The Wave Arizona: Permit Tips, Hiking Guide & Photography Tips

Updated October 2026: This guide includes current 2026 information on The Wave permit lottery, application fees, permit costs, hiking regulations, and reservation procedures.

All photographs are © Roaming the Southwest. Unauthorized reproduction or use is prohibited.

It took me 63 attempts over eight years to win my first Wave permit. I've now been four times, and I can tell you it was absolutely worth the wait.

The Wave is one of those places that actually lives up to the hype, but getting a permit is only the beginning. After four trips, I've learned a lot about navigating the unmarked route, preparing for the desert, exploring beyond the famous formation, and photographing this incredible landscape.

In this guide, I'm sharing everything I'd want you to know before hiking The Wave in Arizona, including how to get a permit, the lottery strategies I've personally used, what to expect on the hike, and my favorite photography tips.

Backcountry & Navigation Disclaimer: The coordinates, maps, and GPX tracks in this guide are provided for informational and trip-planning purposes only. Routes, road conditions, weather, terrain, and access can change. Do not rely on this guide or any GPX track as your sole source of navigation. You are responsible for evaluating current conditions, choosing a route appropriate for your experience and abilities, and carrying the navigation and safety equipment necessary for backcountry travel. By using the information provided in this guide, you agree to my Terms & Conditions.

Where Is The Wave in Arizona?

The Wave is located in Coyote Buttes North, within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in northern Arizona.

The Wave coordinates: 36.99596, -112.00629

Coyote Buttes North is part of the 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and is a backcountry, undeveloped wilderness area. There are no developed trails or facilities within the permit area, which is one of the reasons planning and navigation are so important.

The Wave is the most famous formation in Coyote Buttes North, but it is only one of many formations you can explore with a Coyote Buttes North permit.

How to Get a Permit for The Wave

Yes, you need a permit to hike The Wave in Coyote Buttes North, Arizona. Permits are available through two lottery systems: the Advanced Lottery and the Daily Lottery.

The current system allows up to 64 visitors and/or 16 groups per day, with a maximum group size of six people. The Advanced Lottery allocates up to 48 people and/or 12 groups, while the Daily Lottery allocates up to 16 people and/or four groups.

One important distinction: a permit for Wire Pass, Buckskin Gulch, or Paria Canyon does not grant access to The Wave. You must have a specific Coyote Buttes North permit.

The Wave Advanced Lottery

The Advanced Lottery is your best option if you're planning your trip ahead of time.

Applications are submitted four months before your desired hiking date, and you can apply from anywhere. Up to 48 people and/or 12 groups are awarded permits through the Advanced Lottery.

You can enter during the application month for a permit date four months ahead. The lottery is then run on the first day of the following month, with winners notified by email.

If you win, make sure you follow the confirmation instructions and deadlines. Winning the lottery does not mean you can forget about the permit until your hiking date.

I'll get into my personal strategy below, but the biggest thing I've learned after years of applying is consistency.

Apply for The Wave Advanced Lottery Here →

The Wave Daily Lottery

Already in the area?

The Daily Lottery is your other option.

The current Daily Lottery requires you to be within the designated geofence when you apply. Applications are submitted two days before the desired hiking date during the current 6 AM to 6 PM application window, and you need a mobile device to apply.

Up to 16 people and/or 4 groups are awarded permits each day.

This is one of my favorite strategies because if I'm already in the area, I apply every day I'm eligible.

I've even driven 15 to 30 minutes just to get within the geofence and submit an application when I'm nearby.

Again, there is absolutely no guarantee you'll win. But if I'm already there, I figure I might as well give myself another chance.

If you do win the Daily Lottery, pay close attention to the instructions. There are separate deadlines for applying, accepting your successful lottery application, and picking up your permit. Missing a required deadline can void your permit.

Apply for The Wave Daily Lottery Here →

How Much Does a Wave Permit Cost?

The current lottery application fee is $6 per application and is non-refundable.

If you're selected, the recreation fee is an additional $7 per person or dog. Everyone in your group must be included on the permit, regardless of age, including infants.

For example, if you're applying for three people and bringing one dog:

• Lottery application: $6
• Three people: $21
• One dog: $7
• Total cost if selected: $34

Dogs do not count toward the lottery group-size limit, but if you win, they must be added to your permit during the confirmation process and require the $7 recreation fee.

How Do You Receive Your Wave Permit?

How you receive your permit depends on which lottery you win.

If you win the Advanced Lottery, the BLM will mail your physical permit along with a trifold photo guide showing visual landmarks to help you navigate the unmarked route to The Wave. Your permit is typically mailed 4–6 weeks after the lottery, so make sure your mailing address on Recreation.gov is correct and that you receive everything before your hike.

If you win the Daily Lottery, you'll need to pick up your permit in person the day before your hike. Pay close attention to the required pickup time and location, because missing the deadline can void your permit.

Your physical permit must be displayed visibly on the outside of your backpack throughout your hike. Don't leave it in your vehicle or buried inside your bag.

My Tips for Getting a Wave Permit

I've now visited The Wave four times, and while there's no secret formula that guarantees a permit, there are a few strategies I've learned from years of applying.

1. Apply Every Month

This is probably my biggest piece of advice.

I set a reminder on my phone for the last day of every month and apply for every month I'd actually be willing to hike.

I personally skip June through August because of the heat, but otherwise, I keep applying. Don't give up just because you haven't won yet.

2. Everyone in Your Group Can Apply

Each eligible person can submit their own application for a given lottery, subject to Recreation.gov's current rules.

Do not submit multiple applications yourself for the same lottery. Recreation.gov allows only one application per individual per lottery, and submitting more can result in disqualification.

I think of this as putting more names in the hat rather than repeatedly entering the same person.

One important exception: if you become an alternate permit holder, you cannot simultaneously apply for your own permit.

3. If You're Nearby, Enter the Daily Lottery

If I'm already in the area and eligible for the Daily Lottery, I'm applying. Every. Single. Day.

It's another chance to win, and after this many attempts, I'll take every chance I can get.

4. Be Strategic About Your Dates

I personally focus on weekdays and major family holidays when choosing dates.

Do I have data proving those dates have better odds? No.

This is completely anecdotal. I simply suspect fewer people may be traveling on certain dates, so it's a strategy I've personally used rather than a guarantee of better odds.

5. Follow Local Tour Companies

This is one of my less obvious tips.

Follow local tour companies around Kanab and Page, such as Dreamland Safari and Kanab Tour Company, and keep an eye on their social media Stories.

When someone in a group cancels, tour companies sometimes have an available permit spot. I feel like I see a permit offering every week or two and you have to be QUICK. You would need to book the guided tour to use it, but it's another option worth knowing about.

6. Once You Win, Stop Applying

Recreation.gov states that you cannot concurrently hold more than one permit for the same permit area.

Once you've won, you're done applying until after your visit.

Go celebrate instead.

7. Remember That Luck Is Still a Factor

My husband has entered more than 80 Wave lotteries without winning a single one. Meanwhile, we've managed to visit four times through persistence and a little power in numbers.

I guess I'm the lucky one of the two of us. LOL.

There is no magic strategy that guarantees you'll get a permit. Sometimes you just have to keep trying.

How to Get to The Wave

You cannot drive directly to The Wave. You drive to the Wire Pass Trailhead and hike into the Coyote Buttes North permit area from there.

Where Is the Trailhead for The Wave?

The suggested route to The Wave begins at the Wire Pass Trailhead on House Rock Valley Road.

Wire Pass Trailhead: 37.0191, -112.0251

From Kanab, the BLM directs visitors approximately 37 miles east on Highway 89 before turning south onto House Rock Valley Road.

From Page, drive approximately 36 miles west on Highway 89 before turning south onto House Rock Valley Road.

From Highway 89, it's approximately 8.3 miles on House Rock Valley Road to the Wire Pass Trailhead.

What Is House Rock Valley Road Like?

House Rock Valley Road is unpaved, minimally maintained, and its condition can vary dramatically depending on recent weather.

I've driven this road when it was freshly graded and relatively smooth, when the washboards were absolutely miserable, and when dried mud had left behind massive ruts and craters.

In March 2023, after a recent rain, this road was genuinely one of the worst roads I've ever driven in my life. And I've driven a LOT of rough backroads throughout the Southwest.

When wet, sections can become completely impassable, even with four-wheel drive.

Just because you've won a Wave permit doesn't mean you'll automatically be able to reach the trailhead. Always check current road conditions before your trip, especially after rain or snow.

Do You Need 4WD to Get to The Wave?

Not always.

In good, dry conditions, Wire Pass Trailhead can often be reached in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. High clearance isn't always necessary, but I strongly recommend it because road conditions can vary dramatically.

But after rain or snow, four-wheel drive and high clearance may not be enough.

During my March 2023 visit, I used a local tour company to reach the trailhead because of the road conditions. There were only four other vehicles there that day, all heavily modified Jeeps and Suburbans operated by local tour companies. We passed multiple vehicles that were stuck and needed to be towed out.

This is not a road where I'd take a chance after rain or snow. Backcountry recovery can be extremely expensive because you're paying for both recovery time and mileage, potentially turning a bad decision into a bill of thousands of dollars.

Remember that Wave permits cannot simply be rescheduled because the weather or road is bad. Check current conditions before committing to the drive, and if they're questionable, consider using a local tour company with an appropriate vehicle. Even then, access isn't guaranteed.

Hiking The Wave: Distance, Difficulty & Navigation

How Long Is The Wave Hike?

The suggested route to The Wave is approximately 6.4 miles round trip.

But here's where things can get interesting.

The Wave itself isn't necessarily where you'll want to stop. There are additional formations and viewpoints throughout Coyote Buttes North, and if you plan to explore beyond The Wave, your mileage can increase significantly.

If you're planning to photograph, explore, and see more than just the main formation, give yourself plenty of time rather than treating this like a quick 6.4-mile out-and-back.

How Difficult Is The Wave Hike?

The BLM describes the suggested route to The Wave as a strenuous 6.4-mile round trip through challenging terrain. There is no developed trail, and visitors need to be comfortable navigating through undeveloped wilderness.

The mileage isn't the only thing that makes this hike challenging. You're dealing with sand, slickrock, uneven terrain, desert exposure, route finding, potentially extreme heat, unreliable cell service, and no developed water source.

This isn't a hike where you simply follow a marked trail from the trailhead to a viewpoint. You need to be prepared to navigate.

Can Kids Hike The Wave?

Absolutely! My daughter visited The Wave three times before her fifth birthday. Technically, her first visit was when I was pregnant with her, but she's since been back twice, once at 22 months in March and again at 4.5 years old in December.

Children of all ages are allowed to visit The Wave, but every child, including infants, must be included on your Coyote Buttes North permit and counts toward the maximum group size of six.

Would I recommend bringing kids? That depends entirely on your family and your experience hiking with them.

The suggested route is approximately 6.4 miles round trip through exposed desert terrain with sand, slickrock, very little shade, and no developed trail. There are no water sources or facilities, and you'll need to be comfortable navigating through the backcountry.

I wouldn't necessarily let your child's age be the deciding factor. I'd consider their hiking experience, endurance, the weather, and YOUR ability to safely complete the hike as a family. For younger children, you need to be prepared to carry them if they can't finish the hike on their own.

I personally prefer hiking The Wave during the cooler months, especially with kids. Give yourself plenty of time, bring more food and water than you think you'll need, and remember that getting to The Wave is only half the hike.

The Wave will always hold a special place in our hearts. We actually took our pregnancy announcement photos here when I was just five weeks pregnant, only a few days after finding out our IVF had been successful.

Getting to return with my daughter and share this place with her has made it even more meaningful to me.

I've loved getting to experience The Wave with her, but it's definitely not a hike I'd recommend as your family's first introduction to desert hiking.

How to Navigate to The Wave

Do not underestimate the navigation.

The official permit materials include a route description, map, photo guide, and GPS coordinates for the suggested route. I recommend downloading everything you'll need before leaving service and making sure you know how to use your navigation system offline.

Cell service is unreliable in this area, so don't plan on being able to pull up Google Maps when you get confused.

And please don't assume that because you've downloaded someone else's GPS track, you can blindly follow it. Know how to navigate yourself. It can save your life.

Download My EXACT Route From Wire Pass Trailhead to The Wave

This is my exact one-way route from Wire Pass Trailhead to The Wave. Use this track as a reference only and make sure you're comfortable navigating independently.

What Should You Bring to The Wave?

There isn't a developed visitor center, water station, or other infrastructure waiting for you in Coyote Buttes North.

I would plan to be completely self-sufficient for the day.

My essentials include:

• Plenty of water
• Electrolytes
• Food and snacks
• Sun protection
• Appropriate footwear
• Navigation and offline maps
• Phone with a fully charged battery
• Emergency communication device if you carry one
• Camera and extra batteries
• Permit information
• Layers appropriate for the season

How Much Water Do You Need for The Wave?

Do not underestimate how much water you need for The Wave.

This is a strenuous hike through exposed desert with little shade and no water source.

If you're hiking in hot weather, I recommend carrying 7–8 liters of water per person.

Yes, 7–8 liters.

That may sound excessive if you're used to hiking somewhere cooler, but desert hiking is different. In hot, dry conditions, the National Park Service recommends drinking at least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking at some Arizona sites, and fluid losses during strenuous hiking in direct sun can exceed 2 quarts per hour.

Your actual needs will vary based on the temperature, your pace, exertion, body size, acclimatization, and how long you're on the trail. But The Wave is not the place to try to get away with carrying the bare minimum.

Bring more water than you think you'll need, and carry electrolytes and salty food as well. You're replacing both fluid and electrolytes when you're sweating.

There is a reason I emphasize this so strongly: people require search and rescue assistance on desert trails every year because they underestimate the heat and their water needs.

Unsure about water requirements when hiking in the Desert Southwest? I cover that in my How Much Water Do You Need to Drink Hiking in Southern Utah? guide.

When Is the Best Time to Hike The Wave?

There isn't one perfect season for everyone. I've hiked The Wave twice in December, once in March, and once in October. December is my personal favorite, but I've always preferred exploring the desert during cooler weather.

I generally prefer hiking when temperatures are 70°F or below, which is why I skip June through August when applying for permits.

Every season comes with its own considerations, especially when it comes to heat, weather, and conditions along House Rock Valley Road.

Spring

Spring can offer more comfortable hiking temperatures, but weather can still change quickly.

I've visited in March and would absolutely consider spring again. Just don't assume that because it's technically spring you're guaranteed cool desert temperatures.

Summer

This is the season I personally skip.

The combination of extreme heat, sun exposure, chance of monsoons, lack of reliable shade, and a strenuous desert hike is not something I want to take on if I don't have to.

Official guidance specifically warns about extreme heat and lack of shade between May and September. Summer also overlaps with periods when heavy rain can create dangerous conditions and make House Rock Valley Road impassable.

Fall

Fall is one of the seasons I'd consider when planning a Wave trip because temperatures can be more manageable than summer.

I've visited in October, but even fall can bring surprisingly warm days. Check the actual forecast rather than assuming October automatically means cool hiking weather.

Winter

Winter is personally my favorite time to hike in the desert, and I've visited The Wave twice in December.

But winter brings its own considerations. Temperatures can be cold, sandstone may be icy, and rain or snow can make House Rock Valley Road difficult or completely impassable.

Whatever season you choose, check the forecast and road conditions before you go.

Where Should You Stay When Hiking The Wave?

Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona, are the two main places I'd consider staying when hiking The Wave.

Both put you within reasonable driving distance of the Wire Pass Trailhead, and both have plenty of other things to do if you're spending a few days in the area.

Which one I'd choose really depends on the rest of your trip.

Staying in Kanab, Utah

Kanab is my pick if you're combining The Wave with more of Southern Utah.

It's a great base for exploring the area around Vermilion Cliffs, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and the other incredible desert landscapes along Highway 89. It's also convenient if your larger trip includes places like Zion or Bryce Canyon.

If you don't win a Wave permit, there are still plenty of things to do nearby, which is one reason Kanab works so well as a base.

Some other hikes and places I'd consider around Kanab include:

• Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch
• Toadstool Hoodoos
• Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes
• The Nautilus
• Coyote Buttes South, which requires its own permit

Just remember that slot canyons like Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch come with serious flash-flood risk. Always check the weather before entering one, and if you're planning to explore any slot canyons while you're in the area, read my slot canyon safety guide before you go.

I usually stay at Comfort Suites Kanab National Park Area. It's not a fancy resort recommendation. I stay here because I've found the prices incredibly hard to beat during the winter, and when I'm spending most of my day outside exploring anyway, it works perfectly for me.

If you're visiting during the off-season, I'd definitely check their rates before booking somewhere else.

My favorite place to eat in Kanab is Havana Cabana. It's a small Cuban restaurant and one of those places I look forward to eating at whenever I'm in town.

And save room for dessert.

Brown Box is another favorite, and the Kanookie is to die for. It's one of those things I now associate with a trip to Kanab.

Staying in Page, Arizona

Page makes more sense if you're combining The Wave with northern Arizona, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, or Antelope Canyon.

It's also a good choice if you're flying into or continuing farther into Arizona rather than building The Wave into a larger Southern Utah road trip.

Some other hikes and places to check out around Page include:

• Horseshoe Bend
• Antelope Canyon
• Lake Powell
• Hanging Garden Trail
• Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
• Cathedral Wash
• Secret Gas Station Cave

Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation land and requires an authorized tour, so this is one you'll want to plan ahead rather than treating it like a normal hiking trail.

BirdHouse is easily my favorite place to eat in Page. If fried chicken after a long day hiking through the desert sounds good, go here. Their fried chicken is the reason I keep going back, and it's one of those restaurants I genuinely look forward to whenever I'm in Page.

Big John's Texas BBQ is another popular option if you're looking for barbecue.

Kanab vs. Page: Which Is Better for The Wave?

Both are great bases for hiking The Wave. Choose Kanab for a Southern Utah road trip that includes Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Grand Staircase-Escalante. Choose Page if you're exploring Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, or the Grand Canyon.

If you have enough time, there's no reason you can't stay in both!

The Wave Photography Tips

After photographing The Wave on four different visits, I've learned that there's so much more to this landscape than the famous photograph. The light, shadows, colors, and textures change throughout the day, and some of my favorite compositions aren't the ones everyone comes here to capture. I still have images I want to return and capture.

What Time of Day Is Best for Photographing The Wave?

There isn't one perfect time to photograph The Wave. Personally, my favorite conditions are intermittent clouds, but I've photographed this landscape in all kinds of lighting conditions.

Sunrise is incredible if you want The Wave practically to yourself. That said, with a maximum of 64 permit holders per day, I've never had trouble getting the photographs I wanted, even later in the day.

If you're hoping to capture the classic Wave photograph without shadows cutting across the sandstone, midday is typically your best bet when the sun is high enough to illuminate the entire formation.

One important consideration if you're planning to photograph sunrise or sunset: you'll be hiking either in or out in complete darkness. This is an unmarked backcountry route, and navigating it in the dark requires confidence, preparation, reliable offline navigation, and a headlamp. Don't underestimate that part of the experience just to get the photograph you want.

Best Lenses and Focal Lengths for Photographing The Wave

If photography is one of your main reasons for visiting The Wave, bring a wide-angle lens.

The vast majority of my photographs throughout Coyote Buttes North are shot between 16–35mm. That range gives you enough width to capture the sweeping sandstone formations while still allowing you to photograph smaller details and tighter compositions.

Here's what I personally recommend:

• 16–24mm: My preferred range for the classic Wave photograph. You really need that width to capture the sandstone lines sweeping through the foreground and the scale of the formation.
• 16–20mm: Ideal for photographing The Alcove, which is even wider than The Wave. Otherwise, plan on taking multiple photographs and stitching them together.
• 20–35mm: Great for smaller slot canyons, sandstone formations, and tighter compositions throughout Coyote Buttes North.
• 35mm and beyond: Great for portraits, isolating details, and capturing the incredible textures, patterns, and layers in the sandstone.

And obviously, you can't visit The Wave without taking THIS photo.

If you're hoping to capture the classic Wave photograph without harsh shadows, midday is typically your best bet when the sun is high enough to illuminate the formation. Keep this in mind when planning your photography.

But don't take the classic shot and immediately put your camera away.

Walk around. Change your perspective. Look for different layers, curves, shadows, textures, and compositions. The Wave is much more three-dimensional than it looks in photographs, and some of my favorite images have come from stepping away from the obvious composition.

I'll include focal lengths and times of day in many of my photo captions throughout this guide so you can see exactly what I used.

If You Can Only Bring One Lens to The Wave

If I could only bring one lens specifically for photographing The Wave, my 16–35mm would be hard to beat. But realistically, my everyday walk-around lens is a 20–200mm because I love having the flexibility to photograph everything from wide landscapes to portraits and distant details without constantly switching lenses, especially in the desert.

You don't need an ultra-wide-angle lens to capture incredible photographs here. Even if your widest focal length is 24mm, you can still photograph the classic Wave composition, although you may need to adjust your framing. If The Alcove is on your itinerary, you may need to stitch multiple images together to capture the entire formation.

If you're bringing only one lens, I'd prioritize versatility. A 24–70mm is a great option that gives you plenty of creative flexibility beyond the classic photograph, especially if you plan to explore more of Coyote Buttes North.

Ultimately, bring the lens you're most comfortable using. You don't need to buy an entirely new lens just for this hike.

Things to See Beyond The Wave in Coyote Buttes North

One of my favorite things about Coyote Buttes North is that The Wave isn't the only thing worth seeing.

Your permit gives you access to the broader Coyote Buttes North permit area, where you'll find incredible sandstone formations, arches, viewpoints, and even dinosaur tracks.

If you have the time, energy, and navigation skills, don't feel like you have to turn around immediately after getting your iconic Wave photograph.

Some of the other formations and features throughout Coyote Buttes North include:

• Ginger Rock (sometimes called the Mini Wave): 36.99746, -112.00548
• Second Wave: 36.99345, -112.00813
• Half a Hamburger: 36.99421, -112.00726
• The Alcove: 36.99201, -112.00578
• Melody Arch + The Window: 36.99104, -112.00555
• Top Rock Arch: 36.99367, -112.00510
• The Boneyard: 36.99553, -112.01308
• Dinosaur Tracks: 36.99925, -112.00989
• Hamburger Rock: 36.98954, -112.00195

Exploring beyond The Wave means additional mileage, route finding, and potentially more challenging terrain. There are no developed trails connecting these formations, so plan your time, water, and navigation accordingly.

Some formations, particularly Melody Arch, The Window, and The Alcove, require more advanced scrambling and navigation skills. I'll cover those challenges below.

The Second Wave

The Second Wave is another beautiful sandstone formation within Coyote Buttes North and an easy one to add if you're already exploring beyond The Wave.

Coordinates: 36.99345, -112.00813

It doesn't look exactly like The Wave, but you'll find the same sweeping layers of sandstone that make this entire area so incredible. It's also another great place to play around with different photography compositions rather than taking only the classic Wave shot.

Melody Arch + The Window

Melody Arch and The Window are located right by each other, so if you're making the effort to explore this part of Coyote Buttes North, it makes sense to see both.

Coordinates: 36.99104, -112.00555

Melody Arch sits tucked into the sandstone and feels completely different from the main Wave, while The Window frames the surrounding landscape, including views toward the North and South Teepees.

This is one of my favorite areas beyond The Wave. In my experience, dramatically fewer people continue out here. If I had to guess, fewer than 10 people see some of these additional formations on most days, and some days probably none. That's based entirely on my own experience, not an official visitation statistic.

The Alcove

The Alcove is another one I'd add if you have the time, energy, and experience to explore beyond The Wave.

Coordinates: 36.99201, -112.00578

It's a massive sandstone alcove carved into the cliffs and feels completely different from the narrow, flowing sandstone formations The Wave is known for.

I visited The Alcove on the same extended route I used to visit Melody Arch and The Window, so it makes sense to combine these if you're comfortable with the terrain and want to spend more of your day exploring Coyote Buttes North.

How Difficult Is the Hike to Melody Arch, The Window & The Alcove?

Don't underestimate this extension just because it doesn't add a huge amount of mileage.

The route I took to Melody Arch, The Window, and The Alcove is steep and involves Class 2 scrambling where you'll need to use your hands. There is no developed trail, and you'll need to be comfortable navigating steep slickrock and choosing your own route.

This is noticeably more difficult than simply hiking to The Wave, and I wouldn't recommend adding these formations unless you're comfortable with scrambling and off-trail desert travel.

My Full Route: The Wave + Additional Formations

My exact round-trip route from Wire Pass Trailhead included The Wave, the Second Wave, Half a Hamburger, Ginger Rock, Melody Arch, The Window, and The Alcove.

My route was approximately 7.4 miles round trip with around 1,250 feet of elevation gain.

I've included my GPX track below so you can see exactly where I went. Your mileage and elevation gain may vary depending on the route you take, and you should not rely on my track as your only form of navigation.

Boneyard + Dinosaur Tracks Loop

If you want to explore a different part of Coyote Buttes North, this 1.67-mile loop adds The Boneyard, dinosaur tracks, the Second Wave, and Half a Hamburger to your Wave hike.

I've included my GPX track below as another option for exploring beyond The Wave.

The Wave Rules: Dogs, Camping & Drones

Coyote Buttes North is protected wilderness, and the rules here matter.

Visitors should be prepared to pack out everything they bring in, including trash and toilet paper. Natural and cultural objects are protected, vegetation and sandstone should not be damaged or defaced, and wildlife should never be harassed or fed.

All members of your permitted group must also stay together while visiting Coyote Buttes North.

Can Dogs Hike The Wave?

Yes.

Dogs are allowed and do not count toward the lottery group-size limit. If you win a permit, your dog must be added to the permit during the confirmation process and requires a $7 recreation fee.

Dogs must be kept under control, and all waste must be packed out.

That doesn't necessarily mean The Wave is an easy hike for every dog.

Consider the heat, sand, slickrock, distance, and your dog's ability to handle a strenuous desert hike before bringing them.

Can You Camp at The Wave?

No.

Coyote Buttes North is day use only, and overnight camping is prohibited.

Can You Fly a Drone at The Wave?

No.

Launching and landing drones is prohibited within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

This is one of those places where the rules matter. The Wave is protected wilderness, and keeping it that way is part of what makes the experience possible.

Is The Wave Worth It?

For me?

Absolutely.

But I also think the 63 failed attempts are part of what makes finally seeing it so special.

I've now been four times, and I still don't take it for granted.

The Wave isn't just a pretty photograph. You're walking through a protected wilderness landscape that very few people get to experience each day.

If you haven't won yet, keep trying.

I know firsthand how frustrating it is to enter that lottery again and again, only to get another rejection.

But eventually, you might get that email.

And when you do, I promise you'll understand why you kept trying. Even after four visits, I still shake with excitement every time I see THAT email.

My ultimate goal is to see The Wave covered in snow. Maybe then I'll finally stop applying for permits.

But knowing me, probably not.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Wave

Can I Apply for The Wave Every Month?

Yes. You can enter the Advanced Lottery during each application month for eligible future dates. My personal strategy is to apply every month I would actually be willing to hike.

Can Everyone in My Group Apply for The Wave?

Each individual may submit only one application per lottery. Recreation.gov prohibits submitting multiple applications by the same individual.

Can I Enter the Daily Lottery If I'm Visiting From Out of State?

Yes. As long as you meet the current Daily Lottery requirements, including being within the designated geofence when you apply, you can enter. You do not have to be an Arizona or Utah resident.

Is The Wave in Arizona or Utah?

The Wave itself is in Coyote Buttes North in Arizona, within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

The Wire Pass Trailhead is in Utah, and the hiking route crosses into Arizona, which is part of why the location can be confusing.

Is There Cell Service at The Wave?

Cell service is unreliable in the area, so you should not depend on having service for navigation or emergencies.

Download your maps and navigation information before leaving service.

Can I Hike The Wave Without a Guide?

Yes. A guide is not required if you have a valid Coyote Buttes North permit.

However, the route crosses undeveloped wilderness and requires route-finding skills, so you need to be comfortable navigating yourself. IF the weather is tenuous, I highly suggest contacting a guide.

Planning a Southwest Road Trip?

The Wave might be one of the most incredible places I've visited in the Southwest, but there's so much more to explore beyond Coyote Buttes North.

If you're planning a trip through Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, or the greater Southwest, I've put together everything I've learned from more than a decade of exploring into my Best of the Southwest Travel Guide.

It includes 350+ personally vetted locations, an interactive map with exact locations, and seven pre-built road trip itineraries featuring national parks, scenic drives, hikes, hidden gems, and places you might never find on your own.

Whether you win a Wave permit or need a backup adventure, there's no shortage of incredible places to explore in this part of the country.

Explore My Southwest Travel Guide + Interactive Map →