In the Vermilion Cliffs in Arizona/Utah, you can hike The Wave’s sandstone formation, a gorgeous red sandstone formation. Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness lies on the Utah-Arizona border, halfway between Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. Because of the site’s popularity, the Bureau of Land Management limits foot traffic into the Canyon to preserve its integrity and beauty. It was previously restricted to only 20 hikers a day, but in February 2021, the daily hiking quota increased to 64 hikers per day.

Even with the increased quota, it’s still hard to get a permit for the site simply because so many people wish to experience The Wave. For example, only 7,300 people received access in 2018 out of 168,317 applicants.

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Trail Basics

In Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, the Wave is most commonly accessed from the Wire Pass Trailhead and is located in the North Coyote Buttes permit area. During the moderate 6-mile hike, you will mostly encounter red rock and sand. Due to the harsh desert heat, bringing a map and basic navigation skills is advisable, particularly if you plan to hike cross-country.

• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Length: 6 miles
• Elevation Change: +/- 400 feet
• Time: 2-4 hours
• Permit Required: Yes
• Dogs Allowed: Yes, for $7/per dog/per day

How to Get a Permit

Permits for hiking The Wave in Arizona can be obtained in two ways. The advanced online lottery is a good chance to try your luck if you can plan. If your trip is last minute or unsuccessful in the Wave lottery, you can also enter the in-person lottery at the Kanab Visitors Center.

Permits for the Wave are only issued to 64 people per day. The online lottery system award permits 48 people (or 12 groups, whichever comes first). Permits are awarded to the remaining 16 people (or four groups, whichever comes first) via a walk-in lottery. Applicants pay $9 for the online lottery, which is non-refundable, even if they don’t win.

In terms of permit competition, the months of March through November are the most competitive, while December through February has the best chances. But keep in mind that, while the chances of getting a permit are higher in winter, there is also an increased chance of bad weather and impassable roads.

What to do if you can’t get a permit

It is very competitive to obtain a permit for The Wave, whether through advanced online applications or walk-ins, and only a tiny percentage of applicants can hike It each year. So what if you’re not in the lucky group?

You can apply for a permit for Coyote Buttes South. Several hiking trails near the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness are geologically similar to the famous “wave,” complete with sandstone bluffs and wave formations.

From the parking lot to The Wave

Lucky enough to get a permit? Nice. To make the most of it, start with a nice loop hike that starts and ends at The Wave. It takes about 90-minutes to hike from the Wire Pass trailhead to The Wave.

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Dinosaur Tracks

To see the dinosaur tracks, return to the wash by retracing your steps back down the dune. Upon reaching the foot of the dunes, turn west, cross the wash, and ascend to the dinosaur tracks. They are in red stone near the wall. The tracks are hand-sized and three-toed. Usually, they are arranged in a line in a small cluster.

Continue south for .3 miles until you reach an open area. About 50 yards to the west is a small, brown, and yellow striped area with some rocks that look like tic-tac-toe boards laying on the stripes. Michael Fatali, a gifted photographer from Arizona, named the area “The Boneyard.” These loose rocks are called lace or box rocks. Don’t move them as they are fragile. 

Sand Cove

Head down the sandy wash that runs southeast after leaving The Boneyard. In .2 miles, turn more south into Sand Cove Wash. Hike up about 100 yards to the teepees to your east (left). Here you’ll find Sand Cove — an area with beautiful sandstone curves.

 The Second Wave

You can hike east-northeast from Sand Cove and climb up the cliff until you reach a flat area just before you reach a much steeper ridge. The Second Wave is located at the foot of this cliff. This location is excellent for late afternoon photographs.

Getting Back

Once you’re ready to return to the Wire Pass parking lot, head north, passing back through The Wave, the hike back should provide many more photo opportunities. Once you leave The Wave, head down the dune, cross the wash, and head north to retrace your steps back to your car. Be advised that you should leave The Second Wave well before sunset if you do not have good navigation skills or if you do not have a GPS.

The Wave is an unbelievable adventure! It’s an exclusive and private site, making it even better. Permits are hard to obtain, but the lack of crowds makes it even better. In silence, you can marvel at the wonder of Mother Nature.

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