Trek The Wave in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona this year
More visitors are to be allowed to enjoy Arizona’s famous and exclusive hike, a colorful sandstone rock formation known as The Wave.
More visitors will soon be able to hike the famous and exclusive, colorful sandstone rock formation, The Wave in Arizona. The rock formation is located in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, close to the border with Utah.
Trek The Wave
The Wave is a spectacular sandstone rock formation in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona. It received its name due to its erosion by the wind, which has made it resemble an ocean wave.
Until recently, the Bureau of Land Management had capped the number of daily permits at 20. This was done to protect the fragile rock formation’s integrity and beauty. However, the bureau has decided to increase the number of visitors per day.
Located close to the border with Utah, The Wave has been a popular location for many years. In fact, during 2018, more than 200,000 people applied for the 7,300 permits available. Permits allow visitors to trek the 6-mi round-trip hike through the Coyote Buttes North section of the park to reach The Wave. Of the individuals who applied, only 3.5 percent were successful.
It has recently been announced that a new limit of 64 visitors per day, and/or 16 groups per day (whichever comes first) will be allowed to access The Wave starting February 1.
How to apply for a permit
Fifty percent of the available permits can be booked online four months in advance via an online lottery that costs a non-refundable $9 per application. The other fifty percent will be allocated to walk-in visitors to the visitors’ center in Kanab. This will be on a first come, first served basis and will be at a cost of $7 per person per day, plus $7 per dog for those with canine hiking partners.
While this change gives more people the opportunity to experience this wondrous natural site, the increase in permits does raise concerns about sustainability. Before making the decision, the Bureau of Land Management noted several aspects. Allowing more permits would increase the number of encounters with other visitors on the hiking trail. This would potentially decrease opportunities for solitude on the hike, as well as potentially increase impacts to other resources.
Bureau of Land Management Arizona state director, Ray Suazo said they had conducted robust environmental analysis, working in collaboration with partners and interested stakeholders, in an effort to allow more people access to The Wave, while maintaining its wilderness character.
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About The Wave and its surroundings
The Wave’s official name is Coyote Buttes North and this and Coyote Buttes South form a small part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The buttes offer some of the most visually striking geologic sandstone formations in the world.
A permit is required for both Coyote Buttes North and Coyote Buttes South. Potential visitors should understand that both areas are in a backcountry, undeveloped wilderness area. There are no developed trails or facilities for visitors.
Those wishing to apply for a permit to hike the Wave via the online lottery can access the official website here.
In the meantime, enjoy a virtual tour of The Wave in the video included below.