The Wave lottery in Kanab is located at the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is located at 12702 South Highway 389 in Kanab, UT 84741. The Visitor Center is open from 9 a. m.
to 5 p. m. daily, seven days a week. The Wave lottery is held every day at 8 a. m. (Mountain Time). To apply for the lottery, visitors need to come to the Visitor Center before 8 a. m. the day of the lottery and fill out an application form.
Up to 10 people will be selected at random, and they will be given permits to hike The Wave. The permits are valid for that day only, so visitors must hike The Wave on the day they receive the permit.
How do I get into The Wave Kanab?
Getting into The Wave Kanab is a highly sought after experience but fortunately, it’s not too difficult to arrange a visit. First, you must acquire a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the permits are available four months in advance.
Day permits are available on the first of each month and can be picked up at either additional spot through the Kanab office located at 669 South Highway 89A or the St. George Field Office at 345 East Riverside Drive.
Up to 10 day permits are available each day, although the permit office warns that they often run out within a few hours of opening at 8am MT/7am PT. Overnight permits are available through the Kane County office in Kanab during normal business hours and can be acquired up to 180-days in advance.
When you have a permit in hand, you will need to hike the 4.5 miles uphill to The Wave itself. This rugged trail can be challenging and the terrain is rough. Visitors are typically equipped with a map, compass, and plenty of water.
The estimated hike time is 3-4 hours each way, so make sure to plan accordingly. Once you reach The Wave, be prepared to take plenty of pictures and soak in the beauty of the landscape. Remember to preserve the area for the enjoyment of all by respecting the rules of the BLM.
Can you go to Vermilion Cliffs without a tour?
Yes, it is possible to go to Vermilion Cliffs without a tour, but it is not easy. The Vermilion Cliffs are located on the Arizona/Utah border and are remote and isolated. The closest road access is from Lee’s Ferry, Arizona and several dirt roads that meander through the area.
The greatest challenge of visiting the Vermilion Cliffs without a tour is the lack of information about accessing the protected lands. So it is necessary to be self-sufficient and knowledgeable about the area.
It is also important to recognize that the area is part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, and all relevant regulations must be followed. In addition, before traveling, it is necessary to find out about any closures, travel restrictions, and camping regulations.
Although it is possible to visit the Vermilion Cliffs without a tour, it is highly recommended to consider a tour if you don’t have the necessary knowledge and experience. A tour can provide you with expert knowledge of the area and the likely wildlife sightings.
Tour operators typically provide the necessary permits and access to areas that are otherwise inaccessible to the general public.
Can you see The Wave without a permit?
No, you cannot see The Wave without a permit. Located in the southern Utah wilderness, The Wave is a sandstone rock formation that can only be accessed by those who are granted a permit by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The permit application process is highly competitive, as the BLM limits the number of people allowed to visit The Wave to just 20 per day. The permits are issued through a lottery system and typically require several weeks in advance to complete the application process.
Additionally, visitors are required to enter and exit with a BLM-approved guide and are expected to comply with the agency’s strict guidelines for staying on established trails and preserving the fragile environment of this unique geological site.
Where does the wave hike start?
The Wave Hike is an iconic trail located in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, AZ. Starting out from the Wire Pass Trailhead, hikers first head down a sandy wash in order to reach the Wave, an area of sweeping sandstone formations created by water, wind, and other geological forces over a period of millions of years.
After reaching the Wave, the hike continues into the Paria Canyon Wilderness Area, where several more sweeping sandstone formations can be seen along the way. The trail is generally a loop, allowing hikers to complete the entire journey in around 4.5 hours.
It can be quite challenging, as temperatures can reach upwards of 120 degrees in the summer months and due to its remote location, access cannot always be guaranteed in the winter months. It’s recommended that the hike be started in the early morning and during the late spring and early fall months, as the temperatures are more moderate during those times.
Additionally, hikers should bring plenty of water, snacks, and protective clothing in case of emergency or inclement weather.
Can you drive to The Wave Arizona?
Yes, you can easily drive to The Wave Arizona. The Wave is a sandstone formation located in the northern part of Arizona near the Utah and Arizona border. It is located in the Coyote Buttes area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness of the Colorado Plateau and is a part of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
If you are driving to The Wave, you need to take Highway 89 in Utah to House Rock Valley Road and then take a seven-mile drive on a bumpy dirt road to the trailhead. You may also need to purchase a permit in order to access the area, which you can do online or in person at the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument visitor centers.
Once you reach the trailhead, you will need to navigate a two-mile trail in order to access the Wave’s stunning formations of sandstone. When you arrive, you will be able to admire some amazing views, take lots of photos, and even take a leisurely hike if you wish.
How hard is it to hike to The Wave?
The hike to The Wave is considered quite challenging, as it is a 4-mile round trip that usually takes about 3-4 hours to complete. Aside from the distance, the topography of the area makes it quite difficult to traverse – the entire hike is across the rolling sandstone terrain of the Coyote Buttes, with the sandy ground making it difficult to get a good grip.
The elevation gain on the hike is around 400 feet, and due to the fragility of the surrounding land and its convoluted layout, the trail is often unmarked and hard to follow. It is important for hikers to exercise caution and use their GPS if possible when hiking in the area.
The hike can be considered difficult even for experienced hikers, so it is important to be adequately prepared before setting off.
What are the odds of getting a wave permit?
Finding an available wave permit is dependent on various factors, such as the location you are trying to get a permit in, the time of year, and what type of activity you wish to participate in. Each permit has different requirements, and open spots are often limited.
Generally, the odds of getting a permit will depend on how competitive the permit is, how large your group is, the size of the area where you’re trying to obtain the permit, and the amount of time you’ve been trying to get one.
It is possible to increase your chances of getting a permit by paying attention to the current regulations, being familiar with the application system, and doing online research to make sure you have a better understanding of the process.
Additionally, getting a permit may be easier if you work with a local or regional permit issuer or application facilitator who can help you through the process. All in all, the odds of getting a wave permit are not guaranteed and will vary depending on the type of permit, the area, and the time.
How do you get a permit to Coyote Buttes North in The Wave?
To get a permit to Coyote Buttes North in The Wave, you will need to submit an application in advance. The permit is administered through the Bureau of Land Management, and you must apply for the permit at least four days in advance to ensure it is processed in time.
You can apply for the permit either through an online application, which you can find on the BLM website, or by mailing in a paper form.
The paper form must be completed in full and submitted with a check or money order for the required permit fee. The application will ask you to list the make and model of your vehicle, the approximate number of people in your party, and the dates of your proposed visit.
If your application is approved, you will be sent a permit validation number which you will need to present at the wire pass trailhead on the day of your visit. The BLM will also send you a map of the area and information about things you need to know for your visit.
Also, be aware that the BLM limits the number of visitors to the area in order to protect its fragile ecosystem. This means that getting a permit can be somewhat competitive, especially in the busy Spring and Fall months.
Do you need a permit for Coyote Buttes?
Yes, you do need a permit for Coyote Buttes as the area is part of the Paria Canyon–Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). A visit to the area requires a permit that is issued through a lottery system.
Applications for the lottery are available on the BLM’s website and must be received a minimum of four weeks prior to the requested dates of the visit. Up to 24 permits per day are issued for both Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and Coyote Buttes South.
Each permit allows up to 6 people per permit. Additional permits are available for overnight camping across the desert. If a visitor is lucky enough to gain a permit, they must follow all the regulations and restrictions set forth by the BLM, including but not limited to displaying their permit while visiting the area, being aware of wildlife, respecting private property owners, and adhering to leave-no-trace principles.
How much is the wave Arizona permit?
The cost for a Wave Arizona permit for 2020 is $25 for vessels 16 feet and greater in length. If a vessel is fewer than 16 feet, the cost is $10. Wave Arizona permits are valid for one year from the month of purchase.
Depending on the state of the vessel registration, it may be subject to additional restrictions and fees. The permit and decals are to be prominently displayed on the vessel being operated on Arizona waterways.
The permit must be renewed annually. The permit application can be completed online or by mail.
Which is better Coyote Buttes North or South?
The answer to which is better, Coyote Buttes North or South, depends on what type of desert landscape photography you are interested in capturing. Both locations are stunningly beautiful and offer unique opportunities, so it all comes down to personal preference.
Coyote Buttes North is located in northern Arizona, and it’s most notable feature is the Wave – a unique sandstone formation that looks like a sinuous, wave-like pattern. The Wave is renowned for its bright, vibrant colors and its unique shapes.
The area also offers many other opportunities for breathtaking photographs, including curved sandstone canyons and wide desert vistas.
Coyote Buttes South, on the other hand, is also located in northern Arizona and offers a very different landscape. This region has several slot canyons, and there are vibrant red hues throughout the area.
Capturing the diffused light from the slot canyons in a photograph can make for very striking images. Moreover, the views from the top of the buttes provide stunning vistas for the photographers who venture out to the location.
Thus, there is no definitive answer to which is better, Coyote Buttes North or South. Each location has its own advantages and potential for creative results. It is best to conduct some research, explore the two locations, and decide for yourself which spot best suits your artistic vision.
How does the lottery for The Wave work?
The Wave lottery is an online lottery system used to reserve permit holders for an upcoming day hike in the Coyote Buttes area of Utah’s Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The lottery is held on a monthly basis and administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
To enter the lottery, you must submit your reservation application at least four days prior to the selected hiking date. Your application must contain the maximum number of people in your group, the requested location (Wave or White Pocket), and the specific date you’re interested in visiting.
Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis, and large groups may need to be split into multiple permit applications due to limited availability.
Once the permit applications are submitted, The Wave lottery draws at random from all the applications received to determine which applicants are issued the permit. On average, the lottery offers about 50% of the total permit slots available for that upcoming hiking date.
If your application is not selected for a permit, you may resubmit an application for another date, however, you will need to submit a new application from scratch, with your chosen date and group size.
All permit holders are required to check-in with a ranger before and after their hike. If the permit holder fails to check-in, the permit may be voided and they will not be issued a permit in the future.
How many daily permits for The Wave?
The number of daily permits available for The Wave varies based on the season and the day. During peak season (March 1-May 15 and September 1-November 15) only 10 permits are available per day, while the rest of the year has 20 permits available each day.
Knowledge of the area, route-finding abilities, navigation skills, as well as physical and mental preparedness are a must, as permits are issued in a lottery system. If you are lucky enough to receive a permit, you’ll be required to sign and follow the permit’s rules and regulations.
Permits can be obtained from the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) visitor centers in St. George, Utah and Kanab, Utah, or the Coyote Buttes North and South permit offices in Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona.
Is The Wave worth it?
Whether or not The Wave is worth it will depend on your personal interests, budget, and travel style. For many, the Wave is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience one of the most unique, beautiful, and remote places in all of North America.
The stretch of desert and red sandstone span 25,000 acres and offer a variety of activities and attractions, making it a great destination for both experienced and beginner hikers and photographers.
The Wave requires an advanced permit and can only be accessed with a guided tour. This is the main draw and what makes the experience so extraordinary. Guided tours provide visitors with an understanding of the area, highlighting the best natural attractions and telling the stories behind the unique landscape and its formation over millions of years.
For those with a hiker/explorer/photographer traveling style and a reasonable budget, the Wave is certainly worth it for the breathtaking beauty, natural formations, and rare opportunity it offers.