have T-shirts that prove it. Like you, we were somewhat disappointed. The dunes were splendid, the color terrific, but then what? Like you, we had only recently been at White Sands, and the comparison was striking. But when you are in southern Utah, you see what is in southern Utah!
ReplyDeleteWOW, very beautiful indeed!
ReplyDeleteNew place to me, too. Apparently they don't advertise it. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! And you're so very informative!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this place with all of us!
I can't believe so many did not know of this state park!!
ReplyDeleteWe've been there 2x, one saved us because the North Rim wasn't open yet..Nice park!.
Upriverdavid