REVIEW · DESERT STARGAZING TRIPS
UTV Sunset S’mores n’ Stars at Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Coral Pink Sand Dunes looks good from the roadside, but a UTV ride at golden hour shows you much more of it. You cover broad stretches of sand quickly, reach high viewpoints, and still have time to watch the sky turn from orange to dark blue.
I like the mix of action and calm. You get a genuine off-road thrill, then trade the engine noise for a fire, chocolate, marshmallows, and stars. I also like the guides’ personal touch. Josh, Brad, Troy, Drew, and others are repeatedly praised for making families feel safe and welcome.
The main thing to consider is the weather. Once the sun drops, the dunes can feel cold, and wind or snow can cancel the campfire. Bring layers, and remember that the $134 price does not include the state park entrance fee.
- Golden-hour UTV driving: Ride across the sand when the dunes take on their warmest color.
- Wide views from the dunes: Reach viewpoints that would take much longer to visit on foot.
- Optional sand play: Sandboarding and sliding down the dunes may be included in the evening.
- Campfire dessert: Roast marshmallows and build chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow s’mores.
- Stargazing after sunset: Finish beneath a dark sky, with a chance of seeing shooting stars.
- Small-group feel: The maximum group size is 35, with several UTVs used for the outing.
Why the Sunset Hour Makes This Ride Special

The best reason to book this tour is timing. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is striking in full daylight, but the low sun brings out changing shades in the sand. Ridges glow, shadows stretch across the bowls, and the wide views become especially good for photographs.
You are not simply being driven to one scenic stop. The UTV lets you move across a large section of the state park in a short time. That matters here because walking through loose sand is tiring, especially if you want to reach several high points before sunset.
The ride is also more active than a standard sunset viewing trip. You may drive a side-by-side across the dunes, climb sandy slopes, and stop for photographs. Some outings include sandboarding or sliding down the dunes, which adds a playful break from the vehicle ride. If sandboarding is central to your plans, confirm the day’s arrangements before booking because it is not listed among the formal inclusions.
The tour lasts about two and a half hours. That is long enough to fit a sunset ride, viewpoint stop, dessert, and stargazing without taking up an entire evening.
Starting at 12500 South Sand Dunes Road

The meeting point is 12500 S Sand Dunes Rd, Kanab, Utah 84741. You begin and finish at this same location, so plan your evening around getting there before the scheduled start.
The state park entrance fee is separate. The listed amount is $15 per vehicle, though it can change. If you are driving your own rental car to the meeting point, budget for that extra charge rather than treating the $134 tour price as the complete cost.
The activity is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation arrives when you book. The group limit is 35 people, and the number of UTVs can vary. One family outing used four vehicles, including one for the guides, which allowed the group to spread out while still staying together.
That group size is worth noting. A 35-person maximum is not an intimate private trip, but the vehicles help break the group into smaller units. If you want a private ride or guaranteed time alone with a guide, this is not presented as that kind of experience.
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Driving Through the Coral Pink Sand

Once you are geared up, the active part begins. The UTVs carry you over sandy tracks and open dune sections, giving you a better view of the area than a short walk near the entrance.
The ride can be thrilling without requiring you to be an expert off-road driver. The guides lead the way and keep safety in view. Brad is praised for being careful and safety-focused, while Troy is noted for adjusting the outing to suit the group. Those details matter if one person in your party is excited about speed and another is more cautious.
You may have the chance to drive your own vehicle, depending on how the outing is arranged. A few families and couples described operating the UTV themselves, which made the ride feel more hands-on. Since the supplied tour details do not spell out driver requirements or exact vehicle assignments, ask the operator ahead of time if you need to know who will drive.
The sand can make the ride bumpy and unpredictable. That is part of the fun, but it also means this is not a smooth scenic shuttle. Wear clothes you can get dusty, secure loose items, and expect sand around your shoes and lower legs.
Viewpoints, Photos, and Sandboarding
The tour’s best scenic moments come when the guide pauses at higher ground. From a dune crest or overlook, you can see broad views across Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park rather than only the patch of sand beside the entrance.
This is where the UTV earns its keep. On foot, you may spend much of your energy climbing soft slopes. In the vehicle, you can reach several areas and save your legs for the fun parts, such as walking a short distance to a viewpoint or trying a sandboard.
Sandboarding appears often in the evening descriptions, with children and adults sliding down the dunes. It can be a good fit for families because it gives children an activity beyond sitting in a vehicle. It can also be a pleasant surprise for adults who expected only a ride and a sunset.
Still, sandboarding is not named in the included-equipment list. The listed inclusions are the UTV, bottled water, s’mores, and roasting sticks. If you specifically want a board, ask what is supplied on your date. Do not assume it is guaranteed simply because it may be part of some outings.
S’mores by the Fire After Dark

After the ride, the mood changes. You stop at an overlook or fire area, settle in, and roast marshmallows on the provided sticks. The dessert is simple: chocolate and marshmallow between graham crackers.
That simplicity works. After a dusty, active ride, a warm snack gives the evening a clear finish. It also creates an easy social moment for families, couples, and solo participants who may have arrived as strangers.
The campfire is not guaranteed in every condition. One outing was affected by a blizzard, and the group received s’more supplies to take home instead. Poor weather can also lead to cancellation, with the choice of another date or a full refund.
This is one reason to pack properly. Bring a warm layer even in summer, since the temperature can fall quickly after sunset. A hat or light jacket will make the stargazing portion much more comfortable.
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Stargazing on the Dunes
Once the fire settles, look up. The final part of the evening is stargazing beneath the open sky. The lack of city lights gives the stars a strong presence, and the dunes create a quiet setting once the UTVs stop moving.
You might see shooting stars. At least one evening included two, though no guide can promise that. The sky will also depend on clouds, wind, moonlight, and the time of year.
I like this ending because it gives the tour more range than a basic off-road excursion. You are not asked to rush from one activity to the next. The evening moves from driving, to sunset, to food, to stillness.
The stargazing will not be a formal astronomy program based on the supplied details. Expect a chance to enjoy the night sky, not a scheduled telescope session or technical lesson.
What the Guides Add to the Evening

The guides are an important part of this experience. Josh is praised for going out of his way to keep the group engaged and for sharing local stories and facts. Brad is described as helpful and careful. Troy is noted for his warm manner and for shaping the outing around the group’s wishes. Drew is praised for being personable, and Noah for being professional and kind.
Those names may not be the person leading your date, but they show the style of service you can expect from the team. The strongest part of the experience is not only the machinery or scenery. It is having someone who can place the right pause in the ride, help a nervous child, and keep the group moving without making the evening feel rushed.
The guides also help with the practical side of sand driving. A good leader makes the UTV ride feel exciting rather than confusing. That matters for families with mixed ages and for anyone trying this kind of activity for the first time.
Is $134 a Fair Price?
At $134 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Coral Pink Sand Dunes. You are paying for more than a sunset viewpoint, though. The price includes a UTV ride, bottled water, s’mores, roasting sticks, and guide support during an evening lasting about two and a half hours.
The value is strongest if you want several experiences in one booking: off-road driving, sunset views, possible sandboarding, a campfire snack, and stargazing. Booking separate activities could take more planning and might not give you the same transition from daylight to night.
The value is weaker if you only want photographs or a quiet sunset. You can visit the state park without booking this tour, and the entrance fee is much lower than the activity price. You are also paying for the fun of the ride, so people who dislike bumpy vehicles or dusty conditions may not feel they received good value.
Remember the separate $15-per-vehicle park fee. The activity includes bottled water, but you should bring any other drinks or personal items you need.
Who Will Enjoy This Most?

This is a strong pick for families with children old enough to participate safely in a motorized outdoor activity. Children can enjoy the ride, sand sliding, fire, and dessert, while adults get the scenery and the night sky.
It also suits couples who want something more active than dinner or a standard viewpoint stop. The mix of thrill and quiet gives the evening a natural rhythm.
Solo participants can fit in well, too. The campfire makes it easy to talk with the rest of the group, and the guides help keep the experience social without requiring you to arrive with a large party.
You should think twice if you need a quiet, private outing, dislike sand, or want a fixed schedule with no weather risk. The ride is outdoors, the campfire depends on conditions, and the post-sunset temperature may be cold.
Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The supplied information does not provide detailed vehicle, age, or mobility requirements, so contact ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co if anyone in your group has specific access needs.
Booking Timing and Weather Rules
This experience is often booked about 32 days ahead. That is a useful signal for popular travel dates, especially around holidays and busy summer periods. If this tour is important to your schedule, reserve before arriving in the Kanab area.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.
The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund. Those rules make the tour a better fit for flexible itineraries than for a tightly packed final evening.
Should You Book the Coral Pink Sand Dunes UTV Tour?
I would book it if you want an active, easy-to-organize evening that keeps changing pace. The strongest combination is the broad dune ride at sunset followed by a simple campfire dessert and an open sky. Guides such as Josh, Brad, and Troy also appear to bring the friendly, safety-minded approach that makes a family outing work.
I would skip it if you only want a low-cost park visit, a private sunset, or guaranteed campfire and sandboarding. For everyone else, especially families and first-time UTV riders, the $134 price can make sense because it joins several memorable parts of Coral Pink Sand Dunes in one outing.
FAQ
Where does the UTV Sunset S’mores n’ Stars tour start?
It starts at 12500 S Sand Dunes Rd, Kanab, Utah 84741, USA.
Where does the experience end?
The tour ends back at the original meeting point.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes.
What is included in the price?
The price includes the UTV, bottled water, s’mores, and roasting sticks.
Is the state park entrance fee included?
No. The state park entrance fee is listed as $15 per vehicle, subject to change.
Is sandboarding included?
Sandboarding is described as part of some outings, but it is not listed among the formal inclusions. Ask ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co if it is available on your date.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
You will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted and are not refunded.
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