Explore The Wave: Arizona-Utah Border's Geological Marvel

Discover the unparalleled beauty of The Wave, where intricate sandstone formations and vibrant color palettes create a hiker's paradise, with our comprehensive guide to permits and preparation.

Last updated: Apr 2024

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$9 application fee, $7 per person/dog if selected
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Embark on a memorable hike to The Wave, a mesmerizing sandstone formation nestled on the Arizona-Utah border, with our expert guide to securing the coveted permit. Discover the unparalleled beauty of The Wave, where intricate sandstone formations and vibrant color palettes create a hiker's paradise, with our comprehensive guide to permits and preparation. Overview: The Wave, located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, is a geological masterpiece that attracts hikers from around the globe. Known for its stunning, undulating sandstone formations and the play of colors at different times of the day, The Wave offers an unparalleled hiking experience. Journey Details: The hike to The Wave is a 6.4-mile round-trip trek through rugged desert terrain, requiring good physical condition and navigation skills in undeveloped areas. Permits are required and obtained through a lottery system due to the delicate nature of the formations and the desire to preserve this unique landscape. Why It's a Must-Do: The exclusivity of the permit system, combined with the surreal beauty of the landscape, makes visiting The Wave a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The challenge of securing a permit only adds to the allure, making it a coveted achievement among hiking enthusiasts.

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Itinerary

Apply for the permit through the lottery system, either 4 months in advance or via the daily lottery 2 days before the desired date.
If selected, pay the permit fee and prepare for the hike by reviewing the provided route description and attending the safety orientation.
On the day of the hike, start early to avoid the hottest part of the day, follow the route using the provided guide, and ensure to pack out all trash.

Location

The Wave Trail, Kanab, AZ 84741

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Packing List

Sturdy hiking shoes
Ample water supply (at least 1 gallon per person recommended)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
High-energy snacks and lunch
First-aid kit
Camera or smartphone for photography

4.7 ● Google reviews

What a beautiful trail! It gets pitch black at night! So please know your way of hire a guide. It was 95F there at the very end of September so you need water! A gallon of water and electrolytes. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Start early and pace yourself. Just enjoy it.

Get a permit and experience mother natures beauty! The pictures don’t do it justice. Easy to moderate hike your footwear is key. Sunscreen isn’t a bad idea and bring plenty of water. The trail is loosely marked so download the map from AllTrails and you should be all set. You will not be disappointed!

Maybe the most beautiful landscape I have ever scene. Highly recommend entering the lottery every month (you can google details) and then dropping everything and going when you finally win - it took me 3 years but was completely worth the wait!! Recommend downloading offline maps before you go, there’s no service and not really much of a trail…

Beautiful, trail out and the wave rock. Do your research and have downloaded maps. Trail is not mark well so planning is key. 1) Start early, less people and cooler temperatures. 2) Water, more than you think. Our high was 82 with clear blue skies. I went through 4 litters in 6 hours. 3)Please be careful in high temperatures there is really little shade, small umbrella wouldn’t be bad. 4) Practice hiking on the beach, figure out proper footwear. Sandals worked well. 5) This is a easy hike on paper but I recommend extra care during summer it get HOT.

Unforgettable hiking trails, True natural wonders. Stunning natural beauty, and this place had taken my breath away. It’s not hard if you come prepared, and planning is essential. The trails might be a bit confusing. Be prepared with plenty of water and sun protection. I hope all visitors will appreciate this amazing place and help keep it as it is. Permits are required.

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