Once you win the permit lottery to The Wave in Arizona – (Coyote Buttes North), what comes next?
Details Details
If you want to learn more about how to get a permit to do this amazing hike please check out my previous blog for all the details on the process.
You do need a permit and they do check to make sure you have it. You don’t want to face the penalty of not having one. 64 people are lucky enough to win a permit so you really do have the place almost to yourself.
Getting there
Your best bet for this hike is to get there EARLY. It can be very hot during the heat of the day and to be on your way by 7 a.m. or so will help you avoid that heat. Either way make sure you take lots of water. There is none on the way to filter. We stayed in Kanab, UT the evening before and it was just a little under an hour to get to the trailhead. Staying in Page, AZ is your other option and is about the same distance.
The road leading to the trail head (House Rock Valley Road) is often muddy and very hard to navigate depending on time of year so keep that in mind. We had 4 wheel drive and used it although the road was really quite good and we probably could have gotten there without it. The parking at the trailhead is shared by the Buckskin Gulch trail parking and you use the same trail for about 1/2 mile of your beginning hike.
There is a sign-in book near the restrooms and you need to sign in with your information and license number. Don’t forget to sign out when you get back. Make sure the parking pass they give you in advance is in your window in the car and the other one is attached to your backpack.
The Trail Details
First of all, there is no trail per se. You are way-finding using the picture map you are sent with your permit and a very FEW cairns or small signs which are helpful and then seem to run out about halfway. I highly recommend some GPS downloaded maps. I used AllTrails maps. It worked great. Just make sure you download while you have wifi. There is no service anywhere out here.
The trail is dry, sandy, rocky and has about 1200 feet of elevation gain. We found it moderate in difficulty. Nothing too hard at all. Bring plenty of water and follow your map and you will do great. You hike the first 1/2 mile in a dry stream bed that is also for the Buckskin Gulch trail (we did that another day and it was awesome and no permit needed). About 1/2 mile in there is a right turn for the Wave and a sign saying you need a permit to continue. There is a nice big hill right here and that’s where you head up and toward your destination.
The 3 mile route to the Wave in Arizona
The actual route you follow is interesting and it’s fun to follow your map and find your way. There is some up and down and it feels adventurous . We were there in early June and there were some GORGEOUS wildflowers. You will notice a big sandy hill when you actually reach the wave. This was actually the hardest part just because it was sand like at a beach and uphill so you huffed and puffed a bit.
The sand on the rocks can be a little slick so just watch your step. It’s not a big deal at all though. We actually thought we may be the only ones there this early but we were not. Everyone had the same plan as we did apparently.
Our first look
We hiked up into the wave area and got our first look at this awesome location. We got there very early so the sun wasn’t all the way up. It got better and better as the sun continued to come up. The light just keeps making the colors better. Please be considerate of others though. We got to the entrance and someone who got there earlier had just dropped their backpacks right at the entrance in the way of everyone’s pictures.
Even though there are only 64 people heading to the Wave each day, you need to remember that everyone is there to enjoy and get their pics. Be respectful. We moved the bags to get this picture below. It must have just rained because there was a nice little pool right at the entrance.
Exploring The Wave in Arizona
Once we walked into the main section of the wave we just sat and looked. It was stunning and surreal. We ate our lunch at 10:00 a.m. and watched the sun continue to rise and the colors sharpen. The colors got better and better. After our snack break we headed out to explore and take picture after picture. You really just keep finding something new to shoot.
Head in and enjoy the main area and then start exploring the side areas and then SECOND WAVE.
Did you know there is a SECOND WAVE
I’m a sucker to climb rocks. So, this was a dream place for me. So much to climb on and explore. If you head up farther past the main area of the Wave there is another section of the wave that is equally beautiful but just a little different. The waves are much wider and a different color. You don’t see these pictures as often so I don’t know if everyone continues on. While exploring this area look up the tallest rock area to the left and you will even see a little arch. There was also a little pool near the top from a recent rain.
Noon at the WAVE in Arizona
I mentioned that the colors get prettier as the day goes on. After exploring we sat and enjoyed the main area. You can see in the following pictures that the colors are darker than earlier in the day. While just enjoying the view a nice young guy came over to talk to us. We thought he was just being friendly but within a minute he asked to see our pass to be there. He was very polite but we were a little surprised and glad we had all our information for him. Another reminder that you shouldn’t attempt this hike without the proper permits.
Heading Back!
After several hours of exploring we reluctantly headed back. I was so worried I had missed something important. The hike back is easier because you remember where you had come from. But it’s also a lot hotter. Don’t forget to DRINK. On the way back we came upon two ladies who almost appeared to be lost. We asked if they needed help and they asked for our permits. We chatted for a while and they told us it’s fairly common to find people without permits and that the fines really are quite steep and there is a threat of jail time.
Otherwise, the trip back was uneventful. I was sad to leave and realized that I had been lucky to get a permit so quickly and chances were I wouldn’t be so lucky again. And, honestly, I wouldn’t want to take a chance from anyone else. When you get back to your car don’t forget to sign back out of the book near the restrooms so they know you have made it back safely.
Final Thoughts……
The Wave hike it SO worth the time and effort to get your permit. Check my previous blog for details on how to do it and then enjoy a visit of your own! Please let me know about your trip or if you have questions. Please like and add your email for future updates and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and X. I would love it if you could comment and share with your friends!
Keep Exploring,
Stephanie
Seymoreoftheworldwithme