We won next day walk-up permits for The Wave and stopped in Kanab Tour Company to find out about their guide services since we were concerned about our car making the drive and we were interested in seeing secondary sites around The Wave. The woman at the front desk was so friendly and she assessed our tour desire and skill level (experienced hikers) and assured us that if anyone else were to book a tour of The Wave for our date, she would make sure we were matched with people of equal skill level so that everyone would have a great experience. Lucky for us, it was just the 2 of us + our incredible guide Saunders. We immediately hit it off with him. I’ve never hired a guide before, so I really wasn’t sure what to expect but he was so friendly and he had great insight to the area. On the drive to the parking area, he talked a lot about the geology which gave us things to look out for. On our hike out to The Wave, he pointed out flowers and plants – he was knowledgable! Once we got to The Wave, he was even kind enough to take some photos of us on our phones, but even on his fancy phone that had a really wide lens. After The Wave, Saunders took us up to Top Rock Arch. After that we went over to The Alcove which totally blew us away. Absolutely incredible spot that we would not have seen without him. He took some really incredible photos of there (shared here). We then hit up Melody Arch and then made our way back through The Wave one last time on our way back to the car. Saunders was so incredible. He was constantly checking how we were feeling, made sure we took enough water/sunblock breaks, and was just a real joy to be around all day. He followed up with a link to download all of the photos he took of us. Honestly, that was so incredible. It’s so hard to get photos of the two of us together that are not posed so I really thought that was so special. I will sing Kanab Tour Company’s praises to anyone I know making their way through Southern Utah!
Alternate Wave Tour
Fully Guided Tour
For Experienced Hikers
No permit required
So many people who come to our area try desperately for a Wave permit. On a busy weekend there may be as many as 350 people trying for the 10 allowed permits. That means a lot of people go away from the lottery disappointed. You need not worry too much. We have designed a plan to help you maximize your chance. (Click here for a sample Itinerary)
The Wave has been known in the tourist world since the mid 1990’s when a German film team made a video documentary that publicized the area creating a frenzy of European visitors. The permit system was implemented soon after.
Because of the limited daily allowed visitors to The Wave, we created the Alt Wave tour. The truth is, there are many Wave formations in our region. There is also a fantastic wave formation in the South Coyote Buttes wilderness area and White Pocket. In short, don’t be disheartened if you don’t succeed with a Wave Lottery permit. We have a tour that will blow your mind with beauty.
The Alt Wave adventure can be combined with a short trip through Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass slot canyon for a full day adventure. We can also tailor a full day tour to be in depth and specific to wave formations. There are MANY!
Highlights
Customized adventure to some of the best Seldom Seen Wave formations.
Expert guides with years of experience in the region.
Find yourself away from the crowds in the these rarely visited vistas.
Options to include a section of Buckskin Gulch or West Clark Bench
Click each tab for more info!
Trip Details
Price:
Pricing is tiered depending on group size:
• 1 hiker: $350
• 2 hikers: $195 per person
• 3 hikers: $185 per person
• 4+ hikers: $175 per person
(Maximum of 6 Hikers per Guide)
All prices are subject to Utah Sales Tax (8.20%)
Price per hiker:
• 1 hiker: $350
• 2 hikers: $175
• 3 hikers: $150
• 4 hikers: $125
• 5 + hikers: $99
• Wire Slot Canyon optional add-on $150
All prices are subject to Utah Sales Tax (7.95%)
Meeting Point & Time:
7:30 am at our office: 681 Chinle Drive, Kanab, Utah, 84741.
We’re easy to find, located across the street from the Bureau of Land Management Visitor Center.
Availability:
Year-round, Monday to Saturday.
Tour Duration:
8 hours (this includes 3 hours travel time).
What to Bring:
- A gallon of water to maintain safe hydration levels
- Day Pack capable of carrying water, snacks and gear.
- A packed lunch packed with high energy snacks
- Good quality, comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Camera
• Your Permit! You will not be granted access if you forget to bring it.
• A gallon of water to maintain safe hydration levels and a transportable lunch packed with high energy snacks and a filling sandwich.
• Good quality, comfortable walking shoes with ankle support.
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
• Your camera.
Maximum Group Size:
10
Inclusions
INCLUDED |
NOT INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| A friendly & knowledgeable guide | Lunch & water (please bring your own)* |
| 4 to 8 miles of hiking | Gratuity for your guide |
| Hiking poles available upon request |
*You’re welcome to store them in our cooler.
Important Info
- We provide 4WD transport to and from The Wave trailhead.
- You’ll receive 4 to 8 miles of guided hiking to The Alt Wave and the surrounding areas.
- You’ll need to sign a hiking waiver after booking this tour. Click here to view the waiver.
- It can be a strenuous area, especially in the summer months. It’s best suited to experienced hikers with a moderate to high level of fitness and health.
So many places to explore outside of the wilderness area
FAQ's
Is this tour suited to you?
Show Answer
While it isn’t as difficult as a hike in the Wave at North Coyote Buttes, it’s still physically demanding and covers some pretty rugged conditions. It’s best suited to experienced hikers with good health. It is not recommended for people with any outstanding medical conditions, pregnant women or anyone with severe mobility issues. Get in touch with us to talk more about this tour or if you would like more information.
Are lunch and water included on the tour?
Show Answer
No, please note you must bring along your own supply of water and a packed lunch. You must also be responsible for all your waste and leave no trace of your lunch behind.
What happens if my tour is cancelled?
Show Answer
In the extremely rare case of this tour being cancelled, it would be due to unsafe weather conditions. Pending permit acquisition, we will work with you to arrange another tour date or offer a full refund. Another option would be a tour of an alternative area that doesn’t require a permit.
A Wave experience outside the permit area.
The Alt Wave adventure is a stones throw from the North Coyote Buttes Wilderness area. This area gets overlooked because of its famous neighbor. Equally unique and beautiful, Alt Wave is rarely visited. In some cases we must take extreme caution due to the fragility of the lace-like rock formations. We practice responsible leave no trace ethics.
We provide transport to the trailhead and a knowledgeable guide who’ll help you navigate through the harsh desert landscape. Once you get there you can wander freely and explore the smooth curves and rolling formations that swell around the entire area. Drink in the dusty reds of swirling strata and marvel at the contrast between the rusty rocks and brilliant blue skies above, and see for yourself why this is such a special and rewarding hiking experience.
Our tour guide Nick was super professional. He showed us lots of cool places and was fun and patient the whole time! We had a great time in the trail. Highly recommend Kanab Tour Company!!! Read More
