A Side Trip

I read about the Coral Pink Sands State Park and thought it might be worth seeing since we were 'in the area.' I also thought it would be interesting to compare it and the White Sands National Monument in southern New Mexico, which we saw last year. (see April 2010 blog post)

The wind swept piles of pink sand were impressive.

 The almost seven miles of fine sand are a haven for OHV enthusiasts.

"The geology of the sand dunes is an intriguing subject. The sand comes from Navajo sandstone from the geologic period call Middle Jurassic. The same iron oxides and minerals that give us spectacular red rock country are responsible for this landscape of coral pink sand.
    Sand dunes are created by three factors: Sand, high winds, and a unique influence upon the wind. The notch between the Moquith and Moccasin mountains causes this unique influence. The wind is funneled through the notch, thereby increasing wind velocity to a point where it can carry sand grains from the eroding Navajo sandstone.
    This phenomenon is known as the Venturi Affect. Once the wind passes through the notch and into the open valley, the wind velocity decreases, causing the sand to be deposited. These dunes are estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 years old."

Located at an elevation of 6,000 feet, Coral Pink Sand Dunes receives relatively high amounts of precipitation. This moisture allows for a wide variety of plants.

 I was surprised to see an acorn in the sand on my little walk.

Notice the evidence of recent rain by the dimpled sand.

The Gambel oak tree was growing near the observation stand and visitors' center, near the edge of the sand dunes.

It felt and acted like sugar. Walking through the sand was a very good cardiac work-out.

 Comparing white sand from New Mexico...

and the white dunes from our trip in April 2010.

As the only major sand dune field on the Colorado Plateau, this park, established in 1963, is a unique geologic feature.