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I've been planning a ride through the Coral Pink Sand Dunes for awhile. It's a beautiful area that I've explored some, but there is a lot more that I would like to check out. There's a trail that I've wanted to do that passes Elephant Butte, then drops down to the river, then out to Highway 89 at Mount Carmel junction.
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Mount Carmel happens to be at the east end of the road that passes through Zion National Park, and since today was Free National Park Day I decided I would ride through the park on the way home. Who am I to pass up a freebie?
After about 20 miles of dirt I arrived at the Coral Pinks.
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After arriving at the Pinks I turned off on a road I knew led to some pictographs. I knew the road would be sandy but thought I would give it a shot and see what happened. I went in a ways, but the sand was pretty deep. I didn't have a problem with traction, just steering and staying upright. Sorry, no pics.
After getting back to the pavement I headed for the trail I was going to do. I had plotted a route and loaded it on my GPS so I could find the correct turns.
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The area was surprisingly green for this time of year, no doubt due to a recent wet spell we had.
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I found the turn and followed the route I had plotted on the GPS. I thought this road would be a little more solid, and it was to a point. I actually got up pretty close to Elephant Butte before the sand got so deep that it was difficult to stay upright. In fact, I had one slow speed layover of the TW. I figured it would be another 10 to 15 miles of deep sand, and that it would be more work than fun so I called it good. I'll go back in the Samurai or later on the TW when we've had enough rain/snow to firm up the sand.
On the pavement I rode towards Highway 89 and Mount Carmel junction, enjoying the sights as I went.
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Near the east entrance to Zion National Park I spotted a windmill. This is a little different design than what we commonly see around here.
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Getting close to the park.
![]()
Mount Carmel happens to be at the east end of the road that passes through Zion National Park, and since today was Free National Park Day I decided I would ride through the park on the way home. Who am I to pass up a freebie?
After about 20 miles of dirt I arrived at the Coral Pinks.
After arriving at the Pinks I turned off on a road I knew led to some pictographs. I knew the road would be sandy but thought I would give it a shot and see what happened. I went in a ways, but the sand was pretty deep. I didn't have a problem with traction, just steering and staying upright. Sorry, no pics.
After getting back to the pavement I headed for the trail I was going to do. I had plotted a route and loaded it on my GPS so I could find the correct turns.
The area was surprisingly green for this time of year, no doubt due to a recent wet spell we had.
I found the turn and followed the route I had plotted on the GPS. I thought this road would be a little more solid, and it was to a point. I actually got up pretty close to Elephant Butte before the sand got so deep that it was difficult to stay upright. In fact, I had one slow speed layover of the TW. I figured it would be another 10 to 15 miles of deep sand, and that it would be more work than fun so I called it good. I'll go back in the Samurai or later on the TW when we've had enough rain/snow to firm up the sand.
On the pavement I rode towards Highway 89 and Mount Carmel junction, enjoying the sights as I went.
Near the east entrance to Zion National Park I spotted a windmill. This is a little different design than what we commonly see around here.
Getting close to the park.
