The southwestern United States is celebrated for its mesmerizing geological formations, characterized by striking red sandstone and captivating rock structures, establishing it as a premier destination for photographers. While the region boasts numerous picturesque spots for photography, few can rival the awe-inspiring allure of The Wave in Northern Arizona.
What sets The Wave apart? Why do people flock from all over to capture its beauty? And how can you secure a permit to join them? Discover the answers to these and other frequently asked questions below.
What Is The Wave?
Coyote Buttes North is part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in the Arizona-Utah border region of the United States. “The Wave” is a famous and striking sandstone formation located in Coyote Buttes North. It is renowned for its unique and surrealistic rock patterns, including swirling and undulating lines and vibrant colors.
The Wave is a popular hiking and photography destination. However, access is limited to preserve the area’s delicate environment. Only a limited number of permits are issued by the US Bureau of Land Management each day to protect the fragile landscape from overuse. A mere 64 people per day can visit the area.
How to Get a Permit
If you’re already in the area and wish to obtain a permit, you can enter the daily lottery. You can only participate in this lottery on a mobile device by visiting “recreation.gov” through your phone’s browser or by installing the Recreation.gov app.
If you’re willing to plan approximately four months ahead, you can enter the advanced lottery.
When to Visit
Your experience at The Wave will vary greatly depending on when you’re able to visit. Here’s a brief breakdown of what you can expect during each season:
- December to February: This is typically the easiest time to get permits (with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day) because it will likely be snowy, making hiking difficult.
- March to May: These months are considered some of the best to visit the area because temperatures are moderate, and the average cloud cover is low.
- June: It’s hot during June, but it’s still a good time to visit The Wave because cloud cover and precipitation are low.
- July to August: These are the hottest months in the area, but if you can handle the heat, you will still be able to get some great photos.
- September to November: These months are also some of the best to visit The Wave because temperatures are milder. However, permits are tough to get during this time.
Places to Stay
While camping is prohibited in the Coyote Buttes North area, you have alternative options in the nearby cities of Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah.
Both cities provide a variety of lodging choices and offer additional activities for tourists, ranging from hiking and golf to horseback riding. Even if you don’t secure a lottery win, you’ll still discover numerous attractions to make your trip worthwhile.