The Wave Coyote Buttes North
A surreal, ancient sandstone formation with flowing, colorful rock layers, accessible only via a highly competitive permit lottery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal temperatures & soft light
The Wave Coyote Buttes North
Best Time
Ideal temperatures & soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A surreal, ancient sandstone formation with flowing, colorful rock layers, accessible only via a highly competitive permit lottery.
"Instantly fell in love with the swirling, colorful sandstone formations—they looked like a surreal ocean frozen in rock."
🎯 Lottery is Essential
Apply for the permit lottery months in advance. Winning is rare but worth the effort!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
The trail is unmarked. Use AllTrails or a GPS device to avoid getting lost.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Wave's Swirling Sandstone
Coyote Buttes North
Iconic, flowing sandstone formations in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. A surreal, artistic masterpiece of nature.
Hidden Arches
Surrounding areas of The Wave
Explore lesser-known arches and rock formations near The Wave for unique photographic opportunities.
Sunrise & Sunset Light
The Wave
Witness the dramatic color shifts and shadows as the sun moves, transforming the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Permit Early
Navigation is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hiked the wave in AZ, highly recommend.
🎯 Lottery is Essential
Apply for the permit lottery months in advance. Winning is rare but worth the effort!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
The trail is unmarked. Use AllTrails or a GPS device to avoid getting lost.
On my 18th attempt, I won the lottery to hike "The Wave" in June!! Tips and recommendations greatly appreciated.
The Wave, Kanab, UT
☀️ Go Early or Stay Late
The sun's position dramatically changes The Wave's appearance.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Expect sandy and rocky terrain. Comfortable hiking boots are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Hiked The Wave for the second time, but this time we went later in the day. Changed the experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Lottery is Essential
Apply for the permit lottery months in advance. Winning is rare but worth the effort!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
The trail is unmarked. Use AllTrails or a GPS device to avoid getting lost.
☀️ Go Early or Stay Late
The sun's position dramatically changes The Wave's appearance.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Expect sandy and rocky terrain. Comfortable hiking boots are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It's a desert environment with little shade. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe The Wave as an 'unreal' and 'mesmerizing' experience, praising its unique, artistic sandstone formations and vibrant colors. The hike is considered moderate but challenging in navigation, with many recommending offline maps. While the permit lottery adds stress, the breathtaking scenery and sense of reward make it unforgettable.
"Such an unreal experience! We hiked at sunrise in mid September with perfect weather! The hike was not bad but could see how people could get turned around. We used the All Trails map (plus the map they provided) and had no problem at all! If you have the time be sure to stop at all the sites around The Wave, the arches were beautiful!"
Randi VanderWerff
"I hiked to The Wave in Arizona’s Coyote Buttes and instantly fell in love with the swirling, colorful sandstone formations—they looked like a surreal ocean frozen in rock. The remote hike was moderate in difficulty and challenging in navigation, but reaching the Wave after following the BLM map felt incredibly rewarding. Although the scenery was breathtaking and peaceful, the strict permit lottery system and rough access road made the planning a bit stressful ahead of time
Where Are Those Morgans. Overall, it was a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience—nature at its most artistic and unique."
Sean Renner
"I can’t believe my luck: We was one of the fortunate winners of a permit for The Wave in Arizona. Even the moment I received the confirmation was a highlight – but nothing compared to what awaited me on site.
An absolutely unique natural wonder. The Wave in Arizona is one of the most impressive places I have ever visited. The curved rock formations with their intense colors seem almost unreal – like something from another world. Every step through this landscape feels as if you are walking through a living work of art."
Daniela Krauer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wave is located in Coyote Buttes North, accessible from the Wire Pass Trailhead near Kanab, Utah. The drive to the trailhead involves a rough dirt road that may require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, especially after rain.
Kanab, Utah, is the closest major town to The Wave, offering lodging, dining, and services. Page, Arizona, is also a nearby option.
The road to Wire Pass Trailhead is unpaved and can be rough. While some visitors manage with standard vehicles, a high-clearance 4WD is recommended, particularly during or after wet weather.
The hike to The Wave is approximately 3 miles roundtrip from the Wire Pass Trailhead. However, the time it takes can vary significantly based on navigation challenges and how much you explore the surrounding areas.
No, you cannot drive directly to The Wave. It requires a hike from the Wire Pass Trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Permits for Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) are obtained through a lottery system managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). There's a daily lottery for permits issued the day before your visit and a monthly lottery for permits issued up to four months in advance.
The odds of winning The Wave lottery are very low due to high demand. Thousands of people apply for a limited number of permits each day.
The permit fee for The Wave is typically around $7 per person, with a maximum of 6 people per permit. This fee is in addition to any lottery application fees.
While there is a daily lottery, it's highly competitive and permits are not guaranteed. It's best to apply for the advance monthly lottery to increase your chances.
Entering Coyote Buttes North without a permit can result in significant fines. The BLM strictly enforces permit requirements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike itself is considered moderate, involving sandy and rocky terrain. The main challenge is navigation, as the trail is unmarked and requires careful attention to landmarks or GPS.
Essential items include plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), sturdy hiking shoes, a physical map and compass, and a GPS device or offline map app.
There are no facilities at The Wave itself. The Wire Pass Trailhead has a primitive restroom, but no water or other amenities.
Yes, photography is a major draw at The Wave. The unique formations and light conditions offer incredible photographic opportunities.
The hike can be challenging for very young children due to the terrain and potential for getting lost. Older children who can handle the hike and follow instructions may enjoy it.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, with soft, warm hues and interesting shadows. Mid-day light can be harsh but still reveals the intricate patterns of the sandstone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive formations. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset. Consider bringing a polarizing filter to enhance colors.
The main Wave formation is the primary subject, but explore the surrounding areas for unique perspectives, arches, and smaller sculpted rocks.
Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) and aiming for early morning or late afternoon can help minimize crowds. Be patient and wait for moments when others have moved on.
Experiment with aperture settings to control depth of field. For sandstone textures, a slightly smaller aperture (f/8-f/11) can provide good sharpness. Pay attention to exposure to capture the vibrant colors without blowing out highlights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Ensure you have a reliable navigation method (offline maps are essential) and plenty of water and snacks. Consider visiting during cooler months and starting your hike early in the morning to avoid the heat. The unique rock formations can be fascinating for older children, but supervision is paramount at all times.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a tripod for low-light shooting. Don't forget to explore the surrounding areas, as there are numerous hidden arches and unique rock sculptures that make for stunning compositions. Be prepared for the challenging navigation and the competitive permit process, as the reward is unparalleled photographic opportunities.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers
Embrace the journey by preparing thoroughly for the hike. This includes having robust navigation tools, sufficient water, and appropriate gear. The reward is an unforgettable experience in a truly unique natural environment, far from the usual tourist crowds, offering a sense of wildness and exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Permitting Process: Your Golden Ticket
Many visitors find the planning process stressful due to the low odds. However, the reward of experiencing this unique geological wonder makes the effort worthwhile for those who are successful. Planning well in advance and applying for multiple lottery dates can slightly increase your chances. Remember to factor in the permit fee, which is typically around $7 per person, in addition to any lottery application costs.
Navigating the Unmarked Trail
Many successful hikers credit using a GPS device or a reliable mapping app with helping them stay on track. The landscape can be disorienting, and it's easy to stray from the intended path. Planning your hike around sunrise or sunset offers the most spectacular light for photography, but it also means navigating in lower light conditions, making a reliable navigation system even more critical.
Beyond the main Wave formation, exploring the surrounding areas is highly recommended. These lesser-known spots often contain beautiful arches and unique rock sculptures, offering a more intimate experience and additional photographic opportunities. Taking the time to explore can significantly enhance your visit.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at The Wave
During these golden hours, the swirling patterns of the sandstone become even more pronounced, creating a dramatic and almost surreal effect. While mid-day light can be harsh, it still reveals the intricate textures and details of the rock. Many photographers recommend using a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the formations and a tripod for stability, especially in low-light conditions.
Beyond the main attraction, don't overlook the surrounding areas. Hidden arches and smaller, sculpted rock features offer unique compositions and perspectives. Patience is also a virtue here; waiting for other visitors to move on can lead to those coveted shots without any people in them. Experimenting with different angles and compositions will help you capture the truly unique beauty of The Wave.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit