Explore The Wave: Arizona-Utah Border's Geological Marvel

Discover the unparalleled beauty of The Wave, where intricate sandstone formations and vibrant color palettes create a hiker's paradise, with our comprehensive guide to permits and preparation.

Last updated: Apr 2024

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$9 application fee, $7 per person/dog if selected
405 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Embark on a memorable hike to The Wave, a mesmerizing sandstone formation nestled on the Arizona-Utah border, with our expert guide to securing the coveted permit. Discover the unparalleled beauty of The Wave, where intricate sandstone formations and vibrant color palettes create a hiker's paradise, with our comprehensive guide to permits and preparation. Overview: The Wave, located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, is a geological masterpiece that attracts hikers from around the globe. Known for its stunning, undulating sandstone formations and the play of colors at different times of the day, The Wave offers an unparalleled hiking experience. Journey Details: The hike to The Wave is a 6.4-mile round-trip trek through rugged desert terrain, requiring good physical condition and navigation skills in undeveloped areas. Permits are required and obtained through a lottery system due to the delicate nature of the formations and the desire to preserve this unique landscape. Why It's a Must-Do: The exclusivity of the permit system, combined with the surreal beauty of the landscape, makes visiting The Wave a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The challenge of securing a permit only adds to the allure, making it a coveted achievement among hiking enthusiasts.

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Itinerary

Apply for the permit through the lottery system, either 4 months in advance or via the daily lottery 2 days before the desired date.
If selected, pay the permit fee and prepare for the hike by reviewing the provided route description and attending the safety orientation.
On the day of the hike, start early to avoid the hottest part of the day, follow the route using the provided guide, and ensure to pack out all trash.

Location

The Wave Trail, Kanab, AZ 84741

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Packing List

Sturdy hiking shoes
Ample water supply (at least 1 gallon per person recommended)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
High-energy snacks and lunch
First-aid kit
Camera or smartphone for photography

4.7 ● Google reviews

We got super lucky with this hike! We ended up winning the advanced lottery on our first try which I understand is quite lucky indeed. The day we hiked we hardly saw any other people so we had plenty of time to spend in the wave taking tons of pictures without anyone else in them. Late March is probably one of the best times to go because while it was warm it wasn't too hot and it was nice and sunny. There was a sketchy point in which we thought it was going to rain but it skirted around us. The hike itself is not that difficult though as experienced of a hiker as we are. We went with a guide so that we could make the most of our experience. 10/10 recommend!

04/23/24. It’s nature’s own Van Gogh museum and ice cream shop. Trip of a lifetime! We elected to hike the Coyote Buttes North by ourselves which exceeded all our expectations. We started our hike right around sunrise. We downloaded AllTrails, Google Maps on both of our phones as well as waypoints on our Garmin Montana. The hike to the wave is very straightforward. We spent a good 2 hours at the wave enjoying it from all angles and heights. Hiking to The Alcove, Melody Arch and the Grotto required some decent rock scrambling, but the climb and views are exhilarating! It was a perfect trip coincided with National Park Week, Earth Day and April’s full Pink Moon. We walked away feeling a sense of wonder and appreciation for the history and geology of this incredible wilderness, and will forever feel grateful for having the opportunity to visit such a beautiful place. Let us all do our part in taking care of it by being respectful and leaving no trace.

The Wave in the United States is an enchanting geological wonder, a testament to the Earth's artistry sculpted over eons. Nestled in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, its undulating sandstone forms create a mesmerizing tapestry of colors and textures. Access to The Wave is limited, preserving its pristine beauty and ensuring a serene experience for lucky visitors. The hike to this surreal landscape offers an adventure through ever-changing terrain, from slickrock slopes to narrow canyons, enhancing the journey's allure. The interplay of light and shadow on the intricate sandstone patterns transforms The Wave into a living canvas, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Each visit reveals a unique perspective of this natural masterpiece. For those seeking a harmonious blend of adventure and visual splendor, The Wave stands as a pinnacle of the American Southwest's geological wonders—a destination that invites contemplation and celebrates the timeless beauty etched into the heart of the Arizona desert.

2024-02-13: drove in at 6:30am, Buckskin Gulch wash had very little water in it. Most of the road seemed graded or like it doesn’t normally need it. Drove out at 12:45pm, Buckskin Gulch wash had max 2-3” of water, the road was muddy. The deepest ruts were ~6”. We drove in in a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, but I think we would have been ok in something a little lower clearance, like a Jeep Compass. I imagine the ruts will get deeper until whenever the state regrades the road. The BLM office should have daily updates on the road. The trail itself was fine. The sand was much firmer in the morning, and very loose when the sun was on it (imagine walking on the beach in hiking boots). Rubber tipped poles would have been useful to have for the loose sand over sandstone portions. ~15-20% of the trail is on sand that is loose when it’s warm/in the sun. The sun started to hit the edges of The Wave before 8:45am. The Wave was fully in the sun by 10:15am. There was very little ice on the trail. We brought microspikes and never put them on as we were able to circumnavigate the ice instead. Hike took us 5 hours, but we spent 2 at The Wave, the Second Wave, and waiting for the sun to fully encompass The Wave Our permit was checked by a BLM ranger

It's one of the coolest hikes ever. Spend the night in Page and then head over early to spend as much time as possible at the wave. Colors were amazing during a rare overcast day.

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