Hiking The Wave: What, Why, and How to Prepare
Hiking The Wave is an unforgettable adventure on the Arizona-Utah border, often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience by trekkers and adventure lovers. The Wave is an internationally renowned sandstone formation located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Paria Canyon–Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, where its otherworldly, swirling red-and-gold rock patterns and narrow, undulating corridors have made it a bucket-list hike for travelers worldwide. Due to its geological fragility and immense popularity, visitor numbers for Hiking The Wave are strictly limited via a permit system.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to get your permit, what to pack, and how to enjoy The Wave hike safely and responsibly.
Getting a Permit: Lottery & Application Process
Securing a permit is the first challenge—and privilege—of hiking The Wave. Access to the Wave is strictly controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Here’s how the process works:
- Advance Lottery: 48 permits (12 groups) available monthly, applied for via Recreation.gov, three to four months ahead.
- Daily Geofenced Lottery: Another 16 permits (4 groups) are awarded two days prior to your intended hike; you must be physically in the area to apply (via mobile device).
- Fees: Each application costs a small fee, with an additional cost if you win.
- Strict Rules: Only permit holders and listed alternates may enter; failure to comply can result in fines or being denied entry.
Tip: Plan far ahead, enter lotteries regularly, and stay flexible with dates—demand is extremely high.
For guided access and support on all logistics, discover our guided tours to The Wave.
Terrain, Weather, and Navigation for Hiking The Wave
Hiking the Wave is challenging. You will walk through sandy washes and slickrock waves. There are no marked paths. The 6+ mile round-trip trek traverses sandy washes, slickrock “waves,” and unmarked pathways. Be prepared for:
- Soft Sand: Can tire legs quickly—pace yourself.
- Slickrock Sections: Require grippy footwear and careful route finding.
- Elevation Change: Moderate, with a high point over 5,200 feet.
- Navigation Challenges: Few (if any) trail markers—GPS, map, and orientation skills are a must.
Weather:
- Spring & Fall provide the mildest conditions; summer can bring extreme heat surpassing 100°F, while winter mornings can be near freezing.
- Flash Floods and sudden storms are real dangers—never enter narrow canyons if rain is forecast.
Always check the weather with the official BLM resources before departing.
Essential Packing List for Hiking The Wave
A safe, enjoyable hike depends on what you bring. Essentials include:
Footwear
- Sturdy, lightweight hiking boots with excellent grip and ankle support.
- Consider gaiters to keep sand and debris out.
- Break new shoes in—blisters can ruin your adventure.
Hydration Packs
- Carry at least 3 liters of water per person—more in hot weather.
- Hydration bladders (Camelbak-style) make sipping easy.
- Electrolyte supplements help with salt loss in the dry desert.
GPS Tools
- Use GPS devices or phone apps with offline maps; cellular service may be unreliable.
- BLM provides maps at permit pickup—study them closely and bring physical copies.
- Always inform someone of your plan and expected return time.
Other essentials:
Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, layered breathable clothing, map/compass, snacks, emergency blanket, small first aid kit, headlamp (in case of late return), and a fully charged backup battery.
Renting gear? See our Equipment rentals.
Guided Tours vs Solo Hike in The Wave
Solo hiking requires strong navigation and self-sufficiency.
Pros include:
- Move at your pace
- Enjoy solitude
Guided tours:
- Ideal for first-timers, those unfamiliar with desert navigation, or anyone wanting deeper local knowledge.
- Guides handle permits, logistics, route-finding, and provide insights on geology, flora, and fauna.
- Often includes transportation, which is useful on rugged approach roads.
Ready for an unforgettable Wave experience?
Wildlife and Flora to Look For
The Wave and Coyote Buttes North host:
- Plants: Yucca, prickly pear, sage, agave, and hardy grasses adapted to dry deserts.
- Wildlife: Lizards, jackrabbits, foxes, snakes (including non-aggressive species), and hawks. Early morning or dusk offers the best wildlife sightings.
- Be Respectful: Observe only—never feed or disturb animals or trample fragile cryptobiotic soil.
Trail Safety Tips and Emergency Info for The Wave Hike
- Sign in/out: Register at the trailhead logbook; provide an emergency contact name/number.
- Navigation: Rely on GPS and BLM-provided waypoints. Landmarks can look similar—always check your route.
- Heat and Exposure: Wear sun protection and mind signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion.
- Flash Flood Warning: Never enter slots if there is rain anywhere in the region.
- Emergency Contact: Kane County Sheriff’s Office: 435-644-4916. BLM Ranger numbers are provided at the trailhead and permit office.
For more, read the NPS Hiking Safety Guidelines.
Photography Tips for The Wave Hike
- Best Light: Morning (just after sunrise) and late afternoon provide rich colors and dramatic shadows.
- Gear: Wide-angle lens or smartphone with panorama features, tripod for stable shots, lens cloth for sand.
- Compositional Tips: Frame with foreground ripples, use the rule of thirds, and shoot from low angles for depth.
- Etiquette: Protect the delicate landscape by staying on rock or sand areas—never climb fragile ridges. Respect other hikers’ photo moments.
For full trip-planning and photography advice, check out the comprehensive The Wave Hiking Guide on OutdoorProject.com.
Hiking The Wave: Frequently Asked Questions
The 6+ mile round trip is moderately difficult. It involves uneven terrain, exposure to heat or storms, and requires good fitness and preparation.
Try to retrace your steps to the last known landmark or follow your GPS track. If seriously lost, stay where you are, conserve water, and try to signal for help.
Yes, but only if listed on your permit (additional fee applies). Carry water for your dog and be careful of hot sand and rocks that may burn paws.
No. Drones are strictly prohibited in the Coyote Buttes area, including The Wave.
Explore nearby alternatives like the South Coyote Buttes Hiking Tour. Located just south of The Wave, this guided tour features similar sandstone formations and offers optional UTV access. (Note: A BLM permit is still required.)
Conclusion
Hiking The Wave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—but only if you’re fully prepared. Secure your permit early, plan ahead for the desert’s challenges, pack smart, and always prioritize safety. Whether you hike solo or with a guide, follow these Hiking The Wave tips to ensure an unforgettable (and safe) adventure in Coyote Buttes North.
Ready to experience The Wave? Explore our premium :
Author: Tiffany Unsworth
