The Wave is more than just a photograph; it’s an experience, a pilgrimage for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the American Southwest, The Wave has earned its reputation as a premier photographic destination. But where is the wave exactly? This iconic sandstone formation is located in the Coyote Buttes North area, straddling the border of Utah and Arizona.
Beyond just The Wave, Coyote Buttes North is a treasure trove of geological wonders. Within this region, you’ll discover formations like The Second Wave, The Alcove, Top Rock Arch, Melody Arch and the Grotto, Sand Cove, and Fatali’s Boneyard, each possessing its unique charm and photographic appeal. While The Wave itself is best captured in the soft light of mid-morning to early afternoon to minimize harsh shadows, the other remarkable areas of Coyote Buttes North reveal their beauty most vividly in the gentle glow of mid-to-late afternoon.
However, accessing this natural masterpiece is not as simple as typing “where is the wave” into a GPS. A permit, issued by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is mandatory to step into this protected area. With only 64 individuals allowed daily – 48 permits granted months in advance and a mere 16 through a daily lottery – demand significantly outweighs the limited availability. During peak seasons like April, May, September, and October, the daily lottery sees applications from around 300 hopefuls vying for just sixteen spots. Your odds improve during less popular months or if you are traveling solo or in a smaller group, especially between December and February.
Alt text: Serene water pool reflecting the swirling sandstone formations at The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, emphasizing the location’s unique geological beauty.
Finding The Wave: Navigating to Coyote Buttes North
To physically reach The Wave after securing your coveted permit, be prepared for a six-mile round trip hike. It’s crucial to understand that there is no marked trail directly to The Wave. Navigating this terrain requires proficiency with a map and compass, or reliance on a GPS device. The BLM provides permit holders with a map and detailed instructions to aid in finding The Wave, and you will encounter occasional cairns along the way as subtle guides.
It is essential to be aware of the inherent risks of hiking in this remote and rugged landscape. Tragically, in the past five years, five individuals have lost their lives while hiking to or from The Wave. If you are uncertain about your navigational abilities, it’s strongly recommended to join a guided tour or hike with an experienced companion. Hiking alone is discouraged. If using a GPS, mark the Wirepass trailhead and key points along the designated route for safety. Staying with your group is paramount. A sobering fact is that four of the five fatalities were heat-related. Therefore, if your visit falls within the warmer months, carrying ample water is non-negotiable – at least four liters per person, and even more is advisable.
Securing Your Passage: The Wave Permit System
Access to The Wave, officially within the Coyote Buttes North permit area, is strictly controlled through a permit system. Both online permit applications and detailed information are available at recreation.gov. The daily limit for Coyote Buttes North is capped at 64 people or 16 groups, whichever limit is reached first. Permits are allocated through two separate online lotteries:
- Advanced Permits: 48 people (maximum 12 groups) are granted permits via an online lottery conducted three months in advance of the desired hiking date.
- Daily Permits: The remaining 16 permits (maximum 4 groups) are awarded through another online lottery held just two days prior to the intended visit.
Advanced Permits: Planning Ahead for The Wave
Alt text: Intricate slot canyon detail within The Wave formation, Coyote Buttes North, highlighting the textures and patterns that draw photographers to this sought-after location.
Obtaining advanced permits for Coyote Buttes North is notoriously challenging due to extremely high demand. All advanced permits are distributed through a lottery system on recreation.gov. The lottery application window opens four months before your intended trip month and remains open for the entire month. For instance, to secure permits for a January 15th visit, you would need to apply during September. A non-refundable fee of $9 per group is required to enter the online lottery.
Wave permits are non-transferable, except to a maximum of three specifically named individuals listed as “alternate permit holders” during the application process. If your group is checked by a ranger on the trail to The Wave, either you or a designated alternate permit holder must be present with the group. Failure to comply may result in ticketing. Alternate permit holders also need to have an account on recreation.gov.
Each group is limited to one lottery application per month. Attempting to apply more than once will trigger a system message indicating the restriction. It’s important to note that if you are listed as an alternate permit holder on someone else’s application, you are also restricted from applying for a permit yourself during that same month. However, if multiple individuals are in your group, each can apply separately to increase the chances of winning, as long as they do not list other group members as alternates.
Within each lottery application, you can select up to three preferred dates. The lottery drawing takes place the day after the lottery period closes (e.g., October 1st for the September lottery). The BLM will notify you of your lottery outcome via email shortly after. If you haven’t received a notification by the 2nd of the month, check your email spam folder. If still missing, it’s possible you may have entered an incorrect email address during application. In this case, contact the BLM at (435) 688-3200 or [email protected] to inquire about your application status. If you are successful in winning a permit, an additional fee of $7 per person for the North Coyote Buttes permit is required.
Coyote Buttes North Lottery Schedule for Advanced Permits
| 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 Permits: Last-Minute Opportunity to See The Wave
If you were unsuccessful in the advanced permit lottery and find yourself in the Southern Utah/Northern Arizona region, pursuing a “Daily Permit” offers a chance to visit The Wave. Daily permits are issued for the day after you apply. Applications for the daily lottery open two days before your desired hike date and can be submitted at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251909. A $9 non-refundable fee applies to each daily lottery application. Crucially, daily permit applications must be submitted via a phone or connected mobile device (tablets are acceptable, but desktop computers are not). The GPS function on your device must be enabled, and you must be physically located within a designated “geofenced” area in Northern Arizona/Southern Utah to apply. This geofenced area encompasses the towns of Kanab, Page, Big Water, Fredonia, Glendale, and Jacob Lake. Detailed maps of the geofenced area in various geocoded formats are available for download:
| GeoTiff – Avenza | KMZ – Google Earth | Rmap – Oruxmaps | SQLite – Locus | MBTiles – GaiaGPS | GeoPDF |
|---|
These maps can be loaded into your phone’s GPS software to verify if you are within the geofenced application zone.
The daily permit application process follows this schedule:
- Day 1 – Application: Apply between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM (local time within the geofence) two days before your intended entry date through recreation.gov. Lottery results are released at 7:15 PM that evening. A window then opens for successful applicants to accept their permits.
- Day 2 – Safety Briefing: Successful applicants must accept the permit and pay the associated fees by 8:00 AM Utah time and attend an in-person safety briefing at a designated permit pickup location by 8:30 AM local time. Note that local time may differ between pickup locations due to time zone differences (during Daylight Saving Time, 9:30 AM in Utah is 8:30 AM in Arizona, except for the Navajo Nation). There are two permit pickup locations: The Kanab Center (20 N 100 E, Kanab, UT 84741) for Kanab pickup and the Page-Lake Powell HUB (48 S Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ 86040) for Page pickup.
- Day 3 – Permit Date: Permit holders are authorized to explore Coyote Buttes North throughout this day.
This daily permit system is more convenient than the previous walk-in lottery, eliminating the need to be physically present in Kanab early in the morning. You only need to be within the general Page/Kanab area during application. However, a $9 non-refundable lottery application fee is a new addition compared to the previously free walk-in lottery.
Further details regarding permits can be found on the Coyote Buttes permits webpage.
Best Time to Witness The Wave’s Beauty
Alt text: Classic mid-morning shot of The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, capturing the optimal light and minimal shadows for showcasing its undulating sandstone formations.
Choosing the right time to visit The Wave significantly impacts your experience, both in terms of permit accessibility and the visual appeal of the landscape.
December – February: These winter months offer the highest chance of securing permits, especially outside of the Christmas and New Year holiday periods. However, be prepared for potential snow cover, which can make hiking more challenging and impact photography. Snow can limit photographic opportunities to south-facing exposures like The Boneyard and Sand Cove. Cloud cover is typically higher in winter, and House Rock Road leading to the trailhead can become muddy and impassable, even for 4WD vehicles. The South Buttes, being at a higher elevation (approximately 6,200 feet, and thus colder), are even more prone to snow accumulation, which may persist longer.
March – May: Spring is generally a favorable time to visit with moderate temperatures and lower cloud cover, particularly in April and May. However, permit acquisition becomes significantly more difficult. Spring also brings the strongest winds in the Southwest, predominantly from the southwest. Sand Cove’s north-south orientation creates a wind tunnel effect, making photography in Sand Cove and The Boneyard challenging due to blowing sand.
June: June stands out as an excellent month for visiting The Wave if you can tolerate the heat. Cloud cover and precipitation are minimal, and June offers the best conditions for night photography, with the Milky Way stretching across the night sky.
July – August: While once considered the least desirable months, July and August can be rewarding if you are well-prepared for intense heat. The average daily high temperature at The Wave in July reaches 101°F (around 38°C), with very little shade available. If visiting in July or August, plan for shorter excursions, focusing on early mornings or late afternoons when temperatures and cloud cover are slightly lower. Tragically, heat-related fatalities have occurred at The Wave, underscoring the importance of preparedness. If venturing out for extended periods, seeking shade is crucial. Emergency space blankets, propped up with hiking poles or natural supports, can provide temporary relief. The Alcove at Toprock offers natural shade. Crucially, carry at least one gallon (approximately 4 liters) of water per person per day in July and August, with recommendations reaching as high as nine liters per person in extreme heat. Keep water insulated within your pack and consider freezing some bottles to provide cooling ice. Be mindful of potential afternoon thunderstorms and even hail. Mornings are typically cooler, clearer, and less windy, offering ideal conditions for photography. With luck, water pockets may be present at The Wave or in the area to the south, attracting tadpoles and fairy shrimp, and potentially even toads. Permit availability is somewhat better than peak months, though still challenging.
September – November: These autumn months are widely considered ideal for visiting. Crowds in Page and Kanab diminish after the summer vacation season, and temperatures and cloud cover are generally pleasant. However, permits remain very difficult to obtain due to the overall popularity of this season. The wider Southwest region is also exceptionally beautiful during this time, with Aspen trees changing color in late September/early October, followed by Cottonwoods in late October.
For detailed climate information based on data from the Page airport, Weatherspark.com is a valuable resource.
Your Journey to The Wave: Hiking the Trail
Alt text: Close-up of a three-toed dinosaur track near The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, showcasing the paleontological significance of the area alongside its geological wonders.
The primary and recommended entry point to Coyote Buttes North is the Wirepass Trailhead (WP). While The Notch trailhead exists, it is no longer actively promoted by the BLM, and the trail from The Notch is poorly defined.
To reach the Wirepass trailhead, take Highway 89 to House Rock Road. The House Rock Road turnoff is located between mileposts 25 and 26 on Highway 89 in Utah. House Rock Road is typically passable for standard passenger vehicles under dry conditions. Do not attempt to drive on House Rock Road if it is wet. The clay-based road surface becomes extremely slippery and treacherous when wet, even for 4WD vehicles. 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 toilet 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.
Begin your hike by signing the trailhead register and carefully crossing House Rock Road. Follow the well-defined trail heading east for approximately 50 yards until you enter a wash. This is Wirepass Wash, which eventually flows into Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in North America. Continue walking down Wirepass Wash. About 0.55 miles from the trailhead, a signpost marked “Coyote Buttes” will appear on the right. Turn right here and follow the distinct trail uphill and across a sagebrush field. At the far end of this field, you will cross another wash, which also drains into Wirepass slot canyon about half a mile downstream. The total distance across the sage field to this second wash is roughly 0.65 miles. After crossing this wash, hike up the slickrock slope towards a saddle that may be marked with cairns. If you are using a GPS, mark this saddle location. You are now within the Coyote Buttes North permit area. From this point onward, cairns may or may not be present or reliable. However, a few BLM signposts are placed at key junctions; one such signpost is located approximately 50 yards east of the saddle. Note its position carefully, as this marker will be crucial for your return, indicating where to turn west. From the saddle, proceed south. After about 0.35 miles, you will encounter a twin butte formation with a section of downed barbed wire fence and a gate on its left (east) side. You can either pass through the gate (easier but slightly exposed) or walk around the buttes on their west side. Continue heading almost directly south, aiming for a visible crack in the cliffs to the south. After another 0.8 miles, you will cross a small wash. Continue towards the crack in the cliffs and ascend the sand dune. Unless exceptionally strong overnight winds have erased them, a clear trail should be visible leading 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: Navigating Back Safely
Alt text: Panoramic view looking south from Sand Cove, Coyote Buttes North, Arizona, capturing the vastness and layered sandstone formations of the landscape.
Returning to your vehicle is generally straightforward, even as dusk approaches. The small BLM signposts are designed to reflect flashlight beams, making them visible in low light conditions. On your return hike, avoid turning west too early after heading north. Look for the previously noted signpost; it will indicate the correct point to turn and cross back over the ridge. Crossing the small ridge should be relatively easy; if you encounter difficulty, it suggests you may have turned west prematurely. Conversely, if you continue too far north, you risk ending up in or overlooking Wirepass Slot Canyon. If this occurs, backtrack and re-orient yourself. For a cautionary tale of someone who became lost on the return hike, refer to “Trouble in Coyote Buttes.” In case of becoming lost or injured and needing assistance, try to gain elevation to improve chances of obtaining a cell signal. Cell service has been reported in the area for Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T networks.
Exploring Beyond The Wave: A Day in Coyote Buttes North
To maximize your permit and experience the full splendor of Coyote Buttes North, consider a loop hike that starts and ends at The Wave, encompassing many of the area’s most photogenic locations. This loop is best suited for visits between September and May, as attempting it in the summer heat can be dangerous. Top Rock is not included in this loop and is best explored on a separate trip, especially for less experienced hikers.
Begin your exploration at The Wave itself. Optimal lighting for The Wave typically occurs about an hour after sunrise, as parts may be shadowed before then. The hike from Wirepass trailhead to The Wave takes around 90 minutes. Many visitors start very early and depart before the best light materializes. If you have the stamina for a full day or are hiking during summer, starting at dawn 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, dedicate an hour or two to exploring the immediate vicinity. Water pools are often present about 150 yards southeast of The Wave, offering reflective photo opportunities. Ginger Rock, located approximately 200 yards north of The Wave, is another excellent subject, particularly around midday.
Extending Your Hike: Dinosaur Tracks and The Boneyard
Alt text: Dawn light illuminating delicate lace rock formations at The Boneyard, Coyote Buttes North, showcasing the intricate detail and textures of these unique geological features.
From The Wave, retrace your steps down the sand dune to the wash below. At the base of the dune, turn west, cross the wash, and ascend to the area where dinosaur tracks are located. These tracks are embedded in red sandstone, close to the cliff face. Finding the tracks can be challenging, even with GPS coordinates, for those unfamiliar with track identification. The tracks are typically three-toed and approximately hand-sized, often found in small clusters arranged in lines.
After viewing the dinosaur tracks, continue south for about 0.3 miles until you reach a more open area. Approximately 50 yards to the west lies a small area with brown and yellow stripes, featuring rocks resembling tic-tac-toe boards on the striped surfaces. This area, named “The Boneyard” by photographer Michael Fatali, is characterized by loose, intricately patterned rocks known as lace or box rocks. Please refrain from moving these fragile rocks. For photography, wait until the cliffs northwest of The Boneyard are in shadow, as the dark background enhances the contrast with The Boneyard’s colors. The Boneyard is also particularly beautiful at dawn, with direct sunlight hitting it shortly after sunrise. March and September are optimal months for dawn photography here.
Continuing the Loop: Sand Cove and The Second Wave
Alt text: The swirling sandstone formations of The Second Wave in Coyote Buttes North, Arizona, bathed in soft, late afternoon light, emphasizing the location’s beauty.
From The Boneyard, descend into the sandy wash running southeast. After about 0.2 miles, turn south into Sand Cove Wash. Continue up Sand Cove Wash for approximately 100 yards and then hike east (left) up to the “teepees” rock formations. This area, known as Sand Cove, is characterized by beautiful, curved sandstone formations. Photograph Sand Cove until late afternoon before it becomes fully shaded. A wide-angle lens is generally necessary to capture the sweeping curves. Sand Cove is largely in shadow during the morning hours.
From Sand Cove, hike east-northeast and scramble up the cliff face until you reach a relatively flat area just before a much steeper cliff. The Second Wave is situated at the base of this steeper cliff. It is best photographed in the late afternoon and less compelling at other times of day. Photograph The Second Wave from the small sand dune a few yards to the south or from the rocks slightly elevated (about ten feet) to the southeast. Ensure that the cliffs to the west are already in shadow. Continue shooting until The Second Wave itself goes into shadow. If you are concerned about hiking back to your car after sunset, begin your return from The Second Wave earlier.
To return to the Wirepass parking lot, head north, passing back through The Wave. Many photo opportunities will present themselves along the return hike, so keep your camera and tripod accessible. After leaving The Wave, descend the dune, cross the wash, and head north, retracing your initial steps back to your car. “The Dive” and the North and South “Teepees” formations will be illuminated with favorable light on the return journey, although a longer lens may be required to capture them effectively. If you maintain a brisk pace, you should be able to reach your car within 30-45 minutes after sunset. However, a crucial warning: if you lack strong navigation skills or a functional GPS and the proficiency to use it, you should leave The Second Wave well before sunset to ensure a safe return.
Capturing The Wave: Photography Tips
Alt text: Iconic wide-angle photograph of The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, Arizona, showcasing the sweeping curves and the “Eye of the Wave” formation.
Approximately half of all visitors to Coyote Buttes North primarily explore the immediate vicinity of The Wave. This is particularly true during summer and winter months when extreme temperatures, lightning risks, or snow cover may limit the duration of visits. Therefore, focusing on photographing just The Wave itself can be a rewarding experience.
The Wave naturally opens in three primary directions: north (the direction of your approach), east, and southwest. Each of these orientations offers distinct photographic possibilities, best captured under specific lighting conditions.
To fully appreciate and photograph The Wave’s diverse aspects, it is recommended to shoot from all three directions during your visit, all of which can be effectively photographed in good morning light. Beyond these classic perspectives, numerous other creative compositions are possible.
Facing West: The Classic View
Alt text: Startrail photograph of The Wave at night, Coyote Buttes North, with moonlight illuminating the sandstone and revealing the celestial movement above.
The quintessential view of The Wave, facing west, is best captured during mid-morning. By late morning, the south wall (on the left in most compositions) begins to fall into shadow, especially during winter months. A wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle lens is essential to capture the full sweep of the formation. The “Eye of The Wave,” a striking example of soft-sediment deformation, is prominently visible on the right side of this view.
Night photography also offers captivating possibilities facing west. Moonlight can illuminate the center and north wall of The Wave, creating dramatic nighttime scenes.
Facing South: Reflections and the Milky Way
Alt text: Stunning reflection of The Wave in a water pool, Coyote Buttes North, captured in early morning light when the south wall is illuminated and side walls are in shadow.
The south-facing view is ideal about an hour after sunrise, when the south wall is bathed in light while the side walls remain in shadow, creating a beautiful contrast. As the morning progresses, light gradually creeps onto the side walls, diminishing the dramatic effect. Water pools frequently accumulate at the entrance to The Wave, especially during summer months. Even a shallow inch of water is sufficient to create stunning reflection photographs. Shoot from a low perspective to emphasize foreground details like small rocks in the water, using a wide-angle to normal lens. Both vertical and horizontal compositions work well.
Alt text: The Milky Way arching over The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, a night photograph enhanced with light painting to illuminate the south and side walls of the sandstone formation.
For astrophotography enthusiasts, facing south offers a prime opportunity to capture the Milky Way arcing over The Wave. This perspective is best during May through August when the galactic center is positioned prominently in the southern sky. Light painting techniques, using an LED panel to illuminate the south wall and a warm-temperature flashlight for the other walls, can enhance these nighttime images.
Facing North: The Entrance and Dusk Light
Alt text: Northward view from inside The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, showcasing the entrance and surrounding landscape under midday light with scattered clouds.
The north-facing view showcases the entrance to The Wave and the landscape beyond. This perspective is most appealing during midday and into the afternoon, particularly when clouds are present to add visual interest to the sky.
Alt text: Dusk photograph looking north from The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, with warm LED panel light illuminating the walls, creating a dramatic twilight scene.
Dusk also offers a unique ambiance for the north-facing view. Using a warm LED panel to light the walls of The Wave during dusk can create dramatic twilight images.
Exploring The Wave Slot Canyon
Alt text: Intimate view of a short slot canyon within The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, bathed in reflected late morning light, highlighting the smooth, sculpted sandstone.
A short slot canyon within The Wave itself offers excellent photographic opportunities, particularly in late morning when it receives beautiful reflected light. Pay close attention to depth of field when shooting within the slot canyon. Consider smoothing out footprints in the sand within the slot using a cloth or jacket before photographing, as removing footprints in post-processing can be challenging.
Alt text: Close-up detail of soft sediment deformation patterns on the slot canyon wall within The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, illustrating the geological processes that shaped this landscape.
The slot canyon walls also exhibit remarkable examples of soft sediment deformation, a geological phenomenon occurring in the early stages of sediment consolidation when the sediment is still unsolidified or liquid-like. Capturing these patterns provides a glimpse into the geological history of The Wave.
Conclusion: Plan Your Wave Adventure
Where is the wave? It’s more than just a location; it’s a destination that demands planning, preparation, and respect. Coyote Buttes North and The Wave reward those who venture here with unparalleled natural beauty and photographic opportunities. Remember that securing a permit is the first crucial step in your journey. Understanding the location, best times to visit, and the hiking route are essential for a safe and rewarding experience. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or simply a lover of extraordinary landscapes, The Wave promises an unforgettable adventure. Plan your trip meticulously, respect the fragile environment, and prepare to be amazed by the hidden gem of Coyote Buttes North.
