The Wave, Lake Powell Travel Guide

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Hike through time and witness the breathtaking beauty of The Wave, a geological masterpiece in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

The Wave is a breathtaking sandstone rock formation in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, straddling the Arizona-Utah border. Its undulating, multicolored layers create a surreal landscape, attracting hikers and photographers worldwide. Access is highly restricted via a permit lottery system to protect its fragile environment.

A brief summary to The Wave

The Wave Trail, Kanab, Arizona, 84741, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Wave.

Apply for a permit well in advance through the online lottery system on Recreation.gov, as demand is extremely high.
Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for extreme temperatures, especially during summer.
Bring at least one gallon of water per person, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and use sun protection.
Download a GPS track or map of the trail, as it can be easy to get disoriented in the wilderness.
Respect the fragile environment by staying on marked trails and packing out all trash.

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Getting There

Driving

The Wave is accessed via the Wire Pass Trailhead. From Kanab, Utah, drive east on Highway 89 for approximately 37 miles. Turn south onto House Rock Valley Road, an unpaved road. Continue for 8.3 miles to the Wire Pass Trailhead parking lot. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and 4WD may be necessary when the road is wet. Check road conditions before you go. Parking is free at the trailhead.
Hiking

From the Wire Pass Trailhead, cross House Rock Valley Road and follow the trail north into the wash. After approximately 0.5 miles, turn right at the sign indicating the Coyote Buttes North permit area. Follow the trail uphill and across a sandy field. Continue to the Wave, using a map and GPS for guidance. The hike is 6.4 miles round trip and considered moderately strenuous. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Discover more about The Wave

The Wave is a geological marvel, a swirling canvas of Navajo sandstone sculpted by wind and rain over millions of years. This unique formation, resembling a frozen ocean wave, showcases vibrant hues of orange, red, pink, and yellow, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The Wave is located within the Coyote Buttes North area, itself a part of the vast Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.To preserve this fragile environment, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) strictly regulates access through a permit-only system. Would-be visitors must enter a lottery months in advance or try their luck in a daily online lottery. The hike to The Wave is a moderately strenuous 6.4-mile round trip, traversing sandy washes, slickrock slopes, and uneven terrain. Wayfinding skills are essential as the trail is not always clearly marked.The best times to photograph The Wave are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light accentuates the colors and textures of the sandstone. Midday also offers opportunities for shadow-free images. Remember to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and appropriate hiking gear, as conditions can be harsh.Even if you don't win a permit to The Wave, the surrounding Vermilion Cliffs National Monument offers numerous alternative hiking destinations with equally stunning scenery. Coyote Buttes South and White Pocket are excellent options, though they may also require permits.