The Wave is arguably the most sought-after photographic location in the American Southwest. Nestled in the Coyote Buttes North area, right on the Utah-Arizona border, this natural wonder attracts photographers and hikers from around the globe. But for those asking, Where Is The Wave In Arizona? it’s crucial to understand its precise location and how to plan your visit. Beyond just The Wave, Coyote Buttes North is a treasure trove of stunning rock formations, including The Second Wave, The Alcove, Top Rock Arch, Melody Arch and the Grotto, Sand Cove, and Fatali’s Boneyard. Each of these locations offers unique photographic opportunities, best captured at different times of the day. The Wave itself shines brightest in mid-morning to early afternoon, when shadows are minimized, while the other formations are ideally photographed from mid-to-late afternoon.
Visiting this incredible landscape requires a permit from the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Due to its immense popularity and fragile environment, access is limited to just 64 people per day. These permits are highly competitive, with demand far exceeding the available slots, especially during peak seasons like April, May, September, and October. During these months, hundreds of people vie for a mere sixteen daily permits. Your chances improve during the less popular months or if you are traveling solo or in a smaller group, particularly in December through February.
A trip to The Wave involves a rewarding but challenging six-mile round trip hike. It’s important to note that there isn’t a marked trail directly to The Wave, so strong navigation skills using a map, compass, or GPS are essential. While the BLM provides a map and directions with your permit, and some cairns mark parts of the route, getting lost is a real risk. Sadly, over the past five years, several fatalities have occurred on the way to or from The Wave, primarily due to heat and navigational errors. If you’re unsure about your wayfinding abilities, consider hiring a guide or hiking with an experienced companion. For those using GPS, marking the Wirepass trailhead and key points along the route is highly recommended. Staying with your group is also vital for safety. If you are hiking during warmer months, be prepared for extreme heat and carry ample water – at least four liters per person, and preferably more.
Securing Your Permit to The Wave
Access to The Wave, specifically within Coyote Buttes North, is controlled by a permit system. All permits and permit information are managed through recreation.gov. The daily limit is capped at 64 individuals or 16 groups, whichever comes first, to minimize impact and preserve the area’s delicate formations. Permits are issued through two online lottery systems: an advanced lottery for 48 people (maximum 12 groups) held three months in advance, and a daily lottery for 16 people (maximum 4 groups) held just two days prior to the desired hiking date.
Advanced Permit Lottery
Obtaining an advanced permit for Coyote Buttes North is notoriously difficult due to high demand. The advanced lottery is conducted on recreation.gov. Applications are accepted for the entire month, four months before your intended visit month. For example, to secure permits for a trip in January, you would apply during September. There is a non-refundable $9 fee to enter each lottery.
Permits are non-transferable, except for up to three designated “alternate permit holders” listed during your application. Either the primary permit holder or a listed alternate must be present with the group when checked by a ranger. Failure to comply can result in ticketing. Alternate permit holders also need a recreation.gov account.
Each group can apply only once per month for the lottery. The system prevents duplicate applications, displaying a message if you attempt to apply more than once or are listed as an alternate on another application. However, multiple individuals within a group can apply separately to increase the chances of winning, provided they don’t list each other as alternates.
For each application, you can select up to three preferred dates. The lottery drawing occurs the day after the application month closes (e.g., October 1st for September applications). The BLM will notify you of your lottery status via email shortly after the drawing. If you haven’t received notification by the 2nd of the month, check your spam folder. If still absent, contact the BLM at (435) 688-3200 or [email protected] to inquire about your application status, especially if you suspect a typo in your email address. Winning applicants must pay an additional $7 per person permit fee.
Coyote Buttes North Advanced Lottery Schedule
| Apply between | for a permit during |
|---|---|
| January 1 – 31 | May |
| February 1 – 28 | June |
| March 1 – 31 | July |
| April 1- 30 | August |
| May 1 – 31 | September |
| June 1 – 30 | October |
| July 1 – 31 | November |
| August 1 – 31 | December |
| September 1 – 30 | January |
| October 1 – 31 | February |
| November 1 – 30 | March |
| December 1 – 31 | April |
Daily Permit Lottery
If you are unsuccessful in the advanced lottery, or are planning a last-minute trip to Southern Utah or Northern Arizona, the “Daily Permit” lottery offers another chance to visit The Wave. Applications for daily permits are accepted two days before your intended hike date and are available at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251909. A non-refundable $9 fee applies to each daily lottery application. Applications must be submitted via a smartphone or connected mobile device; desktop applications are not permitted. Your phone’s GPS must be enabled, and you must be physically located within a designated “geofenced” area in Northern Arizona/Southern Utah to apply. This geofence includes the towns of Kanab, Page, Big Water, Fredonia, Glendale, and Jacob Lake. Detailed maps of the geofenced area in various formats are available for download:
| GeoTiff – Avenza | KMZ – Google Earth | Rmap – Oruxmaps | SQLite – Locus | MBTiles – GaiaGPS | GeoPDF |
|---|
You can load these maps into your phone’s GPS app to verify if you are within the geofenced application zone.
The daily permit application process is as follows:
- Day 1 – Application: Lottery opens from 6 AM to 6 PM (local time) two days before your desired entry date on recreation.gov. Lottery results are released at 7:15 PM that evening. Winning applicants will receive a notification to accept their permit.
- Day 2 – Safety Briefing: Successful applicants must accept the permit and pay fees by 8 AM Utah time. They must also attend an in-person safety briefing at 8:30 AM local time at one of two permit pickup locations: The Kanab Center (20 N 100 E, Kanab, UT 84741) or the Page-Lake Powell HUB (48 S Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ 86040). Note that local time can differ between pickup locations, especially during Daylight Saving Time.
- Day 3 – Permit Date: Permit holders are authorized to explore Coyote Buttes North for the entire day.
This daily permit system offers increased convenience compared to the previous walk-in lottery. You no longer need to be physically present in Kanab at 9:00 AM the day before your hike. Being within the general Page and Kanab area during application hours is sufficient. However, unlike the previous free walk-in lottery, there is now a $9 non-refundable fee to enter the daily lottery.
More detailed permit information is available on the Coyote Buttes permits webpage.
Best Time to Visit The Wave: Climate and Seasonal Considerations
Choosing the right time to visit The Wave significantly impacts your experience, from permit availability to weather conditions and photographic opportunities.
December – February:
Permits are “relatively” easier to obtain during December, January, and early February, especially through the daily lottery. Avoid the Christmas and New Year holiday periods as demand spikes. Winter months often bring snow, which can make hiking more challenging and photographing the vibrant rock patterns less ideal. Snow cover may limit photography to southern exposures like The Boneyard and Sand Cove. Cloud cover is typically higher in winter, and House Rock Road can become muddy and impassable, even for 4WD vehicles. The South Buttes, being at a higher elevation (around 6,200 feet), are even colder and more prone to snow accumulation. Be prepared for potentially icy conditions and deep snow in north-facing areas.
March – May:
Spring, particularly April and May, offers pleasant, moderate temperatures and low cloud cover, making it a popular time to visit. However, permit acquisition becomes very competitive. Spring also brings the strongest winds in the Southwest, typically from the southwest in this region, peaking in the afternoon. Sand Cove, oriented north-south, acts as a natural wind tunnel, making photography in Sand Cove and The Boneyard challenging due to blowing sand. May generally has low average cloud cover.
June:
June is an excellent month for visiting The Wave for those who can tolerate heat. Low cloud cover and minimal precipitation provide clear skies perfect for photography. June is also the prime month for night photography, as the Milky Way stretches across the night sky, offering stunning astrophotography opportunities over The Wave.
July – August:
While traditionally considered the least favorable months due to intense heat, July and August can be rewarding if you are well-prepared for extreme temperatures. Average daily highs at The Wave reach 101°F (around 38°C) in July, with very little shade available. Plan your hikes for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday heat. Tragically, heat-related fatalities have occurred at The Wave in past years, underscoring the importance of heat safety. If hiking during these months, bring at least one gallon (almost 4 liters) of water per person, and consider even more. Keeping water insulated in your pack and bringing some as ice can help maintain coolness. Afternoon thunderstorms and even hail are possible. Mornings are generally cooler, clearer, and less windy. Water pockets may form at The Wave or south of it after rain, potentially attracting tadpoles and fairy shrimp, and even toads. Permits are slightly easier to obtain compared to peak months.
September – November:
Fall months, especially September through November, are often considered the best time to visit The Wave. Crowds in Page and Kanab diminish after summer vacation, and temperatures and cloud cover are moderate and comfortable. Permits remain highly competitive. The surrounding Southwest landscape is also exceptionally beautiful during this season, with aspens changing color in late September/early October and cottonwoods in late October.
For detailed climate information based on data from the Page airport, refer to Weatherspark.com.
Directions to The Wave: Reaching the Wirepass Trailhead
The most commonly used and recommended entry point for hiking to The Wave is the Wirepass Trailhead (WP). While The Notch is another entry point, it is less publicized by the BLM and has a poorly defined trail, making it less advisable. Access via the Wirepass parking lot is strongly recommended.
To reach the Wirepass Trailhead, take Highway 89 to House Rock Road. The House Rock Road turnoff is located on Highway 89 in Utah, between mileposts 25 and 26. House Rock Road is generally suitable for passenger vehicles in dry conditions. Crucially, avoid driving on House Rock Road when wet. The road is clay-based and becomes extremely slippery and impassable, even for 4WD vehicles, resembling driving on ice with dangerous drop-offs. In dry conditions, drive 8.4 miles on House Rock Road to the WP parking area on the right. Dry camping is permitted at the Wirepass trailhead, and restroom facilities are available. For more developed camping with fire pits, tables, and pit toilets, Stateline Campground is located one mile south, just off House Rock Road.
The hike to The Wave begins by signing the trailhead register and crossing House Rock Road. Follow the well-defined trail eastward for approximately 50 yards until you enter the wash. This is Wirepass Wash, which eventually flows into Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in North America. Continue hiking down the wash. About 0.55 miles from the trailhead, you will see a sign indicating Coyote Buttes to the right. Turn right here and follow the well-marked trail uphill across the sagebrush field. At the field’s edge, you will cross another wash, which also drains into Wirepass slot canyon downstream. The distance across the sage field to this wash is roughly 0.65 miles. After crossing the wash, ascend the slickrock towards a saddle that may be marked with cairns. If using a GPS, mark this saddle location. You are now within the Coyote Buttes North permit area. From the saddle onward, cairns may be present but are not always reliable. A BLM signpost is located about 50 yards east of the saddle at a critical junction; note its position for your return hike. From the saddle, proceed south. After about 0.35 miles, you will see a twin butte with a damaged barbed wire fence and a gate on its left (east) side. You can pass through the gate (slightly exposed) or walk around the buttes to their west side. Continue heading almost directly south, aiming for the visible crack in the cliffs to the south. After another 0.8 miles, you will cross a small wash and continue toward the crack in the cliff face, ascending the sand dune. Unless it has been very windy, a discernible trail should be visible up the dune. Shortly after ascending the dune, you will arrive at The Wave. The total hiking distance from the Wirepass trailhead to The Wave is approximately 2.8 miles.
Returning to the Trailhead
Returning to your vehicle is generally straightforward, even as dusk approaches. The small BLM signposts along the route are designed to reflect flashlight beams, aiding navigation in low light. On your return, avoid turning west too early after heading north. Look for the previously noted signpost; it indicates the correct point to turn west to cross the ridge. Crossing the small ridge should be relatively easy. If it feels difficult, you have likely turned west prematurely. Conversely, if you continue too far north, you may find yourself in or overlooking Wirepass Slot Canyon. If this happens, backtrack and re-orient yourself. For a cautionary tale of someone getting lost on the return hike, see Trouble in Coyote Buttes. In case of getting lost or injured, attempt to gain elevation to improve cell signal reception. Cell service has been reported with Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T in the area.
Maximizing Your Day at The Wave: Exploring Coyote Buttes North
To make the most of your coveted permit, consider a loop hike starting and ending at The Wave that encompasses many of the photographic highlights of Coyote Buttes North. This loop is best suited for September through May due to summer heat. It does not include Top Rock, which can be reserved for a separate, more strenuous trip.
Begin your exploration at The Wave. Optimal light at The Wave occurs about an hour after sunrise, with some areas remaining in shadow before then. The hike from Wirepass trailhead takes approximately 90 minutes. Many visitors start very early and leave before the best light emerges. For those with stamina or hiking in summer, a dawn start is advisable; otherwise, a slightly later start is recommended. Avoid starting too late, as shadows begin to encroach on the south wall of The Wave before midday. After photographing The Wave, spend an hour or two exploring the immediate vicinity. Water pools are often present about 150 yards southeast of The Wave. Ginger Rock, located approximately 200 yards north of The Wave, is a good subject for midday photography.
Best early morning
Best shot at mid-morning
Best late morning
Best in the afternoon
Dinosaur Tracks and The Boneyard:
From The Wave, retrace your steps down the sand dune to the wash. At the dune’s base, turn west, cross the wash, and ascend to the area containing dinosaur tracks. These tracks are embedded in red sandstone near the cliff wall. They can be challenging to spot for the untrained eye, even with GPS coordinates. The tracks are three-toed and roughly hand-sized, typically found in small clusters in a line. A small circle of rocks marks a pair of footprints discovered years ago and was still visible as of 2017.
After viewing the dinosaur tracks, continue south for about 0.3 miles to an open area. Fifty yards to the west is a small brown and yellow striped area with rocks resembling a tic-tac-toe board. Photographer Michael Fatali named this area “The Boneyard.” The loose, patterned rocks are known as lace or box rocks. Please refrain from moving these fragile rocks. Photograph The Boneyard when the cliffs to the northwest are in shadow to create a dramatic contrast. The Boneyard is also excellent at dawn, catching the first light just after sunrise, with March and September being particularly optimal for dawn photography.
Dinosaur Track
The Boneyard
Lace rock north of The Boneyard
Sand Cove:
From The Boneyard, descend into the sandy wash running southeast. After 0.2 miles, turn south into Sand Cove Wash. Continue up Sand Cove Wash for about 100 yards and hike up to the teepee-shaped formations to your east (left). This area, known as Sand Cove, features beautiful sandstone curves. Photograph Sand Cove until late afternoon before it falls into shadow. A wide-angle lens is typically necessary. Sand Cove is mostly shaded in the morning.
Sand Cove
Looking south from Sand Cove
The Second Wave:
From Sand Cove, hike east-northeast and scramble up the cliff to a flat area just before a much steeper cliff. The Second Wave is located at the base of this steeper cliff. It is best photographed in the late afternoon but less impressive at other times of day. Shoot The Second Wave from the small sand dune a few yards south or from the rocks about ten feet above it to the southeast. Ensure the cliffs to the west are in shadow. Photograph until The Second Wave is shaded. If concerned about hiking back after sunset, leave The Second Wave earlier.
To return to the Wirepass parking lot, head north, passing back through The Wave. There are likely to be further photographic opportunities along the return hike, so keep your camera ready. After leaving The Wave, descend the dune, cross the wash, and head north, retracing your steps to your car. “The Dive” and the North and South “Teepees” will be well-lit on the return journey. A telephoto lens will be useful for these features. With a brisk pace, you should be able to return to your car within 30-45 minutes after sunset. Warning: If you are not confident in your navigation skills or GPS usage, leave The Second Wave well before sunset.
Last light on The Second Wave
The Second Wave
Photographing The Wave: Capturing Iconic Images
Many visitors to Coyote Buttes North primarily focus their exploration around The Wave itself, especially during extreme weather conditions. For those with limited time or energy, focusing on photographing The Wave itself is a worthwhile pursuit. A gallery of classic Wave images can be found here.
The Wave’s unique shape opens up in three main directions: north (the direction of entry), east, and southwest. Each direction offers distinct and compelling photographic compositions, all achievable in good morning light. The map below illustrates the topography of The Wave.
To view the map in Google Maps please click anywhere on the map above.
Given the difficulty of obtaining permits, it’s advisable to explore and photograph The Wave from all three primary directions during your visit. Beyond these classic viewpoints, numerous other photographic possibilities exist. Explore the main Wave gallery for more inspiration.
Facing West
This classic perspective is best captured mid-morning. By late morning, the south wall (left side of the image) begins to fall into shadow, particularly during winter. A wide or ultra-wide lens is recommended for the best results. The example image was shot at 14mm. The “Eye of The Wave,” visible on the right, is a remarkable example of soft-sediment deformation.
Night photography facing west can also yield stunning results. This image, taken at 24mm, captures startrails above The Wave, with moonlight illuminating the center and north wall through the slot.
Facing South
This iconic reflection shot is best captured about an hour after sunrise, when the south wall is fully lit and the side walls are still in shadow. A few hours later, as the side walls become partially illuminated, the image loses some of its impact. Water pools are common at the entrance to The Wave, especially in summer. Even a shallow inch of water is sufficient for a good reflection. Shoot from a low angle to emphasize the foreground rocks in the water, using a wide-angle to normal lens. Both vertical and horizontal compositions can be effective.
This image, capturing the Milky Way arching over The Wave, is a personal favorite. It is best attempted from May through August, when the center of the Milky Way aligns with the southern sky. An LED panel was used to illuminate the south wall, while the other walls were light-painted with a warm-temperature flashlight.
Facing North
This view, looking out from the entrance of The Wave, is best photographed midday or in the afternoon when clouds are present in the sky, adding visual interest.
This image, shot at dusk, uses a warm LED panel to light the Wave walls, creating a dramatic effect. A 14mm lens was used to capture the expansive view.
The Wave Slot Canyon
This image showcases a short slot canyon within The Wave formation, which receives beautiful reflected light in late morning. Pay close attention to your depth of field when photographing this narrow space. Consider smoothing out footprints in the sand within the slot using a cloth or jacket before shooting, as these can be challenging to remove in post-processing.
This image of the slot canyon wall highlights an exceptional example of soft sediment deformation, a geological process occurring in unsolidified or liquid-like sediment during the early stages of consolidation.
