Hiking | Sand Dunes Trail
Hype:
Sand Dunes Trail is one of the most accessible and playful hikes in Snow Canyon State Park, leading directly from a roadside parking area into a wide expanse of deep, rust-colored sand. Unlike traditional trails, it encourages free exploration, with people climbing dunes, running, or simply relaxing in the open desert setting.
The surrounding scenery is a major highlight, with towering red and white sandstone cliffs enclosing the dunes and creating a striking visual contrast. The soft sand makes hiking more physically demanding than the distance suggests, but the short approach keeps it manageable for most visitors, including families with children.
Because of the exposed environment and heat-retaining sand, timing your visit is important. Cooler months provide the most comfortable experience, while summer heat can make the sand extremely hot and potentially unsafe during midday hours.
Trail Condition: Class 3 (Trail may have sections where hands are needed. Trail may not be visible in spots or may not exist at all.)
Time: 0-2 hours
Length: 0.25 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 100 ft
Fees: Park Admission
Recommended Ages:
 | 0-3 |
 | 4-11 |
 | 12-19 |
 | 20-49 |
 | 50-69 |
 | 70+ |
Recommended Months to Visit:
| Jan |
| Feb |
| Mar |
| Apr |
| May |
| Jun |
| Jul |
| Aug |
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Navigate to 37.192918, -113.647851.
Closest City or Region: Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Coordinates: 37.189832, -113.646406
By Jeremy Dye
Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye,
That evening, we joined a ranger-led scorpion tour. We used black lights to find glowing scorpions in the sand dunes. It was fun being in a big group because everyone would call out sightings. Most were small, but Savannah spotted a large one. We watched it come out, catch a bug, and sting it. It was a highlight.
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum
By Jeremy Dye
Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye,
Tara and the kids hiked the Whiptail Trail from camp down to Pioneer Names. They hiked up to the names, then across to a small arch.
They got back on the Whiptail Trail and hiked down to the sand dunes. By that point, Cooper was too tired to continue and plopped face-down in the sand, refusing to go further.
After he calmed down, they hiked back up the Whiptail Trail to camp. They had a picnic in the grass under a tree.
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum
Sand Dunes
Desert
Hiking Trails
Restrooms - Vault
Road Access is Paved
Access Road is 2WD Accessible
Picnic Tables
