the wave arizona helicopter tour

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A Guide to Visiting The Wave the 'Right Way'

From suggestions for how to snag a coveted lottery-only permit to tips on how to make the most of your time, here’s the scoop on everything you need to know to visit The Wave.

Hugging the Utah border in Northern Arizona, The Wave makes its home in the 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. The famously photographed sandstone formations of The Wave look like an undulating orange and pink landscape, a nature-made work of art rivaling the masterpieces of Van Gogh or Dali. Because of its delicate ecosystem and the difficult hike necessary to reach The Wave, visitors must have a permit — available via lottery — and strong wayfaring skills to access it.

Getting to The Wave

From Highway 89, turn south on House Rock Valley Road and drive 8.3 miles to the Wire Pass Trailhead parking lot. Although you can make it to the trailhead in a two-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle, the road is unpaved and minimally maintained. When it rains, you will need four-wheel-drive. Always check road conditions before you go.

The Wave is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Generally, October through early November is the perfect time to visit since the weather is cooler with less of a chance of rain than in the spring. Snow is possible during winter, but because fewer people apply for permits then, your chances of getting one increase.

How to Get Permits

Visitors to The Wave must have a permit to access the area. Apply online four months in advance for the general lottery, or enter the daily lottery, held two days in advance. If you win either lottery, you will need to pick up your permit and maps the day before your hike and attend a safety meeting.

What You’ll Need

Bring at least one gallon of water per person, especially during the summer, and light snacks. Although the ranger’s station will provide a map, consider bringing a combination GPS and communication device since cell service is spotty.

Check the weather, and dress appropriately for the desert terrain and the season. You should wear:

• Closed-toe shoes, preferably hiking boots that can grip sandstone
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Layers, especially in the winter when it can get cold and even snow

What To Pack

A camera with a wide-angle lens (or a cell phone in wide-angle or panorama mode) is a must to capture the otherworldly orange landscape. Leave your drone at home, though. Drones are not allowed. You may also want to bring hiking poles with rubber tips to help reduce stress on your knees while trekking through uneven and sandy areas.

What It Costs

Recreation.gov charges a non-refundable $9 fee for each lottery application. If you win a permit, the recreation fee is $7 per person or dog. National Park passes do not entitle you to a discount. If you choose to hire a guide via a regional outfitter, expect to pay about $200 per person. Having a guide maximizes your time at The Wave and minimizes your chances of getting lost or hurt.

A Day at The Wave

Visiting The Wave requires a strenuous 6.4-mile hike that starts at the Wire Pass Trailhead parking lot. From there, cross House Rock Valley Road and head north through the river wash for about half a mile to the sign indicating you are entering a permitted area. The hike continues to the right. Follow the provided maps and occasional signs to The Wave. Once at The Wave, most visitors spend two or three hours exploring and taking photos. The best time of day for shadow-free pictures is midday, though early morning and late afternoon create more striking images. Before hiking out, find a scenic spot to fuel up for the return.

Where to Stay

The day before your trip, you’re required to visit the permitting office in either Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona. Since Page is a larger city with more accommodation options, it’s ideal for overnighting before your big adventure. Two options:

• Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell : Boasting breathtaking lake views, this hotel gets rave reviews for its clean, modern rooms and on-site restaurant. The hotel’s adventure concierge can offer suggestions for ways to explore other attractions in the area.
• Sleep Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell : One of the area’s newer offerings, this hotel is conveniently located off Highway 89. It features comfortable rooms and free breakfast. Book a room on the top floor for the best lake views.

If You Can’t Get a Permit

Less than 5 percent of applicants annually are drawn for a permit. If you don’t get one, you have other options. You can apply for a Coyote Buttes South permit to hike through similar — but not wavy — scenic formations. Or, you can explore nearby geological wonders such as Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon . If seeing The Wave is an absolute must and money is no object, you can charter a private airplane or helicopter out of Page Municipal Airport to take you over the formation.

Leave No Trace

The Bureau of Land Management limits the number of visitors to The Wave to preserve its unique beauty. Help these key efforts by following the Appreciate AZ guidelines and Leave No Trace principles.

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About the Author

Teresa Bitler

Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon.

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From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.

• PERMIT REQUIRED

The Wave Tour

Discover the iconic beauty that awaits in the heart of the northern Arizona desert

Quick Details

• User Ages: 5 Years & Up
• Hour Glass Duration: 8 Hours
• Users Max Group Size: Up to 6 People , For larger groups, please call us to book!
• Info Requirement: BLM Permit
• Check Bubble Activity: Hiking Tours

You’ll be sent a waiver to sign along with your booking confirmation.

Prepare to be Mesmerized as You Tour The Wave in Coyote Buttes, Arizona

Visitors are limited to protect this beautiful land. You MUST obtain a BLM permit before we can take you on this tour.

Now, let’s talk about The Wave. It’s a mind-blowing sandstone wonder right on the Arizona-Utah border . We’re here to hook you up with a ride to the trailhead and a savvy guide to help you conquer the desert. 

Once you’re there, it’s all about free exploration . Get lost in the smooth curves and rolling formations. Absorb the dusty reds and brilliant blue skies – it’s pure magic. Plus, our guide is your go-to for history, plants, geology and wildlife info. Let’s make this hike unforgettable!

• Chevron down What to Bring
• Make sure to bring plenty of water, a lunch, sunglasses and a hat, and good hiking/walking shoes
• North Coyotes Buttes Permit!
• Chevron down Inclusions
• 4 WD transport to and from The Wave trailhead
• A friendly & knowledgeable guide
• 8 miles of guided hiking

NOT INCLUDED

• North Coyote Buttes visitor permit
• Lunch (Please bring your own, you’re welcome to store them in our cooler.)
• Gratuity for your guide
• Chevron down Important Info
• We provide 4WD transport to and from The Wave trailhead.
• You’ll receive 8 miles of guided hiking to The Wave and the surrounding areas of North Coyote Buttes.
• You’ll need to sign a hiking waiver after booking this tour. Click here to view the waiver.
• You need a permit to take this tour . Click here to find out how to apply for one.
• This is a challenging and strenuous tour. It’s best suited to experienced hikers with a high level of fitness and health.  7 to 12 miles round trip.
• Chevron down Add-on to Wire Pass Slot Canyon

Fill your day with as much adventure and natural beauty as possible by  adding on a visit to Wire Pass Slot Canyon.  For an additional  $150  we’ll make a very worthwhile stop on our return trip and explore its famous ravines and narrow sandstone walls.  Just let us know at the time of booking  if you would like to add on this experience.

Related Activities

• Users Up to 12 People
• Hour Glass 8 Hours
• User 5 Years & Up

Alt Wave Adventure

There are so many wave formations in our region so if you aren’t successful in securing a permit for The Wave, don’t fret! Embark on an alternative tour experience, uncover hidden treasures and create unforgettable memories with this alternative option.

• Info BLM Permit
• Users Up to 6 People

South Coyote Buttes Hiking Tour

Located near the Wave, South Coyote Buttes is a great alternative. Enjoy guided ATV rides to the trail-head then hike to some of the most stunning rock formations you’ll ever see. You MUST obtain a BLM permit before we can take you on this tour.

• Users Up to 5 People

White Pocket Hiking Tour

A seemingly Alien landscape sure to impress and overwhelm the senses. Experience something otherworldly while walking across the hexagonal rock formation with underlying streaks of red swirls and waves. Eye Candy Overload.

• Hour Glass 8-10 Hours
• User All Ages

Grand Canyon Toroweap Overlook

The ultimate Grand Canyon View point.  Peer 3000 feet (915 meters) straight down into the belly of the Grand Canyon.  You can even hear the faint menacing roar of Lava Falls Rapids down below.

• Users Up to 8 People
• Hour Glass 5 Hours , 8 Hours

Canyoneering Tours

Travel with our expert guides who have decades of experience in the canyoneering field! We’ll spend the day descending through a canyon specifically chosen to your experience level and time constraints. This tour is perfect for families!

• Our Most Popular Tour!
• Hour Glass 2.5 - 3 Hours

Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon ATV Tour

Pack some serious fun and adventure into a few hours while you’re in Kanab! Race over sand trails in 2 or 4 person ATVs towards the breathtaking Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and learn about this special area from one of our experienced tour guides.  Similar to Antelope Canyon.

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Click Here to Book Online

• The Wave Tour

The Wave* Tour

*You may book this tour as a ‘Wave Conditional Tour’ even if you don’t have permits. Simply follow the permit prompts during checkout.   

Other Paria / Vermillion Cliffs Tours

White Pocket Tour

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Single Travelers & Private Tours

We can always accommodate single travelers via private tours.  Often times, we are also able to combine a single traveler with other scheduled parties; please give us a call at 435-644-5506 to discuss the latter option.

Private Tours are available to be booked online.

We go out of our way to open the wonders of the West to  EVERYONE .

We are permitted, licensed, and insured.

Dreamland Safari Tours holds Special Use Permits from the  Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument ,  Grand Canyon National Park , the  Vermilion Cliffs National Monument/Paria Wilderness , Glen Canyon National Recreation Area , Kanab Bureau of Land Management, Kaibab National Forest , and  Arizona Strip Bureau of Land Management .

Don't see your preferred departure date or time available via online booking? Give us a call. 

For sunset or sunrise at our more remote locations, we recommend a scheduled or custom overnight or multi-day tour - and we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that meets your needs.

All listed tour durations and pickup times are approximate. Please allow 10-20 minutes of pickup time flexibility for unforeseen circumstances and varying pickup logistics. Water and snacks are provided on all tours. A lunch meal is included on all tours of 6+ hours. Vegetarian option available.

We reserve the right to fill all empty seats on non-private tours.  Cancellation / Reschedule / Weather policy applies.

Please familiarize yourself with our  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   before contacting us.

To contact us with other specific questions or begin Making Reservations click the " Book Now " Button on each tour page or click Contact Us  for info on how to give us a call or shoot us an email.

• Trip Details

Private Tour Upgrade Available?

Tour length, departure times, difficulty (1-10), recommended abilities, attractions, special interests, these faqs are specific to this tour. if you would like to view our general faqs click here ..

1. How difficult is the hike to the Wave? The round-trip hike is just over 6 miles (9.5 kilometers) if you take the most direct route to the Wave and back. Our tours typically cover about 8 miles so we can visit other spectacular sites. There are long stretches of deep sand to trudge through and an elevation gain of about 500 feet on the trek. There are a few steep inclines, loose footing, and often you will be hiking on uneven sandstone with one foot higher than the other while you hug the side of a steep sandstone ridge. Decent cardio fitness, leg strength, some amount of endurance and good balance are needed. Harsh weather is another factor to consider. This is a particularly windy spot that makes the winter chill even colder. Ice and snow make the uneven hike quite slippery. In the summer, the sun is relentless, heating the ground until the radiant heat rises from the earth while the sun shines from above. There is virtually no shade.

2. How do I get a Wave permit? In March of 2021 the BLM radically increased the number of permits issued to 64 permits for 64 people, or 16 groups, whichever comes first. 48 of those permits, or 12 groups, whichever comes first, are issued via an online lottery 3-4 months in advance.  Only 16 permits for 16 people, or permits for 4 groups, whichever comes first, are issued the day before at the walk-in lottery. All of the specifics of the permit process are explained HERE .

3. Can I book a Wave tour without a permit? Yes, you can book book a Wave tour with us even if you do not have a North Coyote Buttes permit. Our booking system will ask whether you have a permit; simply answer, “no.” We will enter the in-person lottery on your behalf the day before your trip to try to get you a permit. The odds of winning are less than 10%. If we don’t score a Wave permit, your tour will visit one of two alternates: South Coyote Buttes or White Pocket.  South Coyote Buttes also requires a permit though it tends to be much easier to get than the Wave, but if we aren’t able to secure a South Coyote Buttes permits, your trip will visit White Pocket. All three are world class hiking and photography destinations in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

4. I am staying in Page. Where can we meet? We offer pick-up service to any hotel, vacation rental or RV Park in Kanab, Utah, but we do not pick up in Page, Arizona. If you are staying in Page, we can arrange a meeting point halfway between Page and Kanab. Normally, this meeting point is at the intersection of Highway 89 and Houserock Valley Road, which is about 45 minutes west of Page, and is right on the way to the Wave.  If you book an 8 a.m. tour, that is the time the tour departs Kanab, Utah. We would leave at 8 a.m. and meet you at 8:45 a.m. at Houserock Valley Road. Keep in mind that Page is in Arizona, which does not observe daylight savings time. So, from spring through fall, the time in Arizona is one hour earlier than in Utah, where our company operates. So, if our tour left Kanab at 8 a.m. (Utah time) and met you at 8:45 a.m. (Utah time), this would be 7:45 a.m. Arizona time and you would need to leave Page by 7am.  Daylight savings time starts sometime in mid-March and usually runs to the middle of November.

5. Is there a bathroom at the Wave? There is a pit toilet at the trailhead to the Wave. Otherwise, there are no facilities in the wilderness area. While hiking to and from the Wave, you may duck behind a tree or bush for privacy whenever necessary. All solid waste should be packed out and our guides carry WAG bags for this purpose, as well as toilet paper, hand wipes and plastic bags. Do not leave any trash on the ground. This is a wilderness area and must be kept pristine. Paper must be bagged up and can be discreetly discarded into the trash bag at the truck.

6. Are drones allowed at North Coyote Buttes? No. North Coyote Buttes is a designated wilderness area and drones are illegal.

To read more FAQs that are common to all of our tours, visit our FAQs page.

Guest Experiences on the Wave Tour

croderique – June 8, 2019 TripAdvisor We had a great guide, Rich. Not only did we see The Wave, but he showed several other areas we would not have even known to see. We strongly recommend using a guide service, and Dreamland is a good choice.

Seaside39985049827 – June 5, 2019 TripAdvisor We were a 4 people group (my friend and I and a couple). Steve was great at evaluating our speed and skills and adjusting accordingly. He took us through some “short cuts” were we were able to see dinosaur footprints, balanced well our time at the wave and other parts of the hike, was happy to add on wirepass into the hike, and did a good job of making sure we were all having fun and enjoying the adventure. He was fun, knowledgeable and very flexible. Great guide for a hike of a lifetime!

c0rintians – June 5, 2019 TripAdvisor We had an amazing time with Steve at the Wave. He was very knowledgeable and showed us areas of the Wave we didn’t even know about. We absolutely recommend Dreamland and Steve to anyone!

emilybeis – May 28, 2019 TripAdvisor Dreamland Safari Tours is simply excellent in all aspects. They entered the lottery for The Wave on our behalf, informed us promptly after we were lucky enough to win the lottery, and provided an unforgettable guided tour the next day. The Tour Leader, Steve, knows The Wave inside out. He was patient and courteous. He walked with us at our pace, allowing us ample time for enjoying the beauty of various scenic spots and taking photos. I would also like to mention that the sandwich provided for lunch was of very high quality. We enjoyed the tour so much.

Get the most of your Wave experience! If you are lucky enough to get your paws on a permit to hike the 6-8 miles of Coyote Buttes North and the Wave, consider The Wave Tour guided by Dreamland Safari Tours.

Until a few decades ago only a handful of people knew about the Wave in North Coyote Buttes of the Paria Canyon Wilderness on the border of Utah and Arizona. Today there is a lottery to determine who gets in. Phenomenon is the word. Nothing else does it justice.

The undulating strata and spectrum of colors found in the sandstone walls of the Wave date back to the Great Pangean Desert of the Jurassic Period about 160-180 million years ago. Wind and water erosion carves, smooths, and reveals the layers of sand left here in great dunes and then compacted and mineralized (colors) into stone. While the Wave is a smooth, polished bowl of striped wind-swept sandstone, the same exotic rock is displayed in numerous forms, shapes, colors, and patterns throughout the guided hike to the Wave in North Coyote Buttes.

With the Wave Tour you get all of the following:

• Comfortable, safe, year-round, high clearance, 4×4 transportation for up to 6 passengers on rough, unpredictable House Rock Valley Road
• A homemade picnic lunch.
• Knowledgeable tidbits about the geology, ecology, and history of the area. Guided Hiking through the easiest and most scenic routes to the neatest alternate and subtle Points of Interest including Dinosaur Tracks, Fatali’s boneyard (Lace Rocks), Sand Cove, Second Wave, Cheeseburger Rock, and other bizarre and colorful rock formations. These are areas the unguided rarely see. We do not typically go up to Top Rock or Top Arch due to time & difficulty of the ascent. We may make exceptions for very fit groups.
• Guided photography and tips at dozens of locations.
• Personal Safety – We help prepare you, keep you on track, and make sure you are safe in the Paria Canyon Wilderness. Our guides have basic Medical Training and satellite communications in case of emergency.

Elevation change, uneven footing, and sand across a long distance (typically 7-10 miles!) make the terrain on The Wave Tour difficult.  Please be prepared for hiking in difficult conditions. Daypacks are necessary especially in summer when our guide alone cannot carry enough water for everyone to safely complete the hike. Boots are highly recommended. Please carefully consider your age and physical abilities especially during the hottest months of the year: June, July, August. This tour is especially difficult in the heat.

SPECIAL PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE WAVE TOUR AT NORTH COYOTE BUTTES. DREAMLAND DOES NOT PROVIDE ADVANCE PERMITS OR HAVE AN UMBRELLA PERMIT.  ONLY OUR GUIDES ARE COVERED BY OUR PERMIT. WHEN OBTAINING PERMITS ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO ADD OUR GUIDES TO THE TOTAL NUMBER. UPON REQUEST, AND WITH AN ALTERNATE TOUR PLANNED, DREAMLAND MAY BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LAST MINUTE LOTTERY IN YOUR STEAD. PERMITS ARE NEVER GUARANTEED.

Wave Permits are not easy to get, but odds can vary at different times of year. To find out about everything you need to know about Wave permits and lottery strategy check out the Permits page. There are alternative tours available in case no permit is obtained – the most popular alternatives are White Pocket and South Coyote Buttes .

Want to learn more about The Wave? Check out our comprehensive blog post The Wave Tour: Everything You Need to Know .

If you’re interested in a great alternative to hiking the Wave, consider a trip to White Pocket. Read all about how White Pocket compares to the Wave in our BLOG .

The Wave Tour with Wire Pass Slot Canyon

Dreamland Safari Tours holds Special Use Permits from the  Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument ,  Grand Canyon National Park , the  Vermilion Cliffs National Monument/Paria Wilderness ,  Kanab Bureau of Land Management  and  Arizona Strip Bureau of Land Management .

Don’t see your preferred departure date or time available via online booking? Give us a call. 

For sunset or sunrise at our more remote locations, we recommend a scheduled or custom overnight or multi-day tour – and we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that meets your needs.

To contact us with other specific questions or begin Making Reservations click the “ Book Now ” Button on each tour page or click Contact Us  for info on how to give us a call or shoot us an email.

Dreamland Women's Adventure Award Application / Nomination

Know a woman who could use a fresh-air getaway to Southern Utah at close to no cost? Nominate her (or yourself!) today. You are welcome to nominate more than one individual by submitting multiple nomination forms. The Women's Adventure Award weekend takes place from March 1-3 2024 and includes a full-day hiking adventure with Dreamland Safari Tours, two nights of lodging, meals, and more. Adventure Award recipients are responsible for their own travel to/from Kanab and need to plan to arrive in Kanab by 4pm on the afternoon of Friday March 1.

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• Optional: What impact has the nominee had on your life? If you have a personal story to share, don't hold back. If you are nominating yourself, you don't need to answer this question (unless you really want to!).

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Here’s How To Visit The Wave In Coyote Buttes For A Perfect Photo

iacomino FRiMAGES / Shutterstock

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In the late-1980s, a few of the more popular weekend trips for college students at the University of Arizona in Tucson was to road trip to either the Grand Canyon or the Coyote Buttes. I did both, but sadly, the long-haired, fanny-pack-wearing me of 1987 was in it for nature and the hike — not owning a camera, I did not take one single photograph, but the impact of my visits remains to this day. Especially to The Wave.

Filip Fuxa / Shutterstock

The Wave In Coyote Buttes

Not to be too dramatic here, but The Wave is nature’s Van Gogh. The gentle brush strokes sweep along the rough sandstone, creating one of the most unique visual experiences on Earth.

The U-shaped clusters are called troughs, and it’s believed they began as sand dunes that compacted and turned into sandstone some 200 million years ago. The “Waves” were then carved out thanks to run-off from streams and floods. As The Wave’s official website puts it, “it was one of those rare instances when the elements were in the right place at the right time together, and the results are absolutely exquisite.”

Pung / Shutterstock

Located near the northern Arizona border with Utah, Coyote Buttes is a good seven-hour drive north from Tucson and five hours from both Phoenix and Las Vegas. The closest town is called Kanub , in Utah, where you can find plenty of amenities.

The Wave is located in what is called Coyote Buttes North. From Kanub, you’ll need to find House Rock Valley Road (HRVR), which is a dirt road that connects US89 to US89A east of Jacob Lake, Arizona. Make sure you are clear on your directions before heading out.

Marisa Estivill / Shutterstock

How Do You Hike The Wave

This is very important. The Bureau of Land Management dictates that everyone must have a permit to visit Coyote Buttes, and the BLM only issues 20 permits per day. This means a trip to the Wave cannot be a spur-of-the-moment idea, as it was in 1987. And there are no super-secret ways to acquire these much sought after permits.

Pre-planning is key, and the process is simple. You must apply for potential visit dates four months in advance.

This process is pretty straightforward. Online, you will be applying for dates four months out. Make sure you follow the directions. You’ll be offered three date choices. Random drawings for the permits take place on the first of each month, and those selected will be notified by email.

Sean Xu / Shutterstock

If you wish, you can apply for a permit in person for the following day. This takes place at the Kanab Center first thing in the morning on any day during peak season. During the winter, the Kanab Center is closed on weekends.

The Wave AZ suggests applying online, noting “The hardest part about hiking the Wave is getting the permit. Each day hundreds of people will show up, and thousands of people will apply for just 20 daily permits. Ask the people in the room with you and you will hear stories about flying to the United States and staying in Kanab for weeks just to apply each morning at the visitor center. Most will leave empty handed.”

Once you get your lucky permit, the fun can begin. The hike to The Wave is a six-mile loop, but know there is no specific trail, so you’ll need a map and compass or GPS. There are no bathrooms or water sources along the way, so be prepared. The hike itself is not physically demanding, but the conditions due to The Wave’s remote nature need to be considered. The area is shadeless, has deep sandy areas, and is prone to flash floods.

Ruslan Kalnitsky / Shutterstock

How To Get A Great Photo

Due to the Arizona heat and snowfall during summer and winter, visiting in the spring and fall is advisable — just be sure to check the weather forecast for rain. But because the summer is less traveled, permits can be more available, so make sure you weigh all your options.

And of course, avoid being the 1987 me and bring a camera. Taking the perfect picture of The Wave is imperative. There are three openings in the rocks from the north, the east, and the southwest, all of which have amazing shots, especially in the morning light.

Vyshnivskyy / Shutterstock

Know Before You Go

It cannot be overstated: Visiting The Wave is not easy. Make sure you follow the directions regarding permit requests and plan accordingly. The beauty and otherworldliness of The Wave are worth the effort, but just make sure you are overly prepared due to the nature of the rugged landscape and limited access to it.

Further Reading:

• The Best Outdoor Gifts Of 2020
• 9 Gorgeous Lakes To Explore In Arizona
• Driving Route 66 In Arizona
• 9 Things You Must Know Before Hiking Devil’s Bridge In Sedona

Jordan worked at KSDK from 1995 to 2020 and has produced every show from news to specials during his tenure, including creating Show Me St. Louis, The Cardinal Nation Show, and the Rams Tailgate Show. Jordan has won four regional Emmy awards and two Edward R. Murrow awards for journalistic excellence. Additionally, Jordan runs a local blog focusing on the responsible drinking community of St. Louis, called Drink314 .

Jordan has been married for 23 years and is the father of two children. He is an avid biker and snowboarder. He collects baseball cards, old toys, and tacky salt n’ pepper shakers. He has an incredible and vast knowledge of useless information and is the grandson of a former Cleveland bootlegger.

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Paria Outpost & Outfitters

Your guides to the grand staircase-escalante & vermilion cliffs national monuments, coyote buttes, and white pockets.

• ABOUT PARIA OUTPOST

THE WAVE – NORTH COYOTE BUTTES

• SOUTH COYOTE BUTTES

WHITE POCKET

Yellow rock, sidestep canyon, vermilion cliffs, grand staircase.

• OVERNIGHT TOURS
• PHOTO WORKSHOPS
• SOAP CREEK PHOTO GALLERY
• THE WAVE – NORTH COYOTE BUTTES PHOTO GALLERY
• SOUTH COYOTE BUTTES PHOTO GALLERY
• WHITE POCKET PHOTO GALLERY
• YELLOW ROCK PHOTO GALLERY
• SIDESTEP CANYON PHOTO GALLERY
• VERMILION CLIFFS PHOTO GALLERY
• GRAND STAIRCASE PHOTO GALLERY
• PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS GALLERY

VISIT THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATION IN THE ENTIRE AREA!

THE WAVE – NORTH COYOTE BUTTES TOURS

The most popular, sought after visual treasure in the entire Vermilion Cliffs-Grand Staircase Monuments . Everybody wants to see The Wave in North Coyote Buttes . And, yes we’d have to say it’s good. 

There’s also more to see in the North Coyote Buttes area, and we’ll take you to all the best stops, showing you the best of what the North Buttes has to offer. Our guides will take you to all the best photo destinations for world class photography.

It is at least a 6 mile hike with tall hills, sand, and uneven slick rock to negotiate. You must be in good physical shape to attempt this.

If you’re in an RV or the roads are bad but feel confident to do it yourself, we can provide a shuttle to the trailhead and back for $150 per group, though there are times the road is completely impassable and even we can’t do it.

Everyone remembers their day at The Wave . Our guides will make it even more memorable, sharing local knowledge and guiding you to all the best places to see and photograph in the North Coyote Buttes .

Only 20 people are allowed in the North and South Coyote Buttes per day. If you have not obtained one of the 10 permits previously available online, you can go to the BLM visitor center in Kanab, Utah for the famous North Coyote Buttes Wave Lottery at 9 a.m. There will be a lot of competition for the 10 permits that are issued for the next day.

Hiking The Wave: Trail Basics

Access to The Wave is from the Wire Pass Trailhead located in the North Coyote Buttes permit area of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument . The moderate 6-mile hike consists primarily of sand and red rock. Part of the trail is cross-country, so you should be prepared for potentially harsh desert conditions, including fierce winds, blowing sand, and little shade.

• Trail Type:  Out-and-back
• Length:  6 miles
• Elevation Change:  +/- 400 feet
• Dogs Allowed:  Yes, for an additional $7/per dog/per day (They must be under your control at all times and you are required to pack out your waste)
• Best Season:  Spring and Fall (best weather)
• Time:  All day tour, 6 hrs minimum round trip hike
• Permit Required:  YES – see Permit Section below
• Water Availability:  None. Must carry own water – up to 4 L per person

Advance Online Lottery for The Wave

Coyote buttes north lottery schedule.

IMPORTANT: The North Coyote Buttes requires a special permit from the B.L.M. You must obtain your own permit before reserving with us for this area. SEE THE PERMIT INFORMATION BELOW.

$200 + TAX per person ($220 TOTAL)

To book a guided photography, scenic, adventure, or hiking tour, photography workshop, overnight camp out, or make a reservation, please call or email us directly so that we can discuss your personal itinerary, in order to customize to your emphasis, interests and ability.

Call us at  (928) 691-1047 or email [email protected]

IMPORTANT RESERVATIONS MUST CHECK IN WITH US 24-HOURS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE TOUR.

THE WAVE – NORTH COYOTE BUTTES PHOTO GALLERY

Memory making moments, tour details.

• You can go to the BLM Visitor Center on highway 89 in Kanab, Utah to try for the ten available permits for the next day at ten a.m.
• Driving Times: It is a 30 minute drive from the Outpost to the Wave trailhead.
• At least a six mile hike. For good hikers only.
• Usually 2 hours hiking each way, plan on a little more time to see and photograph other locations in the area.
• When extremely hot must be hiking at sunrise.
• All daytime and sunset tours are at least 8-9 hours.
• We supply lunch, water and cold drinks.
• You must carry water and lunch.
• Campouts and photo workshops are 24 hours.
• Available all year dependent upon weather and especially road conditions.
• PERMIT IS REQUIRED
• Price (same for all tours)
• Departure Times: Though somewhat flexible, departure times vary with the weather and the length of the day through the year. In spring we generally depart at 8 a.m., but when it gets really hot we recommend leaving by at least 7 a.m. or even earlier.
• Meeting Point: All our tours depart from the Paria Outpost , which is located directly on Highway 89 at mile 21 in Utah. GPS COORDINATES : 37.1075° N, 111.9109° W
• We are a thirty minute drive from Page, Arizona and a ten minute drive from Big Water, Utah. We are forty-five minutes from Kanab, Utah, and aa little over two hours from Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. We are located right on the highway and have a big sign out front.
• What to bring: You bring a backpack to carry lunch and water, sunscreen, and your camera.

Where do the tours start? All tours start at the Paria Outpost on Highway 89 and Paria River , thirty minutes from Page, Arizona and forty five minutes from Kanab, Utah.

What should I bring? Enclosed hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, backpack. Hiking poles if you use them. Lunch, water, and cold drinks are included.

Do I need a permit? Only in the Coyote Buttes, nowhere else is a permitted area.

How many in group size? Group size maximum is 5 clients per guide , with 10 clients and 2 guides max. We reserve the right to fill groups. If guests want “private tour” (a car and guide to themselves) they must pay for 4 seats 175×4=$700  in the car. We also have a 2 person minimum price, so if solo, cost is $350 minimum.

What time do we start? Starting times are somewhat flexible according to the heat factor as well as your preference. We can discuss this when you write or call to check in twenty-four hours or so before the tour.

Are we located in Big Water? Our mailing address is in Big Water but our business is located ten minutes or so farther down the highway toward Kanab, Utah, just across the Paria River,

How do I pay? Though we don’t take money upfront for reservations, we do not accept credit cards. We always accept cash and personal checks are fine, if from America.

In an effort to be as user-friendly as possible we do not take money up front for reservations. We put your name on our calendar and count on you to show up. Weather can be unpredictable and other factors can change your itinerary and we do not want your money, if we cannot do your tour.

Bureau of Land Management – Coyote Buttes Permits Link to apply for permits

Both the North and South Coyote Buttes are limited to twenty visitors per day.

10 permits are available to try for to enter each area per day online, 4 months ahead of time for the North Coyote Buttes Wave area, and three months ahead of time for the South Coyote Buttes.

10 permits for each area are also available to try for at the BLM Visitor Center on Highway 89 in Kanab, Utah.

The Wave lottery is at 9 a.m. and the South Coyote Buttes lottery opens at 10 a.m.

Permits issued are for the next or coming day. If you are lucky enough to obtain a North Coyote Buttes Wave permit, we can take you on a great, comprehensive tour of the North Coyote Buttes, or we can give you a shuttle to the trailhead if you feel confident to do it yourself.

TESTIMONIALS

EXCELLENT GUIDE! Our trip to the Wave had been great with Dallas! He was experience and know where to bring us to see the beautiful views. We went to the boneyard, dinosaur tracks and the 2nd Wave! We had enough time to spend at The Wave and Dallas had never rush us at any points! Btw, avocado sandwich made by Susan was delicious! You can’t go wrong with Dallas and Paria Outpost! Highly recommended!

MenglembuMag

Looking for more adventure have another day to spend with us.

Let us take you through the heart of the VERMILION CLIFFS out to the colorful, extremely photogenic formations of the remote, largely unvisited Soap Creek. A really great tour.

We can show you more of the remote part of the VERMILION CLIFFS , such as a hike through Pinnacle Valley, out to Middle Reservoir, the “Cowboy Hat” formation, Double Barrel Arch or see Petroglyph panels and ruins as well.

Take another day to visit the increasingly famous WHITE POCKET , an other-worldly formation of brain rocks and colors. World Class and World-Famous photography. Easy hiking. images.

If you’re a good hiker hike the three miles or so to see largely unvisited SIDESTEP CANYON , a giant green-colored valley full of literally hundreds of balanced rocks, from 3 feet tall to 150 feet tall. Great for viewing a spectacular example of unique geology and excellent photographic opportunities.

Again, if you are a good hiker, make the short but somewhat steep climb up to YELLOW ROCK , for lovely, stunning colors and great views of the Cockscomb area.mages.

NORTH COYOTE BUTTES & SOUTH COYOTE BUTTES

The famous NORTH COYOTE BUTTES or SOUTH COYOTE BUTTES . IF you can be in Kanab, Utah at 9 a.m., try the North Coyote Buttes  Wave Lottery at the Kanab BLM visitor Center on Highway 89, or be there at 10 a.m. to try for a permit to the South Coyote Buttes, which, though less known, is easily as good or perhaps even better than the famous “Wave” that everyone wants. It’s easier to get this permit as well. However, only ten permits are available for each area per day at the Visitor Center. Permits are issued for the next day.

If you don’t want to hike much we can take you on a mostly DRIVING TOUR OF THE GRAND STAIRCASE , the COTTONWOOD CANYON ROAD and the SMOKEY MOUNTAIN ROAD are unbelievably eye-catching and photogenic, with lots of short stops and short hikes.mages.

FREE CAMPING AND RV PARKING FOR OUR CLIENTS AT PARIA OUTPOST. GREAT PORCH & RESTROOMS.

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Coyote Buttes and The Wave

A permit issued by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is required to see The Wave. Only 64 people per day (48 permits granted three months in advance and 16 permits granted one day in advance) are allowed in the area, and demand far exceeds supply. During the most popular months (April, May, September, October), an estimated 300 people apply for the sixteen daily permits. In the other months, you usually have less than a 50% chance of getting one at the daily lottery. Your chances are better if you're going alone or in December - February.

A six-mile round trip hike is required to get to The Wave. Since there is no trail to The Wave, you should be able to use a map and compass or GPS to help with navigation. The BLM provides a map with your permit and instructions on getting to The Wave, and a few cairns are on the way. Over the past five years, five people have died on the way to/from The Wave. If you are unsure about your navigation skills, I suggest you hike in with a guide or a friend who has these skills. Do not go alone. If you use a GPS, mark the Wirepass trailhead and other key points along the route. Stay with your party. Four of the five fatalities were heat-related, so if you go in the warmer months, bring plenty of water, at least four liters, and preferably more.

To visit The Wave, you need a permit for an area called Coyote Buttes North. You can obtain online permits and permit information from recreation.gov. At most 64 people, 16 groups are allowed into Coyote Buttes North, whichever comes first. Permits for 48 people, 12 groups maximum, are issued via an online lottery held three months in advance. Permits for another 16 people, four groups maximum, are awarded via an online lottery held two days in advance.

Advanced Permits

Advanced permits for Coyote Buttes North are difficult to obtain. Demand greatly exceeds supply. All Advanced Coyote Buttes North permits are awarded by lottery held on recreation.gov . The lottery opens up four months in advance of your trip date. You have the whole month to apply. For example, for a January 15 permit, you would open the Advanced Lottery page in September. The fee to enter the online lottery is $9 per group.

Wave permits are non-transferable except for up to three specific people you list when you apply for the lottery. These people are called "alternate permit holders." If you win a permit and your group is stopped by a ranger on the hike to The Wave, you or a listed alternate permit holder must be present with the group. If not, your group may be ticketed. Alternate permit holders must have an account on recreation.gov.

You may only apply once per month to the lottery. If you try to apply more than once at checkout, you will get the message, "You have excellent taste! However, you can only submit or be listed as an alternate permit holder on one lottery application or hold one active permit(s) reservation at a time." Note that if you list someone as an alternate permit holder, they also cannot apply for a permit that month. If several people are in your group, each can apply to the lottery separately, provided you do not list the other group members as alternate permit holders.

You can select up to three dates on each lottery application. The drawing is held the day following the close of the lottery (i.e., October 1 in our example). Shortly after the lottery closes, the BLM will notify you via email whether you were successful or not. If you do not receive a notification by the 2nd of the month, check your spam folder. If you still haven't received a notice, you likely mistyped your email address on the application. In this case, you should call the BLM at (435) 688-3200 or email them at [email protected] for a status. If you win the lottery, you will have to pay an additional $7 per person fee for the North Coyote Buttes permit.

Coyote Buttes North Lottery Schedule

Daily permits

If you are unsuccessful in getting an "Advanced permit" for Coyote Buttes North and are in the Southern Utah / Northern Arizona area, consider getting a "Daily Permit." Daily permits are issued one day before you wish to hike to The Wave. You can apply for the daily lottery at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251909 two days in advance of your desired entry date. There is a $9 fee to try for a permit. You can only apply via your phone or connected mobile device (e.g., tablet). You cannot apply via a desktop computer. The GPS on your phone must be on. To apply, you must be within a "geofenced" area in Northern Arizona/Southern Utah. The area includes the towns of Kanab, Page, Big Water, Fredonia, Glendale, and Jacob Lake. You can download a full-resolution map of the geofenced area in a variety of geocoded formats below:

You can load this map onto your phone's GPS software to see whether you are in the geofenced area.

The procedure to apply for a daily permit is as follows:

• Applications for the Daily Lottery must be submitted from within the designated geofence according to the following schedule.
• Day 1 – Application: Apply between 6 AM and 6 PM two days ahead of the desired entry date on recreation.gov. Lottery results are sent out at 7:15 PM that evening. A window will open to accept winning lottery applications.
• Day 2 – Safety Briefing: Successful applicants must accept the permit, pay fees by 8 AM Utah time, and be onsite at a permit pickup location at 8:30 AM local time for a safety briefing. Local time may be different between pickup locations. During Daylight Savings, 9:30 in Utah is 8:30 in Arizona (except the Navajo Nation). There are two permit pickup locations, one in Page and one in Kanab. To pick up your permit in Kanab, go to The Kanab Center, 20 N 100 E, Kanab, UT 84741. To pick up your permit in Page, go to Page-Lake Powell HUB, 48 S Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ 86040.
• Day 3 – Permit date: Permit-holders have the day to explore Coyote Buttes North.

The new "Daily Permit" system is more user-friendly than the old walk-in lottery. You no longer need to be present in Kanab at 9:00 AM the day before you wish to hike to The Wave. You only need to be in the general area of Page and Kanab. You can go out for an early morning photoshoot or sleep-in if you wish. One downside is the $9 per group fee to enter the lottery. The old walk-in lottery was free.

Additional information about permits can be found on Coyote Buttes permits webpage .

When to Go / Climate

December - February

It is "relatively" easy to get permits in December, January, and early February, especially through the walk-in process. Permits are hard to get around the Christmas and New Year holidays, so avoid these times. There may be snow on the ground in the winter months. Snow makes hiking difficult, and photographing the patterns in the red rock chancy. If there is snow, you may be limited to shooting southern exposures such as The Boneyard and Sand Cove. Average cloud cover is also high in winter, and House Rock Road is often muddy and difficult or impossible to drive on. The South Buttes are even higher in elevation than the Wave, about 6,200 feet, or four degrees cooler. This makes snow even more likely in the South Buttes and will last longer. I have been to Cottonwood Cove when the north-facing exposures had over a foot of snow on them.

March - May

These are good months to visit, especially April and May when cloud cover is low and temperatures moderate. Getting a permit is very difficult. Wind speeds are highest in the Southwest in the Spring. The wind comes from the southwest in this area all year round, peaking in the afternoon. Sand Cove runs North-South and forms a natural wind tunnel. The high winds make good photography of Sand Cove and The Boneyard difficult in the Spring. Average cloud cover is low during May.

June is an excellent month to go to The Wave if you don't mind the heat. Cloud cover is low, as is precipitation. June is the best month for night photography as the Milky Way stretches across the sky.

July - August

I used to believe these were the worst months to go to The Wave. I now believe they are reasonably good if you are prepared and can stand the heat. The average daily high temperature at the Wave is 101° F in July, and there is little shade. If you go in July, do not plan to be out all day. Either go in the morning when temperatures and cloud cover are lower or go in mid-afternoon if the weather looks cooperative. In 2013, there were three heat-related fatalities at the Wave, and there was another heat-related death in 2018. Go prepared. If you plan to stay the whole day, you must find shade. A space blanket can help; you must elevate it with hiking sticks, rocks, bushes, etc. A good place to find natural shade is on Toprock at the Alcove. Finally bring at least one gallon of water per person in July and August. You will need it. I have seen recommendations of nine liters per person per day when temperatures are this high! Keep water inside your pack so it stays cooler, and bring some of it as ice. When freezing water in a bottle, leave some room for expansion. Water expands by nine percent when freezing. There is a good possibility of afternoon thunderstorms or even hail. Mornings are cooler, often clear, and have little wind. You can likely get a good photograph in the morning, and if the weather cooperates, you may get a great one in the afternoon! With luck, there will be water at the Wave or in the water pockets south of The Wave. However, water pockets won't last long, given the average July-August temperatures. If there are water pockets, look for tadpoles and fairy shrimp. If there's a lot of water, you may even hear toads croaking! (males calling for females). Though still difficult, permits are easier to get than during peak months.

September - November

Excellent months for visiting. Page and Kanab are less crowded than during summer vacation, and cloud cover and temperatures are reasonable. Permits are very difficult to get. The rest of the Southwest is also beautiful at this time of year, with the Aspens changing in late September/early October and the Cottonwoods in late October.

A good source of climate information based on the Page airport data can be found at Weatherspark.com .

Getting to The Wave

There are two entry points to Coyote Buttes North, Wirepass Trailhead (WP) and The Notch. The Notch is no longer actively publicized by the BLM. The trail from the Notch is poorly defined. I strongly recommend access from the Wirepass parking lot. To get to the Wirepass trailhead, take Highway 89 to House Rock Road. The House Rock Road turnoff is between mileposts 25 and 26 on Highway 89 in Utah. House Rock Road is normally passable by passenger cars. Do not take this road if it is wet. It is clay-based and impassable even to 4WD vehicles when wet. When the road is muddy, it is like driving on ice, and there are drop-offs. When dry, take House Rock Road 8.4 miles to the WP parking area on the right. You can dry camp at the Wirepass trailhead, and a toilet is present. Better camping with fire pits, tables, and pit toilets is available at the Stateline Campground, one mile south, just off House Rock Road.

Begin your hike to the Wave by signing the trailhead register and crossing House Rock Road. Follow the well-defined trail east for fifty yards until you enter the wash. Wirepass wash feeds into Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in North America. Continue walking down the wash. About .55 miles from the trailhead, you will see a sign marked Coyote Buttes on the right. Turn right and follow the good trail up the hill and across the sage field. At the end of the field, you will cross a wash. This wash also flows into the Wirepass slot canyon one-half mile downstream. The total distance across the sage field to the wash is about .65 miles. After crossing the wash, hike up the slickrock to a sometimes cairned saddle. If you have a GPS, mark this location. You are now in the permit area. From here, there may or may not be cairns, which may or may not be accurate. There are a small number of BLM signposts in the area at critical locations; one can be seen about 50 yards east of the saddle. Note its location. On your return this marker will tell you where to turn to the west. From the saddle, proceed south; after .35 miles you will see a twin butte with a downed barbed wire fence with a gate on its left (east) side. Either go through the gate (easy but slightly exposed) or walk around the buttes via their west side. Continue heading almost due south, aiming for the crack in the cliffs to the south. After another .8 miles, you will cross another small wash, continue heading towards the crack in the Wall, and go up the sand dune. Unless it was very windy overnight, there should be a clear trail up the dune. You will shortly arrive at The Wave. It is about 2.8 miles in total from the WP trailhead to The Wave.

Returning to the trailhead

It is fairly easy to get back to your car, even at dusk. The small signposts installed by the BLM will glow in the dark if a flashlight shines on them. When you return, avoid crossing the ridge too early after heading north. Look for the signpost referenced above; it will tell you when to turn to cross the ridge. It should be easy to cross over the small ridge; if not, you have turned west too early. Conversely, if you go too far north, you will end up in or overlooking Wirepass Slot Canyon. If so, turn around and try again. For an interesting story of someone who got lost on the return, see Trouble in Coyote Buttes. If you get lost or injured and need help, try to gain elevation. You may be able to get a cell signal. I have gotten service via Verizon and t-Mobile, and a friend via AT&T.

Your day at The Wave

Start at The Wave

So you've finally gotten a permit and want to use it best. There is a nice loop hike starting and ending at The Wave. It covers most of the best photo sites in Coyote Buttes North, and if you are willing to be out most of the day, you can hit all of them in good light. Being out all day is dangerous in the summer, so only do the loop from September through May. The loop does not include Top Rock. Unless you are a very strong hiker, save this for a second trip.

The first stop on the loop hike is The Wave. The Wave gets good light about an hour after sunrise; parts are in shadow before then. It takes about 90 minutes to hike from the Wirepass trailhead to The Wave. Most people start their hike very early in the day and leave when they run out of energy, often before best light. If you have the stamina to stay out ten hours or more or are hiking in summer, begin hiking at dawn; otherwise, I suggest you start your hike later. Do not start hiking too late, as shadows start to hit the south wall of The Wave before midday. After shooting The Wave, explore the area around it for an hour or two. There are usually some nice water pools 150 yards southeast of The Wave. Ginger Rock is a good subject mid-day. It can be found about 200 yards north of The Wave.

Best early morning

Best shot at mid-morning

Best late morning

Best in the afternoon

Dinosaur Tracks and The Boneyard

Leave The Wave by retracing your steps down the sand dune to the wash below. At the foot of the dune, turn west, cross the wash, and ascend to the area with the dinosaur tracks. The tracks are located in red stone, very close to the wall. If you are inexperienced in finding tracks, they can be hard to locate, even with GPS coordinates. The tracks are three-toed and hand-sized. They usually come in small clusters arranged in a line. I left a small circle of rocks around a pair of footprints about ten years ago; as of mid-2017, the circle was still there.

After visiting the dinosaur tracks, continue south about .3 miles till you reach an open area. Fifty yards to the west lies a small brown and yellow striped area with rocks that look like a tic-tac-toe board on the stripes. The area was named "The Boneyard" by photographer Michael Fatali. The loose rocks are called lace or box rocks. Please do not move them; they are fragile. Wait until the cliffs to the northwest of The Boneyard are in shadow before shooting; the dark background of the cliffs contrasts nicely with The Boneyard. Stay until the sun goes behind the cliffs to the west, and The Boneyard falls into shadow. The Boneyard is also very good at dawn; light hits it just after sunrise, with March and September being optimal times to shoot it at dawn.

Dinosaur Track

The Boneyard

Lace rock north of The Boneyard

After leaving The Boneyard, head down the sandy wash which runs south-east. In .2 miles, turn south into Sand Cove Wash. Continue up Sand Cove Wash about 100 yards and hike up to the teepees to your east (left). This area contains beautiful sandstone curves and is called Sand Cove. Shoot until late afternoon before it goes into shadow. A wide-angle lens is needed. Sand Cove is largely in shadow in the morning. \

Looking south from Sand Cove

The Second Wave

From Sand Cove, hike east-north-east and scramble up the cliff until you reach a flat area just before a much steeper cliff. The Second Wave is at the foot of this cliff. It is a great late afternoon location, but only fair the rest of the day. Shoot it from the small sand dune a few yards south or from the rocks to the southeast about ten feet above it. Make sure the cliffs to the west are in shadow. Shoot until the Second Wave goes into shadow. Leave earlier if you are concerned about hiking back to your car after sunset.

To return to the Wirepass parking lot, head north, passing back through The Wave. There should be many good photo-ops along the hike back, so wait to put your camera and tripod away. After leaving The Wave, head down the dune, cross the wash, and head north to retrace your steps to your car. "The Dive" and the North and South "Teepees" will be in good light on the way back. You will need a long lens to shoot them. If you hurry, you should be able to get back to your car 30-45 minutes after sunset. Warning - if you do not have good navigation skills or have a GPS and know how to use it, you should leave The Second Wave well before sunset.

Last light on The Second Wave

Photographing The Wave

About half of all visitors to Coyote Buttes North only explore a little beyond The Wave. This is especially true in the summer and winter when extreme temperatures, lightning, or snow cover tend to keep visits short. Given this, I've added some thoughts on photographing just The Wave. A gallery showing what I believe to be the classic images of The Wave is here .

The Wave opens up in three directions: to the north (the direction you came in on), to the east, and to the southwest. Each of these openings has a good photo associated with it. Below is a map showing the topography of The Wave.

To view the map in Google Maps please click anywhere on the map above.

Permits to The Wave are so hard to get that I'd suggest you shoot from all three directions on your first trip. All can be shot in the morning in good light. In addition to these images, there are many other possibilities. See the main Wave gallery for more ideas.

Facing West

This image is best mid-morning. By late morning, the wall on the left (the south wall) starts to go into shadow, especially in the winter. You'll need a wide or ultra-wide for best results. The image shown was shot at 14mm. The "Eye of The Wave" is shown on the right. It is a great example of soft-sediment deformation.

You can get great photos to the west at night, too. This image was taken at 24mm. The moon shining through the slot lit the center of The Wave and its north wall.

Facing South

This image is best about an hour after sunrise when the south wall is lit and the side walls are in shadow. A few hours later, the side walls are partially in light, and the image suffers. Water is often found at the entrance to The Wave, especially in summer. Only a little water is needed to get a good photo; even one inch will do. Shoot close to ground level to emphasize the little rocks in the water, with a wide angle to a normal lens. Both vertical and horizontal compositions work.

This is my favorite image of The Wave. It is best from May through August when the center of the Milky Way is in the southern sky. An LED panel lit the south wall, and the other two walls were light-painted with a warm-temperature flashlight.

Facing North

This image shows the entrance to The Wave. It is best mid-day and in the afternoon when clouds are present.

This image was shot at dusk. A warm LED panel was used to light the walls. The image was shot at 14mm.

The Wave Slot Canyon

The last image is of a short slot canyon, which gets excellent reflected light in late morning. Watch your depth of field when shooting this. Before shooting, you may want to smooth out the sand in the slot using a cloth, jacket, or rain jacket. It is challenging to remove the footprints in this sand using Photoshop.

This image of the slot canyon wall shows a superb example of soft sediment deformation. This occurs during the early stages of sediment consolidation when the sediment is unsolidified or liquid-like.

Page, Arizona Weather Details

Current page, arizona weather, news and site updates, march 25, 2024 - grand falls permanently closed.

Grand Falls at Sunset

Grand Falls in northern Arizona is a testament to nature's raw beauty. Aptly nicknamed Chocolate Falls due to its rich, brownish hue caused by sedimentation, this natural wonder captivates visitors with its striking appearance. Carved out by the Little Colorado River, Grand Falls cascades over a series of rocky ledges, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

In March of last year, it was widely reported that the falls were closed until further notice. Though not widely reported, last August the Leupp Chapter of the Navajo Nation passed a resolution making this closure permanent. In light of this, the Leupp Chapter recently asked that I remove travel directions to the falls, and I have done so.

Once again, the actions of a few have ruined it for the many.

February 19,2024 - Trail Profiles, Calories Burned

Trail Profile - hiking to The Wave

I've added trail profiles to many of the maps on this website. Trail profiles are graphical representations of the elevation changes along a hiking, biking, or running trail. These profiles help users understand the terrain and difficulty of the trail by providing information about elevation gain, loss, and overall topography. Here's a general breakdown of key components often found in trail profiles:

• Elevation Axis: The vertical axis on the graph represents the elevation in feet or meters above sea level. This axis visually depicts how the trail's elevation changes over its length.
• Distance Axis: The horizontal axis shows the distance along the trail, usually measured in miles or kilometers.
• Trail Path: The line or curve on the graph represents the actual path of the trail. Peaks and valleys in this line indicate elevation changes.
• Markers: Trail profiles include markers or annotations highlighting key points such as trailheads, turnoffs, scenic viewpoints, water sources, or campsites.
• Gradient Indicators: Some profiles use shading or color to indicate the trail's steepness. On the profiles I've provided steeper sections are highlighted in dark green, yellow, or orange to warn users of challenging terrain.
• Elevation Gain/Loss: Trail profiles often include numerical values for total elevation gain and loss. This information helps hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts assess the trail's difficulty.

Trail profiles can be used to estimate the calories burned while hiking. A good calorie calculator can be found at omnicalculator.com . Here's an example of how to use the calculator for an out-and-back trail like that to The Wave (profile shown above). I've assumed a 170-pound man with a 15-pound backpack in the example. Consider the trail as two pieces: an out piece and a back piece. For the out segment, the profile above shows the one-way distance is 2.7 miles, and the total elevation gain is 607 feet. From this data, omnicalculator computes the average grade (elevation change/distance = 4.3%) and the total calories burned (394). For the return piece, only the elevation gain changes; it is now 279 feet. Calories burned on the return are 334. The total calories burned during the hike are 728 calories. Note that when entering the elevation change, you enter the sum of the uphills over the trail and do not count downhills. Hiking uphill burns considerably more calories than hiking on a flat trail (gaining 500 feet of vertical elevation is nearly equal to hiking a mile). There is almost no savings in calories when hiking downhill. Oxygen intake studies done on treadmills show only six percent fewer calories are used on downhill trails than on level ones.

February 3, 2024 - Utah teen falls to death at Moonscape Overlook

Moonscape Overlook at Dawn

19-year-old Jonathan Fielding fell to his death at Moonscape Overlook after the sandstone he was standing on gave way. Jonathan's sister Rebecca wrote on Facebook , "It was a tragic accident, but Jonathan should be a cautionary tale to anyone who hikes or does photography.

Never trust the ground on the edge of a cliff. The rocks may look solid, and the ground might seem like it will hold, but it's still an eroding, ticking time bomb. All it takes is one wrong step to dislodge rocks, one moment of unbalance, a trip over a rock, and you can plummet to your death. No view is worth your life. No view is worth the suffering that your family and friends will go through. No view is worth the risk that rescuers face when trying to save people and recover bodies."

In an article on rockmont.com , Michael Murphy discusses safety near cliff edges. "In the exam for the American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor certification, you are docked points for being too close to a cliff's edge without some sort of tether — and we're the professionals. On a flat ledge (no slope), you can be one (1) body length away from the edge without losing points on your exam. On a sloping ledge, you have to be at least two (2) body lengths away from the edge to be considered safe during the exam. And this is while we're in technical climbing shoes, wearing harnesses, and being cautious because of our proximity to the cliff."

I have been to Moonscape Overlook many times and will go back again, but I will not get quite as close to cliff's edge as in the past. I suggest you do the same.

December 19, 2023 - Botswana

Elephant Reflection

Botswana teems with an incredible array of wildlife, earning it a well-deserved reputation as one of Africa's top safari destinations. Renowned for its diverse ecosystems, from the Kalahari Desert's vast expanses to the Okavango Delta's lush waterways, Botswana boasts an astonishing variety of animal species. The country is home to iconic African wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceroses, collectively known as the "Big Five." Botswana's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism has played a pivotal role in preserving its natural heritage, making it a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

If you enjoy photographing wildlife, Botswana is a must-see destination. I've added a gallery of images to this site.

December 10, 2023 - Drones

Drones are revolutionizing the field of landscape photography. They enable photographers to capture breathtaking aerial shots that showcase the earth from a bird's-eye view. One of the most compelling aspects of using drones is the ability to reach remote or inaccessible areas. Drones can navigate rugged terrains, hover over bodies of water, and ascend to considerable heights. Drones allow photographers to capture images of landscapes that would otherwise be challenging or dangerous to access. Whether it's an inaccessible arch or ruin, a cascading waterfall, or a sprawling coastline, drones empower photographers to portray their beauty with unparalleled detail and perspective.

Drones are not allowed in designated wilderness areas or in U.S. National Parks. Drones cannot be flown at The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, or Coyote Buttes South. These areas are in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Drones can be flown at the White Pocket.

I have added information about drones to this site and have updated the Hanksville gallery , map , and sunrise/sunset pages to be more drone friendly. The Hanksville gallery was updated to include the New Bentonite Hills , the Painted Hills , and W Factory Road locations. Some images taken with my DJI Mini Pro 4 drone appear below.

The New Bentonite Hills

Fremont River Cottonwoods and Steamboat Point

Factory Butte seen from W Factory Rd

The Painted Hills

November 24, 2023 - The Hopi Clan Petroglyphs and Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks

Hopi Clan Petroglyphs

Dinosaur track at the Tuba City Tracksite

If you are driving through the Cameron or Tuba City area stops at the Tuba City dinosaur tracks and Hopi Clan Petroglyphs are worthwhile. Both locations have limited photographic appeal but have archeological and educational significance. The two locations are within 10 minutes of the intersection of Highways 89 and 160 and each can be visited in an hour or two.

I have added a gallery of images and a map with travel directions and information about the area to this site.

September 30, 2023 - The Shutdown

The Wave will be open to permit holders if there is a government shutdown tomorrow. Coyote Buttes South and The White Pocket will also be open, as will parking areas. Restrooms may not be available. Law enforcement is considered an essential function and will be present. Coyote Buttes North safety patrols will be there as well.

September 11, 2023 - Grafton Ghost Town

Grafton Church

Grafton is an abandoned Mormon town about seven miles west of Springdale, Utah. It is worth a quick visit if you are visiting or passing through Zion National Park. Grafton was settled in 1862 and abandoned due to flooding in the early 1920s. The six remaining buildings in Grafton are not furnished. You could enter three of the buildings when I was there. The church/schoolhouse is normally closed. The Grafton Cemetery is about .25 miles south of the town.

Several movies have been shot in Grafton, including parts of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Butch, Sundance, and Etta sought refuge in Grafton, and the bicycle scene with Paul Newman and Katherine Ross was filmed in Grafton. The movie In Old Arizona, the first talkie filmed entirely outdoors, was also shot in Grafton. The film, released in 1929, advertised its authentic settings and the natural sounds of the outdoors. Star Warner Baxter won the second-ever Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of The Cisco Kid.

I have added a gallery of images and a map showing the names of the remaining buildings in Grafton to this site.

August 10, 2023 - The Canadian Rockies

Lake Louise

Lake O'hara

The Canadian Rockies' pristine lakes, untamed rivers, and abundant wildlife are a must-do destination for landscape and wildlife photographers. I have added a gallery of images taken over several trips to Banff , Jasper , and Yoho National Parks to this site. My favorite locations include the Lake Louise area, Moraine Lake, and Waterfall Alley in Banff, Beauty Creek and Mount Edith Cavell in Jasper, and Lake O'hara and Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park. The parks are crowded. Go out before sunrise, hike mid-day, take an early dinner, and shoot again at sunset. Make hotel and campground reservations well in advance.

July 16, 2023 - Montana Ghost Towns

Bannack Ghost Town

There are over one hundred ghost towns in Montana. Most are in bad disrepair or overly commercial, but a few stand out. I recently stopped at two of these driving home from Canada: Bannack State Park and Garnet ghost town. My Montana Ghost Town gallery contains images of Bannack State Park and the Garnet Ghost Town . I've also added a map with travel directions and the locations of some of the more photogenic houses in each town.

May 3, 2023 - A Dinosaur Trackway

Dinosaur Trackway

There is a well-preserved collection of dinosaur tracks less than 200 feet from the "trail" to The Wave. The tracks are easy to find, and most guides include them on tours to The Wave. Although uninteresting photographically, if you've never seen dinosaur tracks, stop by them on your hike to The Wave. Guides have been telling people Giant Sloths made the tracks. This is incorrect; Grallators probably made them. See the Dinosaur Tracks page for information on these and other tracks in the area, and see the Dinosaur Track Gallery for more images.

April 30, 2023 - The Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness

Cracked Eggs

Collared Hoodoo

I have added images of the De-Na-Zin wilderness and new images of the Bisti Wilderness to the Bisti Badlands gallery . The Bisti map has also been updated. I have also added improved information about the climate in the area , including percent cloudy and wind speed by month.

March 15, 2023 - Buckskin Gulch, dangerous even in the Winter (updated)

Buckskin Gulch

Over the last few days, two fatalities were reported, and twelve people were rescued in Buckskin Gulch. A group of three hikers backpacking from Wire Pass to Lees Ferry was reported overdue on Monday. Two helicopters were dispatched to search for them. While searching, eleven other people were spotted who also needed rescue. Infrared cameras were used to spot hikers. Rescues were carried out by hoist from the helicopters. More information and a video showing the infrared search can be found on Salt Lake's KSLTV website. CBSNews has a video of a man being hoisted out of the canyon. Buckskin Gulch is currently flooded due to recent "atmospheric river" storms and early snowmelt. It will be some weeks before the waters recede.

Climb-Utah has another example of how two very experienced hikers barely survived Buckskin in February of 2012.

March 13, 2023 - Grand Falls Temporarily Closed

On March 1st, Grand Falls, aka Chocolate Falls, temporarily closed with no anticipated reopening date. The closure is due to the impact of tourism on the Leupp community. The popularity of the falls has led to trash overflow, deterioration of existing roads, ATV offroading, and drones scaring cattle. The timing couldn't be worse as the falls are currently flowing. They often do in March following spring runoff from the White Mountains.

March 4, 2023 - The October 2023 Solar Eclipse

On October 14,2023 an annular eclipse will race across a narrow band of the US, running from Oregon to Texas. In the rest of the US, the eclipse will be partial. Good eclipse viewing locations include much of the Grand Staircase, Capitol Reef National Park, Monument Valley, the Bisti Badlands, and Albuquerque, NM. The eclipse will be a partial eclipse when viewed from The Wave. If you are lucky enough to have a Wave permit that day, don't let this stop you. The eclipse will be nearly annular at The Wave and should be spectacular, weather permitting.

At annularity, the eclipse will be high in the sky with an altitude of 30° to 35°, and the Sun will be to the southeast. The annular portion of the eclipse occurs at roughly 9:30 AM Arizona time or 10:30 AM in Utah and New Mexico.

More information about shooting solar eclipses can be found on my eclipse page .

March 2, 2023 - The Falkland Islands

Gentoo Penguins on Saunders Island

The Falkland Islands are a "holy grail" destination for birders, bird photographers, and wildlife devotees. One can find five species of penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and 65% of all the black-browed albatross worldwide on the islands. For most, the Falklands are a one or two-day stopover on an Antarctic cruise. But, to fully appreciate the islands, you need to spend at least a week there, preferably two. I recently took an excellent two-week photo tour led by Denise Ippolito to the Falklands. I came away with almost 200 images of penguins , other birds, and marine mammals. Maps with the current locations of some of the penguin colonies and links to other information about the Falklands have also been added to this site.

January 5, 2023 - Bryce Canyon Updated

Bryce Canyon seen from Sunset Point

Pinyon Pine at Sunrise Point

I've updated the Bryce Canyon gallery with many new images of the canyon in winter. Images were shot from the rim trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points. I've also included images of the Arches Trail near Losee Canyon just outside the park and of Tropic Ditch Falls. It runs year round. Tropic Ditch Falls is a man-made waterfall created when Mormon pioneers diverted water from the East Fork of the Sevier River to irrigate their fields near the town of Tropic. The colorful rocks surrounding the fall are magnificent, and there are several photogenic arches in the area. Be careful should you climb up to the arches. Small stones on the "trail" make the go treacherous.

I've updated the Bryce Canyon map to show these new locations, and the Sunrise-Sunset page now includes a point forecast at Sunset Point.

October 29, 2022 - California Galleries Updated

Hell's Beach

I have updated the Mono Lake , Crowley Lake , and Northern California galleries with new images taken in better conditions. Many thanks to Jessica Fridrich for finding the Hell's Beach formation near Mono Lake shown above. Locations added include the Point Arena lighthouse, Bowling Ball Beach, and Salt Point State Park.

October 19, 2022 - Thousand Springs State Park

Thousand Springs State Park

I have added images of some of the spectacular waterfalls in Thousand Springs State Park, Idaho. I only had a sunset and sunrise in the area, bracketed by two 500 mile drives, so only two locations in the park were visited. I will revisit Thousand Springs next spring as there are many other waterfalls and attractions in the area. I have added a map showing the locations of the major ones.

October 19, 2022 - Coyote Buttes South Permitting Process Update

On November 1, 2022, the Bureau of Land Management will implement a new mobile based geofence system for obtaining daily lottery permits to hike in Coyote Buttes South. This is the same system currently in use for Coyote Buttes North / The Wave. More details and links will be added to this site as they become available. See the BLM Press Release for additional information about the geofence system.

October 17, 2022 - Point Weather Forecasts

An accurate weather forecast can be crucial when deciding on a spur-of-the-moment trip. Unfortunately, all too often forecasts are not available for wilderness locations. For example, I recently wanted a forecast for Ward Terrace/Adeii Eichii Cliffs before heading there for a two-day trip. The nearest towns to Ward Terrace are Cameron, AZ and Tuba City, AZ. My usual source of weather forecasts is Weather Underground . Unfortunately, Weather Underground does not have a listing for Cameron, and when you look up Tuba City, you get the forecast for Flagstaff. Flagstaff is much higher in elevation than Ward Terrace and tends to get more precipitation. Fortunately, the National Weather Service provides point forecasts on a 2.5 km grid. NWS forecasts are available for seven days on an hourly basis in either graphical or tabular form. Some of the elements forecast include Temperature, surface wind speed, wind direction, sky cover, precipitation potential, rain, thunder, snow, fog, and many others. Unfortunately, getting a point forecast is awkward because you must specify the latitude and longitude in the calling URL. For example, to get the point weather forecast at The Wave you enter a URL with over 60 characters .

Since there is no way I would ever remember the URL, I am adding point forecasts to this site's Sunrise/Sunset pages. To get a point forecast at one of the predefined locations on the Sunrise/Sunset page click on the weather icon right of the links to The Photographers Ephemeris.

As an aside, Skyfire , an app that predicts how good a sunrise/sunset will be a given location, is now integrated in TPE Web Pro. The cost is $20 per year in addition to the cost of TPE Web Pro.

June 6, 2022 - Pedestal Alley

The Capitol Reef Gallery has been updated to include some locations east of the park . These include Pedestal Alley, Burro Wash Arch, and the Notom Twin Rocks. These are easy to visit and great places at which to find some solitude in the otherwise busy park.The Capitol Reef map has been updated to include these locations.

June 5, 2022- Northern California Waterfalls

Mossbrae Falls

I've added images and videos of some the spectacular waterfalls in northern California. Waterfalls shown include Burney Falls , considered the most beautiful in the state, Mossbrae Falls - a close runnerup, and Hedge Creek Falls . Visitation to the falls is light from December through early May as this is the rainy season in the area, and the closest major towns of Reno, Sacramento, and Eugene are over two hours away. Summer attracts crowds, especially to Burney Falls. Burney Falls and Hedge Creek Falls are easy to visit. The best route to Mossbrae Falls is currently closed for safety reasons. To facilitate travel, I have included on this site a map of the major waterfalls in the area and also points of interest along the northern California coast.

April 3, 2022 - Lake Mead National Recreation Area Arches

Horsecollar Arch

Scorpion Arch

East of Las Vegas there are hundreds of small arches, some of which are very photogenic. I've already covered many of those in Buffington Pockets and the Valley of Fire . This time I have included some of those in the Lake Mead area. I've added a gallery of images taken just north of Lake Mead to the site. I've also added a map showing the locations of some of the arches in the area. More information about the arches can be found in the World Arch Database . Access to the database requires an annual subscription.

I have not revealed the locations of a few of the more photogenic arches as their supports are thin, occassionally cracked, and very fragile. Windstone Arch in the Valley of Fire collapsed last year. Whether the collapse was natural or caused by vandalism is unknown. The collapse brings home the point that some protection is needed even for lesser known difficult-to-access natural landmarks.

Finally I've addded a small gallery of images of Scorpion Arch to the site. Scorpion Arch sits in a spectacular setting in the middle of "Nothing" and gets minimal visitation. For now, I hope it will remain that way and have not disclosed the location.

March 2, 2022 - Walk-in Permits go Online

Effective March 15, 2022 the walk-in lottery system will be replaced by an online "Daily Lottery" system run by recreation.gov. You will no longer need to be in Kanab to apply for a next day permit. Instead, you can apply online two days before your desired entry date. A maximum of four groups / 16 people will be granted permits each day by lottery; no change from current practice. $9 is charged to apply to the lottery. You can only apply once each day. You must be in the general area of Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah to apply for the new daily lottery. You must apply by phone or mobile device with GPS enabled; desktop computers cannot apply. A detailed map showing the boundaries of the area in which you can apply can be found on my permits webpage . Apply on recreation.gov between 6 AM and 6 PM Utah time two days before your desired entry date to The Wave. Lottery results will be sent out at 7:15 PM that day. If you win, pay for your permit by 8 AM Utah time the next day. The day before you hike to the Wave pick up your permit in Page, Arizona, or Kanab, Utah at 8:30 AM local time. Permit pickup locations can be found on the Permits page

The new "Daily Permit" system is more user-friendly than the old walk-in lottery. You no longer need to be present in Kanab at 9:00 AM the day before you wish to hike to The Wave. You only need to be in the general area of Page and Kanab. You can go out for an early morning photoshoot or sleep-in if you wish. There is one downside; there is now a $9 per group fee to enter the lottery. It used to be free.

November 23, 2021 - The Eastern Sierras

Patriarch Grove Bristlecone Pine

Crowley Lake Stone Columns

I have added some images from the incredible stone columns on the shore of Crowley Lake and from the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to the Eastern Sierras album. The images from Crowley Lake were mostly shot at dawn when the columns were in shadow. An ultrawide lens or a panorama rig is needed if you wish to shoot the columns from behind. If you bring a panorama rig be sure to mount the lens at its nodal point on the rail. If you fail to do this the images will not stitch together correctly. I also added a map with travel directions to both.

13 Moons Petroglyph

I have also added some images of the "Sky Rock" and "13 Moons" petroglyphs in the Bishop area. The 13 Moons petroglyph is quite unique. There are 13 full moons in a year.

In 2012 petroglyphs from a sacred Piute site in the Bishop area were stolen and some were defaced. Chain or concrete saws, ladders, and hammers were used to remove the panels. While the petroglyphs were recovered the thieves have not been apprehended. To protect the Sky Rock and 13 Moons petroglyphs I have not disclosed their location.

November 6, 2021 - Arches National Park Update

Dome Plateau Overlook at Sunset

I have updated the Arches National Park section of the site with images and maps from Dome Plateau Overlook, Cavern Arch, and Winter Camp Arch. All of these are in the Highlands area north of Arches and can be visited in a single day. The view of the Colorado River from Dome Plateau rivals that of the view from Horseshoe Bend but without the crowds. The overlook is outside the national park so you can camp overnight in the area. A high clearance 4x4 is needed to visit Dome Plateau overlook, a crossover could get to the trailheads for Winter Camp and Cavern arches.

November 5, 2021 - Changes to the walk-in lottery forthcoming

According to Lake Powell Life you will soon be able to apply for a next day permit via your phone or mobile device. The number of people allowed in via the next day lottery will not change under the proposed system; it remains the smaller of four groups or 16 people. The change does not require review under the National Environmental Policy Act and will be effective February 1st.

Under the new system, you will be able to apply to the walk-in lottery via your phone provided you are within a set distance of a designated location in Kanab, Utah or Page, Arizona. The distances and designated locations are yet to be specified. Applicants will register for the lottery using a "geofence" system developed by recreation.gov. Geofence systems are fairly new but the technology is well understood. Geofences are currently used to keep drones out of "no-fly" zones. More details about the boundaries of the geofence system will be made available in January. Hopefully, details about how the change will impact the Coyote Buttes South lottery will become available at that time as well.

Currently it is free to apply for the walk-in lottery. This may change under the new system as recreation.gov generally charges an administrative fee.

The walk-in lottery was last revised in 2021. At that time the number of walk-in permits issued was changed from ten people per day to the more restrictive of four groups or 16 people. I've been told that the average group size during the past year was about two people per group. On average then only eight people were given permits via the walk-in lottery each day under the new system, down from ten. While the number of online permits increased substantially as a result of the 2021 change, the walk-in lottery became more restrictive. Under the proposed geofence system I suspect even more people will apply for next-day permits making the walk-in lottery even less attractive.

July 21, 2021 - Bisti Badlands, Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Update

The Bisti Wings

The Alien Throne

I have added some new images from the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah wilderness and the Bisti Badlands . My best images (seen to the right) were shot at night with the Move-Shoot-Move tracker . A tracker allows for long exposures times without creating star-trails. By using 3 to 5 minute exposures I was able to use ISOs as low as 200 to 400 and still get sharp stars with good color. The Move-Shoot-Move tracker only weights about one pound and is small enough to carry with you on hikes.

July 14, 2021 - Aztec, New Mexico Update

Rooftop Arch

The Milky Way over Arch Rock

I have added information on three arches I visited on a recent trip to the Aztec, New Mexico area. The first arch, Rooftop Arch, also known as Little Delicate Arch, is small but quite spectacular. Rooftop Arch is best shot mid-afternoon.

Nearby Boulder Arch is very photogenic but difficult to access. I was unable to get to its base but did get a good image from above.

Arch Rock is best at sunset and is also excellent at night when the Milky Way frames it nicely.

July 8, 2021 - Navajo Parks Reopen Today

The Navajo Nation Parks reopened today. Parks reopened include Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, and Lower and Upper Antelope Canyons. Parks have been reopened at reduced (50%) capacity. See the Farmington Daily Times for more information.

May 28, 2021 - Poncho House

Poncho House

I have added images of magnificent Poncho House Cliff Dwelling in Southeast Utah. Poncho House consists of three distinct groupings of dwellings. The upper two are inaccessible. The ruins sit high above a bend in Chinle Creek and are best visited in the fall when the Cottonwoods along the creek are changing color. To visit Poncho House it is mandatory that you go with a Navajo Guide. Guides willing to go to Poncho House are hard to find. I suggest you start with guides who go to Monument Valley or Canyon de Chelly. The Navajo Nation parks are currently closed due to Covid concerns. I have been told that Navajo Nation lands will not be open to outsiders until 70% of the Navajo Nation has been vaccinated.

May 24, 2021 - The Ghost Town Trail

Jail in Gleeson

I have added images of the Ghost Town Trail near Tombstone, Arizona. I have also added a map with trails and photogenic locations in Southeast Arizona including the Ghost Town Trail, Chiricahua National Monument, Kartchner Caverns, Fort Bowie, and many others.

April 30, 2021 - Vermilion Cliffs Update

The Spiral Domes

I have added new images taken in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument . Most of the new images were taken east of The White Pocket or along the Loop Road. Both areas are very isolated and the roads are sandy; a 4x4 high clearance vehicle is necessary. My thanks to Dave Coppedge who has extensively explored Vermilion Cliffs and generously shared photogenic locations. He also named the various features he found. The area Dave refers to as the Blimp Hangar is especially pristine. I've been there twice and saw no human footprints on the hike or vehicle tracks on Wrather Arch Road. I saw Bighorn Sheep on both occasions. Unlike the area surrounding The Wave the rock fins were largely unbroken. Please tread lightly here.

April 17, 2021 - Narnia!

Narnia Arch

Narnia Slot Canyon

I have added a gallery with images taken in the Narnia Slot Canyon . Narnia is a short slot canyon in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument which, for now, is all I'll say about its location. Narnia gets good light around 10AM in the morning. The opening to the slot is narrow and tortuous and some people have been unable to access the slot. Knowing this we hiked in carrying an eight foot telescoping ladder . The ladder allowed us to easily enter the canyon. Narnia was named by Dreamland Tours of Kanab, Utah. Both Dreamland Tours and Action Photo Tours lead trips to Narnia. Only small groups can be accommodated and participants must be physically fit.

March 30, 2021 - Death Valley Update

The Geologist's Cabin and Striped Butte

The Ibex Dunes at Sunset

I've updated the Death Valley gallery with images taken in Butte Valley . The Geologist's Cabin and spectacular Striped Butte are definitely worth a visit. I have also added new images shot at the Ibex dunefield . Butte Valley is one of the more remote areas in the park and 4WD is needed to get there. The Geologist's Cabin in only six miles from Barker Ranch where Charles Manson lived until his capture there. The road between the Geologist's Cabin and the Barker Ranch is very rough and a lifted 4x4 may be needed to traverse it. On the way to Butte Valley you're likely to see both Big Horn sheep near the Warm Springs Talc Mine and burros within Butte Valley. I have also updated the Death Valley map to show the locations of the various cabins within Butte Valley and the location of the Barker Ranch.

March 26, 2021 - Alabama Hills Update

Boot Arch at Sunrise

Whitney Portal Arch shot from a ladder

I've updated the Alabama Hills gallery with new images of Boot Arch, Whitney Portal Arch, and Eagle Eye Arch. The new images added are identified by white stars in the upper right corner of the thumbnail, or you can use the search search facility in the sidebar. New images are those shot in the last 60 days. An eight foot telescoping ladder was carried to the base of Whitney Portal Arch so that Lone Pine Peak and Mount Whitney could be framed by the arch. I've also updated the Alabama Hills map to show the hike to Whitney Portal Arch and the locations of sixty dispersed camping sites in the hills. The BLM recently issued a revised management plan for the Alabama Hills area with fewer campsites so now might be a good time to visit the area. The plan is not yet in effect. Now is also an excellent time to shoot the The Milky Way over the Trona Pinnacles .

March 15, 2021 - Southeast Nevada

Little Finland

Buffington Pockets

I've added a gallery of images from three areas in Southeast Nevada. The areas covered include Valley of Fire State Park , nearby Buffington Pockets , and Little Finland . If you are in the Las Vegas area or traveling from Las Vegas to southern Utah all three are worth visiting. I have also included maps and travel directions to each. The maps include travel directions and trails, free campsites, and the locations of some of the spectacular rock formations in the area.

January 11, 2021 - effective February 1 the daily limit on visits to The Wave will be increased.

On Friday January 8th the Bureau of Land Management approved an increase in allowed visitation to The Wave. Up to 64 people or 16 groups will be allowed to visit each day, whichever comes first. The online lottery will grant permits for up to 48 people or 12 groups, whichever comes first, and the walk-in lottery for up to 16 people or 4 groups, whichever comes first.

Here is the information I received from the BLM:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a proposal to expand visitor access to the world-famous geologic feature known as the Wave, located in the Paria Canyon – Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The Environmental Assessment (EA) went through an interdisciplinary resource specialist and public review process. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) along with three Decision Records (DR) were signed on January 8, 2021.

One DR authorizes the increase in permit numbers, up to 96 people per day and up to 16 groups per day which, ever comes first. Under this new decision, implementation of the number of hiking permits issued for the Wave will increase from 20 to 64 people per day and up to 16 groups per day, whichever comes first. The BLM could implement further increases or decreases in the future based on monitoring of resources and social conditions.

A second DR authorizes the proposed improvements at Lone Tree, Cottonwood Cove, Paw Hole, and White Pocket trailheads and the VCNM Administrative Site within the Arizona Strip Field Office. A third DR authorizes the proposed improvements at Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch trailheads and additional route markers as described in Alternative A of the EA within the Kanab Field Office.

The EA, FONSI, and the three DRs can be found at the BLM’s NEPA Registrar ePlanning: https://go.usa.gov/xyxtK . The approval of these Decision Records constitutes the final decision of the Department of the Interior and, in accordance with the regulations at 43 CFR 4.410(a)(3), is not subject to appeal under departmental regulations at 43 CFR 4. Any challenge to this decision as approved by these Decision Records must be brought in the Federal District Court.

Implementation for the permit increase will begin February 1, with the majority of additional permits being available to the online lottery. Distribution of permits will be as follows:

• Online Lottery: Up to 48 people and / or 12 groups, whichever comes first.
• Walk-in Lottery: Up to 16 people and / or 4 groups, whichever comes first.

The BLM will work closely with Arizona and Utah county governments to discuss implementation details and practices, including exploring potential opportunities for regional economic development.

January 2, 2021 - Are you Photo Collecting or Making Photos

Peach Rock Panorama

This is the abridged title of a must read article by Matt Kloskowski , a photography educator based in Tampa, Florida. Photo Collecting works as follows: you see or find a photo you like and then make the effort to go to that spot and take that photo. There's nothing wrong with this. I've done it many times and will continue to do so. And I know many well known landscape photographers who do the same.

The Peach Rock image to the right is a good example of an image I "collected". It's very similar to one by Laurent Martres . When I first saw his image I was struck by how the soft light on the ground drew your attention to Peach Rock. Of course I also wanted to come away with something more my own. I thought the entire area was gorgeous so I shot the Peach Rock Panorama image above as well.

By the way if you love the southwest and don't own Laurent's books Photographing the Southwest Volume 1 -- Southern Utah and Photographing the Southwest Volume 2 -- Arizona do yourself a favor and buy them. They are filled with great locations and advice.

The process of making a photo is different in that you make the effort to avoid preconceived compositions or locations. Last summer I went to Badlands National Park which seems to lack iconic images. I still came away from some very good images but the trip was not as productive as most of my trips. I will need to revisit Badlands and spend a lot more time there to come back with great images. Making photos in new locations takes more field time than "collecting" them.

Finally I've added a gallery of images taken in Joshua Tree National Park with the locations of many "icons" taken under varied conditions. Feel free to "collect" them or to go one step further and make them your own.

December 26, 2020 - Death Valley in the time of Covid

The Panamint Dunes

Most Death Valley services including ranger programs, lodging in the park, campgrounds, and backcountry campgrounds are currently closed due to California's "Stay at Home" order. Trails, viewpoints, and roads are open, crowds are non-existent, and winter temperatures are moderate. This makes it a great time to visit the park if you are willing to do some driving each day. All four major Death Valley dune fields are accessible from just outside the park if you camp, and there are motels within 35 minutes of Mesquite Dunes and the Panamint Dunes. I've added some images taken on a recent trip to the Panamint Dunes and have updated the Death Valley maps to include some camping opportunities just outside the park. I've also added locations and travel directions to the Barker Ranch where Charles Manson was captured and the photogenic "Geologists Cabin" and "Striped Butte" in Butte Valley.

November 20, 2020 - Hiking the Paria River

Slide Rock Arch

Hiking through Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon's tall Navajo sandstone walls is the ultimate southwest backpack. It should be on all desert rats bucket list. I have added a gallery of images of Buckskin Gulch and the Paria River to this site. Images were taken during a recent three day backpack covering lower Buckskin Gulch and the Paria River from the White House Trailhead to Wall Spring. I have also added a map suggesting shooting locations and covering some of the logistics of backpacking in Paria Canyon .

November 17, 2020 - BLM Kanab Winter Hours

Effective this Friday November 20 the Kanab office of the BLM is moving to winter hours. The Kanab BLM office will be closed on weekends until mid-March. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday permits will be issued on the preceding Friday. In the past there have been nearly three times as many lottery applications on Fridays so there is little advantage to applying on a Friday.

The BLM office will be closed on Thanksgiving so a two day drawing will be held on the Wednesday before. The BLM office is open the day after Thanksgiving and a three day drawing will be held then.

For Christmas a five day drawing will be held on December 23rd. For New Years a five day drawing will be held on December 30th.

The walk-in lottery is held at 9AM MST at the Kanab Center at 180 E 100 N in Kanab, Utah. Plan to arrive at 8:30 to give you time to complete the application.

October 25, 2020 - Cedar Wash Arch

Cedar Wash Arch

Cedar Wash Arch is a spectacular arch in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. It is ten miles from the town of Escalante. The arch has a span of 24 feet. The arch is made of Entrada sandstone and is white in color. Most people photograph the arch from the top of the surrounding cliffs but the arch photographs much better from below. The cliffs surrounding the arch are finely detailed and contain many surface pockets / tafoni. The tafoni make excellent foreground, as do the pine trees in the area. I have added a small gallery of images of Cedar Wash Arch to this site. I have also added a map suggesting shooting locations and showing the short hike to the arch . The maps page includes a link to a Caltopo map of the area as well as a Google map.

September 4, 2020 - Theodore Roosevelt National Park

South Unit Hoodoos

I have added a small gallery of images of the North and South Units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to this site. I have also added a map suggesting shooting locations and hikes . The maps page includes a link to a Caltopo map of the area as well as a Google map.

August 30, 2020 - Devils Tower

Devils Tower at Sunset

Devils Tower is a butte in northeast Wyoming high above the Belle Fourche River. It is perhaps best known as the site of the climatic scenes in Spielberg's movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". I have added a small gallery of images and a map suggesting shooting locations to this site. The maps page includes a link to a Caltopo map of the area as well as a Google map. Caltopo maps have several advantage s over Google Maps.

August 14, 2020 - Northeast Utah

Fantasy Canyon Hoodoo

I've added images of and travel directions to Fantasy Canyon and Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. Fantasy Canyon is a small area of incredibly shaped sandstone figures about 40 miles south of Vernal, Utah. Fantasy Canyon is best known as the home of Teapot Rock made famous by Michael Fatali in his image " Back Of Beyond ". Unfortunately Teapot Rock was damaged in 2006, probably by vandals, and Fantasy Canyon is no longer the attraction it once was. It is still worth visiting if you are in the area.

Steamboat Rock Overlook

Dinosaur National Monument contains two visitor centers separated by 30 minutes of driving. The westernmost visitor center is the Quarry Visitor Center near the small town of Jensen Utah. If you want to see dinosaur fossils start your visit here at the Quarry Exhibit Hall where there is a wall of naturally embedded fossils on display.

The Canyon Visitor Center in Dinosaur, Colorado is the gateway to the eastern side of the park. Highlights of the eastern side include Harpers Corner and Echo Park. Close to Echo Park there is an overlook of the Green River as it wraps around Steamboat Rock that rivals the overlook at Horseshoe Bend. Steamboat Rock overlook is not well known and you'll probably have it to yourself. Highly recommended.

August 9, 2020 - The Wave has reopened

The Wave has reopened and the walk-in lottery is being held again. House Rock Road is open again.

August 6, 2020 - The Wave is closed again!

St George News reports that the Pine Hollow wildfire has forced another closure of The Wave. The fire is now largely contained and it is hoped The Wave will reopen within the next week. House Rock Road is closed from its north end and also from the south just above the Lone Tree trailhead. Both Coyote Buttes South and The White Pocket are open but you need to access them from Highway 89A.

July 3, 2020 - The Wave is open

The Wire Pass and Magnum fires are now largely contained. The Wave and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are open. The walk-in lottery is being held as normal in its new location. Both US 89A and UT 67 are open. The southern part of House Rock Valley Road is still closed. Since this is the only way to access Coyote Buttes South and The White Pocket both are still closed.

June 27, 2020 - Wire Pass Fire forces closure of The Wave

St George News reports that a wildfire near the Wirepass trailhead started at 11PM on Friday night. Due to the fire the Wirepass and Buckskin trails and The Wave are closed as is House Rock Road from both its north and south ends. The Wirepass fire is very close to the Magnum Fire and high winds are expected tomorrow and Monday.

June 23, 2020 - The arches near Factory Butte

Three Hole Arch

Coal Mine area Arches

I've added images and travel directions for two groups of small arches near Factory Butte. The first grouping is well known and frames Factory Butte nicely. There are four arches in total, all are photogenic. The arches are best shot near sunset. These arches are about 400 feet east of parking 2.2 miles down Coal Mine Road.

The second grouping consists of more than 100 tiny arches near the old Factory Butte Coal Mine. They are in a small area of wildly eroded rocks reminiscent of Little Finland but with the colors of the Bisti Badlands. The area can be accessed by taking Coal Mine Road 9.7 miles and making a right. Continue 0.7 miles and park, the arches and eroded rocks are just to the west. You are unlikely to see anyone at either set of arches.

June 23, 2020 - Major Fire at Cerro Gordo

The American Hotel

On Monday June 15 the American Hotel burned to the ground, as did the nearby Ice House and the Crapo House. The American Hotel was 149 years old when it burned down. The probable cause was 100 year old electrical wiring insulated with paper. The American Hotel was the premier site for photographers at Cerro Gordo, and will be missed. Fortunately plans for the hotel exist and it is expected it will be rebuilt though of course it will never be the same. Friends of Cerro Gordo has set up a tax deductible GoFundMe to help with the rebuilding. Please donate if you can.

June 23, 2020 - The White Pocket and Coyote Buttes South are currently closed.

Both The White Pocket and Coyote Buttes South are currently closed due to the Magnum Fire which is now 33% contained. Firefighters are working to contain the fire west of House Rock Road. Coyote Buttes North is currently open. Maps showing the progression of the fire can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/maps/6748/ , and a smoke forecast at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6748/1/98428 .

June 17, 2020 - US 89A is currently closed

June 17, 2020 - cliff dwellers stone house.

Balanced Rock

The Stone House

The Cliff Dwellers Stone House , aka the Blanche Russell House, in on US 89A which runs between Jacob Lake and Bitter Springs in Arizona. The unique house is built around a large fallen boulder. In good conditions, which are rare, the house is quite photogenic and worth an early morning stopover on your way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, or Coyote Buttes South.

I used to believe the house was built by the Navajo, but the truth is more interesting. In 1927 Blanche Russell's husband was diagnosed with tuberculosis and the two decided to move west from New York seeking drier climate. Blanche was reportedly a Ziegfield Follies dancer. About nine miles west of Lees Ferry their car broke down and they decided to camp amongst the boulders at Cliff Dwellers. Blanche loved the area and they decided to buy the land and build a house there, using a boulder as a start. They operated a roadside trading post where they sold food and gasoline and operated a restaurant. The trading post was quite successful and the area became known as House Rock Valley. It may well be that House Rock Road is named after the house Blanche built with her husband. They ran the trading post for about ten years and sold the property to Jack Church who three years later sold to the Greene family. The Greene's started the first guided trips down the Colorado, and built the Cliff Dwellers Lodge and restaurant.

The best side of the Stone House faces east so morning is the best time to photograph it. Normally there are Navajo craft stands interspersed among the balanced rocks so I suggest you arrive as early as possible before the stands are set up. Navajo businesses are currently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic so now is a good time to visit. You will need to clone out graffiti and a porta potty from your images if you want a more natural look.

June 17, 2020 - Walk-in Lottery resumes in Kanab

The walk-in lottery for next day permits resumed on June 15 in Kanab at a new location. The lottery was moved to the Kanab Center at 20 North 100 East on US 89 two blocks east of the Best Western Red Hills. Visitors are asked to park on the east side of the building in the rear parking lot. Applicants should bring their own pencil/pen to complete the application and should wear masks. There is no cost to enter the lottery. If you win there is a $7 per person fee to hike to The Wave. There were 90 people applying for the ten available slots on Tuesday June 16th.

June 2, 2020 - Online lottery changes

Effective June 1 several changes were made to the on-line lottery for Wave permits. Here's a brief recap:

• The lottery is now hosted by recreation.gov rather than the BLM. You can apply for the lottery at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/274309 . You will need to register on recreation.gov to apply.
• The fee to apply has been increased from $5 to $9 per group.
• When you apply you can list up to three persons as "Alternate permit holders". If your plans change and you cannot make the hike to The Wave any of the listed alternate permit holders can do so legally.
• You and the alternate permit holders can still only apply once each month.
• As of now the getting a Coyote Buttes North or Coyote Buttes South permit through the calendar option is still being managed by the BLM.
• More details can be found on the permits page .

The walk-in lottery is still suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If the BLM can find a way to safely hold the walk-in lottery by July 1st the walk-in process will resume at that time. If not the ten permits will be added to the on-line lottery.

May 24, 2020 - Cobra Arch and Paria Windows galleries added, Edmaier's Secret gallery updated

The Paria Windows

I've added new galleries covering Cobra Arch and the Paria Windows to the website, as well as travel directions and maps . Cobra is a scenic arch with a span of 35 feet. It is best shot from late morning to late-afternoon. The trail to Cobra Arch begins at the Middle Route trailhead on West Clark Bench. The hike is seven miles round trip and is best done in the cooler months. The Paria Windows are a group of tafoni on the east shore of the Paria River about two miles downstream from the White House trailhead. Tafoni, also called honeycomb weathering, refers to small rounded holes on slanted to vertical walls. The Paria Windows are best shot in shadow. Since the windows face west plan on being at them within a few hours of sunrise, the earlier the better.

I have also updated the Edmaier's Secret gallery with several new images including a hoodoo made of Lace Rock southwest of Teepee Dome, and an incredibly large expanse of crossbedded sandstone and fins centered at 37.036600,-111.995687.

May 2, 2020 - Coyote Buttes South at Night

The Control Tower at Night

Rainbow Cove

I've updated the Coyote Buttes South Gallery with many new images. My favorites were taken at night at The Control Tower and The Witches Hat . I have also added several new locations to the gallery. The best of these is the Rainbow Cove area with its very colorful leading lines. Many thanks to #DrAdventure for generously suggesting this location and others. Rainbow Cove is best shot when totally in shadow either early or late in the day. Images of a nice alcove in the Pawhole area were also added, as were images of The Hydra and also The Olympic Torch . The last are best shot at dawn. The Coyote Buttes South maps page was updated with these new locations.

In April I made four separate trips to Coyote Buttes South and only saw two other hikers. There was no evidence of other daily visitors at either the Pawhole or Cottonwood trailheads. While permits for the current month are sold out, August permits are still available on the Coyote Buttes South permit calendar as of May 2nd.

April 5, 2020 - Walk-in Lottery Update

The walk-in lottery for Wave permits is still closed. It was hoped that the walk-in permits would be added to the on-line calendar or on-line lottery. This has proven to be impossible due to the complexities of the current lottery system. The entire lottery system is being moved to Recreation.gov effective July 1. Should the Covid-19 closure still be in effect in July the walk-in permits will be added to the on-line lottery for November permits.

If this is as confusing to you as it is to me you may want to read the details at https://www.blm.gov/alert/az-covid-19-updates about 2/3 of the way down the web page.

April 5, 2020- Death Valley Update

Since I'm largely stuck at home I've taken the time to update some of the galleries with images from recent trips. I've updated the Death Valley Gallery with new images from the Badwater salt flats and the Mesquite Dunes Note that Death Valley and most California National and State Parks is currently closed to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Badwater at Night

Mesquite Dunes at Dawn

March 27, 2020 - Two Guns and other Ghost Towns

Mountain Lion Zoo at Night

Two Guns is an underrated destination just off I40 thirty miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona. It has an incredibly rich history which includes an Apache Death Cave, Route 66, Billy the Kid, a train robbery, buried treasure, a Mountain Lion Zoo, and Russell Crowe, believed by some to be the current owner. A brief history can be found on my maps page , more details can be found on wikipedia . A gallery of images of Two Guns can be found here .

Subway Station to Nowhere

I've added a small number of images taken in the "semi" ghost town of Goldfield, Nevada . The International Car Forest is an unusual open air museum just south of Goldfield. Its many cars are buried on end so the car forest is best shot at night in late summer or fall when the Milky is largely vertical. The Subway to Nowhere in Goldfield is well worth a brief stop during the day. I have also updated the Rhyolite Nevada ghost town gallery with some new images taken at sunrise.

I've updated the Cerro Gordo Mine ghost town gallery with images from a recent trip. Cerro Gordo is more accessible than it used to be with on-line tickets available and you can freely wander the American hotel. Tripods are allowed. On weekdays Cerro Gordo still receives few visitors. I've also updated the Alabama Hills gallery with some images of Lathe Arch shot with a Laowa 10mm full frame lens. This ultrawide lens is just perfect for capturing unusual subjects and creating unique perspectives.

March 18, 2020 - Wave Walk-in Lottery Temporarily Suspended

Preliminary - Effective today The Wave walk-in lottery has been suspended until further notice. The walk-in lottery will not be held tomorrow (Thursday 3/19). There are no plans to temporarily increase the number of permits available on-line at this time. I'll post more details as they becomes available.

March 16, 2020 - Navajo Nation Tribal Parks are closed

All tours of the Navajo Nation slot canyons in Page (e.g. Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, Canyon X, ...) has been temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Monument Valley Tribal Park is also closed. Other closed areas include the Four Corners Monument, the Little Colorado River Tribal Park, the Bisti Badlands, Coal Mine Canyon, Canyon de Chelly Campground, and others . You cannot visit any Navajo Nation park at this time. More information can be found in the Farmington Daily Times , the Phoenix New Times , and Fox 13 Salt Lake .

March 14, 2020 - Mono Lake

I've added a gallery of images from Mono Lake in California. I've also added a map with travel directions and photo site locations and photography tips.

Mono Lake South Tufas

Mono Lake is an excellent three season destination. At 6,400 feet it normally gets snow in the winter so if you plan to visit then check snow cover levels in advance. Information on how to check snow depth levels in the US can be found on the Mono Lake maps page . There are two areas of photographic interest at Mono Lake. The first is called the "South Tufas". At sunrise and sunset you can often get nice reflections of limestone columns (known as Tufas) in the lake with the Eastern Sierra's in the background. Sunrise usually works better than sunset since winds are calmer then.

Sand Tufas near Navy Beach

The second area is known as the "Sand Tufas". While the South Tufas are large and rock-like in appearance the Sand Tufas are delicate and have many branches. They form fantastic shapes are are best photographed up-close. If possible shoot at sunrise following a windy night so that the footprints around the tufas are filled in.

January 23, 2020 - Southeast Utah Ruins

I've added images of the more photogenic Ancestral Puebloan (formerly called Anasazi) ruins in Southeast Utah. A gallery can be found here , and a map showing the locations of the well-known ruins can be found here .

The Doll House

Honeycomb Ruin

Three Story Ruin at Dawn

January 15, 2020 - Kanab Area Update

Inchworm Arch

I've added new images from Red Canyon , Inchworm Arch , and the Kanab Hoodoos . Both Inchworm Arch and the Kanab Hoodoos are best photographed near sunrise. I would expect that at sunrise the shadow on the left side of Inchworm will disappear by March or April .

Link to Older Posts

This page was last updated 3/25/2024

The Second Wave at sunset

The Alcove on Top Rock

Melody Arch and The Grotto

The third bend after sunset

The first bend at sunset

False Kiva Panorama

Wide Angle view of The Wave

Water at The Wave

The view north from The Wave

Lace Rock near The Boneyard

Leading Lines at Sand Cove

The view south from Sand Cove

Wide-angle view of The Wave

The Wave Startrail

Wave Reflection

The Milky Wave

The view north from The Wave at dusk

The Classic Wave

Looking North at Dusk

Under that Serious Moonlight

Eye of The Wave

Slot Canyon Reflection

Melody Arch

The Southern Wave

Cottonwood Cove Storm

Coyote Buttes South

The Citadel

The Second Tree

Blue Hour at The White Pocket

Delta Pool at The White Pocket

North end of The Monolith

The Wave slot canyon soft sediment deformation

Balanced Rock seen through Window

Coal Mine Area Arches

Steamboat Rock

Panamint Dunes

Laughing Donkey formation in Little Finland

Striped Arch in Buffington Pockets

Dome Plateau Overlook

The Milky Way over a Patriarch Grove Bristlecone Pine

Hells' Beach

Bryce Canyon viewed from Sunset Point

The Milky Way Rising over the Cracked Eggs

Dr. Ryburn's House in Bannack State Park

Lake O'hara and Mary Lakes

Hopi Clan (Tutuveni) Petroglyphs

Resolution Closing Grand Falls

• Tour Options
• Beyond The Wave

What We offer

Guided tour, shuttle service, lake powell scenic tours, private guided tour, the full experience.

If you have successfully won the coveted permit to the Wave and would like a guided tour, you've come to the right place. ( See shuttle service for non-guided options)

• $400 total for groups of 1-2 people
• $500 total for groups of 3-4 people
• $600 total for groups of 5-6 people

Our local, professional guides can provide you with transportation, safety, historical information, local stories, and a custom media package (videos and photos) of your experience.   

You must have a valid permit from BLM (advanced or daily lottery) for the date you select. We do not provide permits!  

Times listed are Arizona time - you may request a different departure time to better suit your schedule. Alternate and extended times available by request. 

The guided tour includes:

• Pick up service from your Page, AZ area hotel/rental
• Private tour - your group only 
• Packs and walking sticks if needed
• NPS and BLM certified guide
• The drive to the trail head is approximately 1-hour from Page, AZ.
• Total tour time (including drive time) approximately 8-10 hours. Extended tours available.
• Custom GoPro Movie and media package of your experience
• Departs early morning . Custom departure times available by request
• All times are Arizona time

If you do not want a guide, but need a shuttle service to the trail head, click here

Book with lake powell scenic tours

• Must already have valid permit for Coyote Buttes North and the Wave
• Total tour time is approximately 8-10 hours and depends on weather/road conditions
• All times Arizona time
•  Alternate and extended times available by request. 

Get there safely!

 If you are going to the Wave or Buckskin Gulch, don't risk being stranded. The roads are difficult, so relax and let us get you safely to the Wire Pass trail-head for your Wave or Buckskin Gulch adventure. 

All times are Arizona time. Alternate departure times and extended times available by request.

Our private shuttle service includes:

• Pick up and drop off from your Page, AZ area hotel or rental.
• 8 total hours of service time - a typical day is approximately 2 hours of drive time to the trail-head, which then gives you up to 6 hours to hike and enjoy the Wave or Buckskin Gulch. 
• Free use of our hiking equipment if needed (small backpacks and rubber-tipped hiking sticks)
• Certified drivers

Trail-worthy off-road vehicles

Our modified and well-maintained tour vehicles are right at home on the rough and rugged trails. These vehicles are outfitted with the appropriate tires, suspension, recovery equipment, first aid kits, and more. 

We'll get you safely to the trail!

The drivers (also certified guides) are experienced in off-road navigation and certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. 

• $350 flat-rate 

Lake POwell Scenic tours shuttle

• Must already have valid permit for Coyote Buttes North / The Wave or Buckskin Gulch
• You will be picked up from your Page, AZ hotel/rental
• Total allotted time is approximately 8-10 hours and dependent on weather and road conditions
• All times are Arizona time;  Alternate and extended times available by request. 

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Arizona Bucket List: The Wave, AZ

One of the most highly sought hiking permits in the American Southwest is for the Wave, AZ, located about 40 minutes west of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. This bucket list item attracts people from all over the world, with well over a thousand people a day applying for just 20 permits, which will increase to 64 daily permits as of February 2021. How to get a Wave Permit

There are some advantages to being a local, and one of those is that I can run over to Kanab and enter the lottery in the dead of winter and try to get one of the 32 daily permits (the other 32 being available  online  months in advance.) This used to be the way to get a higher chance because of the lower crowds during off-season, but no longer. This last Feb, with heavy snow on the forecast every other day, there was still over 200 people milling around the Kanab Center Gymnasium before the 9am drawing.

During winter hours, the Friday drawing is special because they draw for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. 30 permits drawn on the same day swells the number of hopeful applicants and the anticipation to Walmart Black Friday doorbuster levels.

I had applied for 3 people, and by 9:12AM they had drawn 29 people. My number was drawn for the very last spot and I tried to avoid making eye contact with the many people I knew had traveled thousands of miles for that same chance. To make this opportunity even more rare, the rangers are authorized to increase the number of permits by one person if the last winner applied as a group, so as to discourage solo hikers. All I needed to do was to decide which friend I liked more.

And so on that chilly morning of Feb 6, 2017, there were 21 people who hiked to the Wave, Arizona. For more information check out https://thewaveaz.com

• If you apply as a solo hiker and you draw the last permit you don’t get to decide to bring a friend. If you apply as a group they will let you bring 1 person so you’re not hiking alone. Or you can refuse the permit and maintain your friendships.
• During winter months, the Convention Center is closed on the weekends, so they draw permits for Sat, Sun, Mon on Friday. All other days are normal; permits are drawn at 9am for the next day.
• The road to the trailhead can be extremely difficult to drive on if it has recently rained or snowed.  Hire A Guide To The Wave  or  Fly Over The Wave
• There is little to no reception, and people have died on this hike.
• As with all desert hikes in the area, get a really early start during summer months.
• The two closest cities are Kanab, UT, and Page, AZ, but AZ does not follow daylight savings, so check time difference.
• Bring exact change in cash! $9 a person

38 Responses

• Pingback: #8 day hike – The Wave, Arizona USA - Hikerstore

Hey Alley Great content on this website! I am hoping to get through the walk in lottery for the Wave in December. Now I know that they pick the lottery numbers for Saturday, Sunday and Monday on Friday the week prior. Do we then have to fill 3 applications (1 each for the 3 days) or they pick 30 numbers for Sat, Sun and Monday by default from the numbers on Friday? Also, do I have to specify that I would like a chance on all 3 days on Friday in the application? If we are 2 people, can my friend and I both fill an application for 2 people?

Hi Anuja, We wish you the best of luck at the walk-in lottery for The Wave. You’ll need it, but I think you know that already! To my knowledge, you wouldn’t have to fill out separate applications for each day you wish to hike if you’re doing the walk-in lottery on a Friday in December. You’d simply let the on-duty ranger know that you would like to carry over your entry through the weekend. However, be sure to ask the ranger at the Grand Staircase Visitor Center how best to proceed. They are the ultimate authority on the process, and the rules for taking part. As for both you and your hiking companion filling out separate applications, you don’t need to or want to do that. That’s considered attempting to “game the system,” and both applications would be disqualified. In the very likely event you are not chosen to hike The Wave, there still might be a way for you to see it, and that’s to fly over it. Fixed wing airplanes and helicopters can be chartered out of Page, AZ, or Kanab, UT. While this would be a pricey way to go, it would enable you to see a ton of amazing scenery in addition to Coyote Buttes. For more information on this, read this article on our companion site, http://www.TheWaveAZ.com : “So You Didn’t Get A Wave Permit – Now What?” Good luck and safe travels, Alley 🙂

Hello. I’m interested in visiting this Fourth of July weekend. I will be visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon. My dream is to see the Wave. I’ve never been able to get a permit before. How early would I have to get there beforehand to try to get 2 passes? I know it’s unlikely…

Hi Szashe and thank you for visiting our site. First off, I’m glad that you acknowledge the fact that the probability of your being able to hike to the The Wave is very small. But there still might be a way for you to see it… more on that in a minute. If you haven’t secured hiking permits for Coyote Buttes North through the online lottery at this point, the only chance you have of getting one now is through the walk-in lottery at the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Visitors Center in Kanab, UT. Drawings are held for 10 permits (1 person = 1 permit) each day for the FOLLOWING day (so you would go there the day PRIOR to when you wish to hike). To participate in the walk-in lottery, you must show up in person (no phone-ins or proxies) at the GSENM Visitor Center between 8:30 – 9:00 AM Utah time, again, the day before you wish to hike. **Note that Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, but Utah does, so if you’re staying in Page, AZ, you’ll have to leave one hour “early.” If you’re staying in Zion, Bryce, or anywhere else in Utah, simply go by local time.** For more information, read “How To Get A Permit For The Wave” on our companion site, http://www.AntelopeCanyon.AZ If you are lucky enough to be chosen for a walk-up permit, you must be aware that you’re hiking during the hottest time of the year, and plan accordingly. Now, in the very likely event your party is not chosen for a walk-up permit, there might still be a way to make your dream come true, albeit one that will come at a cost: fly over it. Chartering a fixed-wing airplane from the Kanab, UT, Municipal Airport or the Page, AZ, Municipal Airport makes for an expedient and exciting way to not only see The Wave, but countless other scenic landmarks in the area. Flights would most likely depart first thing in the morning for better light and less wind. For more information on doing a charter-by-the-hour over Coyote Buttes and The Wave, visit this piece on our companion site, http://www.TheWaveAZ.com : “So You Didn’t Get A Wave Permit – Now What?” If chartering an airplane is not within your budget or doesn’t appeal for whatever reason, consider taking a guided tour to White Pocket, which is just as beautiful as Coyote Buttes (some would assert moreso!), but does not require a permit. Good luck and safe travels, Alley 🙂

Can u fish in the water?

Dear Harrison, Thank you for this excellent question. Yes, you can fish at Lake Powell! An Arizona fishing license is required, and a Utah license may also be required if you plan to fish in the area of Lake Powell over the Utah State Line. Fishing licenses can be purchased upon arrival in Page, AZ, at Stix Market. For best results, you might consider going with a licensed Lake Powell fishing guide such as McNabb Fishing Guide Service , Ambassador Guides , or Ultimate Lake Powell Fishing Guides . Good luck and safe travels, Alley 🙂

Hello, I will be visiting Arizona in April, is it too late for me to get a permit? We are 2 adults and a 13 year old boy coming from NJ and my brother’s family that lives in Arizona, two adults, a 3 year old, a 9 year old and a 10 year old. Would the hike be too much for the younger kids? Thanks

Hi Milka, The online lottery for April permits to hike The Wave took place in December. If you wish, you can still take part in the walk-in lottery, which is held at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitors Center in Kanab, UT. You would put your name in the lottery the day before you wish to hike, and can submit for multiple days. That said, I would strongly discourage you even trying. For one, taking a 3-year-old is not recommended as this is a 6+ mile round-trip hike over potentially rough terrain. Another consideration is the size of your party. Only 10 walk-in permits per day are given out, and larger groups tend to not fare as well as smaller parties do. That said, there are many beautiful areas in the vicinity of The Wave that require neither advance permits or long-distance hiking. One you may consider is White Pocket. The only disadvantage to this area is the drive in: the trail tends to be very sandy, which requires a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle. Going with a licensed tour outfitter is definitely the safer way to go. For a list of authorized guide services, visit our companion site, TheWaveAZ.com: Hire A Guide Good luck and safe travels, Alley 🙂

There is a company that takes guided tours to The Wave. Do you know about any company that you might recommend? Permits are so very difficult to get, so I found a Grand Circle Tour company that is charging $200 for a day tour of The Wave. Please advise.

Dear Ambreen, There are approximately a dozen tour companies in the Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT, area that take guided tours to The Wave . However, using one of them does not exempt you from the permit requirement. You still need to get one. And as you’ve discovered, getting a Wave permit is very difficult to do. Since it is statistically unlikely that you will get a permit for The Wave, we recommend you plan on visiting one of several “alternate” areas that are just as scenic and either do not require a permit, or permits are easier to get. Some areas include, but aren’t limited to: White Pocket, Soap Creek, Sidestep Canyon, Coyote Buttes South (requires a permit, but are easier to get), the New Wave, or Alstrom Point . Another possible workaround to the Wave permit dilemma, which granted will be more expensive, would be to fly over it. For more information on this option, visit our sister site, TheWaveAZ.com and read “ So You Didn’t Get A Wave Permit – Now What? ” Hope that helps. Best wishes for a Happy New Year and safe travels, Alley 🙂

Hello, dreaming and planning of getting the permit as coming from Europe in March/April. I kneo the chances are low and you already detailed other locations around close by in case of unsucssesful walk-in lottery. I do have a related to rental car: would it be enought to rent compact car or SUV revommended? Will be driving from Las Vegas and planning a big road trip.

Hi Neri, Whether you rent a compact or SUV is a matter of taste, but an SUV would certainly give you more luggage space for that “big road trip.” Plus it might come in handy if the House Rock Valley Road (the road to access the Wave trailhead) is wet or muddy, which is a very likely scenario in March or April. However, the latter consideration is something of a “Catch-22:” having 4WD can be advantageous when going off road, but the majority of rental car contracts forbid driving on unpaved roads. If you are fortunate enough to get a permit via the online or walk-in lottery, you might consider playing it safe and hiring a BLM-licensed guide to escort you to The Wave . This would ensure that 1. you get there in one piece without damage to your rental vehicle and 2. that you make the most of the opportunity to explore the incredible scenery in Coyote Buttes North. If you do hire a guide, you do not have to apply for a Wave permit for them, they are already pre-qualified through their business license. For more tips and information on planning a visit to The Wave and the surrounding area, visit our companion sites, http://www.TheWaveAZ.com or http://www.AntelopeCanyon.AZ Good luck and safe travels, Alley 🙂

Hello! We are hiking the Wave this November and will be driving to coyotes buttes from Page AZ. How long is the drive from Page to the hiking entrance and do you think it’s ok that we stay in page rather than Kanab?

Hey Lauren, Congratulations on scoring a Wave permit! This is a great question. Fortunately, it’s a “six of one/half a dozen of another” proposition as to whether you stay in Page, AZ, or Kanab, UT. Kanab is about 45 miles from the House Rock Valley Road turn-off; Page is closer, but only slightly, a difference of 2-3 miles at most. Find lodging in whatever town suits you best budget-wise, looks most appealing and has availability. Both towns have other attractions in the immediate vicinity that might warrant a multi-night stay, so that’s another consideration to factor in. Whatever you choose, we strongly recommend being at the House Rock Valley Road turn-off by sunrise, which will be a little before 7:00 AM in November. For other tips on getting ready for a Wave hike, visit our sister site, http://www.TheWaveAZ.com Good luck and happy hiking! Alley 🙂

Can someone let me know how long does it take to finish the walk-in permit lottery? I am hoping it can be done in 1hour and half?

Thank you in adv.

Hey Johnny, Great question! The Wave walk-in lottery gives out permits to hike The Wave for the following day. The process can take anywhere from 1 hour to upwards of 2 hours depending on how many people are trying their hand at it on a given day. For this reason, we discourage you from booking anything time sensitive immediately after the lottery, so that you don’t a. miss your activity and/or b. lose your money. Here is a short video account of one person’s experience with it: How To Walk In The Wave Lottery For further information read “ How To Get a Wave Permit ” Remember as well that during Daylight Saving Time periods, Utah DOES observe the time change, whereas Arizona does not, so if you’re traveling from Page, AZ to Kanab, UT to participate in the walk-in lottery, Utah will be one hour ahead of Page. You must time your drive accordingly (start out an hour “early”). Good luck and safe travels! Alley 🙂

We won the lottery to hike the wave in first week of october ! However, we have a one year old and weighing our options here. While we are very excited about the rare opportunity we are not sure how advisable is it to hike the wave with a one year old.

Dear Deepthi, Congratulations on winning The Wave lottery! Early October is certainly a nice time to be here, and to make that hike. As for taking your little one along, only you can make that choice, and others have certainly done it before you. If you were hiking in the middle of summer, I’d probably advise you against it, but your risks should be carefully considered even at the nearly ideal time of year that you’re hiking. Be aware that the hike is about 6 miles long round-trip. One of you should probably be ready to carry the child most of the way. A backpack carrier is definitely a must. Another factor is the exposed nature of the trail: there is very little shade to be found, so all of you (child included) should wear wide-brimmed hats and plenty of sunscreen. Lastly, bringing enough water for every member of your party is absolutely essential. For more advice on hiking The Wave with a toddler, you might also pose your question on the travel forums on websites such as TripAdvisor, Bogley, Lonely Planet and so forth. Congratulations again and do let us know how you get on. Alley 🙂

I was thinking of visiting the Wave in July 2018. What is the closest airport to fly into. I have a little one who is 5 yrs old and may not be able to hike much. Is there a way for us to still experience the wave?

Hi Divs! First off, hiking permits for The Wave were issued in March. Secondly, we would not recommend taking a 5-year-old on this hike, especially at that time of year. It’s terribly hot (daytime high temperatures reach upwards of 110 degrees Fahrenheit!) and that enhances your risk of illness, injury or even death exponentially. The only other way to see The Wave that would a. be safe for you and your family and b. would take the permit requirement out of the equation would be to fly over it. A small “disclaimer:” since The Wave is in actuality quite small in comparison to the Coyote Buttes area as a whole, it does not show up that well from the air. However, the surrounding scenery is amazing. Because the flight (airplane or helicopter) would be considered a special charter, it will likely be quite expensive, but if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you’d likely find the cost quite worth it. Below please find a list of air charter services out of Page, AZ and Kanab, UT. Page Municipal Airport (PGA): Westwind Air Service 928-645-2494 Scenic/Grand Canyon Airlines 702.577.9060 Grand Canyon Helicopters 702-736-7243 Kanab Municipal Airport (KNB): Red Tail Aviation (435) 819-0730 Kanab Helicopters (877) 651-1693 Good luck and safe travels, Alley 🙂 P.S. The best airports to fly into for visiting Northern Arizona and Southern Utah are: Las Vegas, NV (LAS) – 247 miles, 4.5 hour drive from the Wire Pass Trailhead (starting point of the hike to The Wave) Phoenix, AZ (PHX) – 320 miles, 5.5 hour drive from the trailhead Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) – 365 miles, 6 hour drive from the railhead

If you are not selected for the Lottery on the day you’ve selected to go to The Wave, how easy is it to get to Bryce or Zion from the Lottery spot? Could we go there easily from the lottery spot? If not, what other easy to moderate hikes would you suggest in the area? Need to book lodging, etc, so hope to lock in a schedule very soon.

Hi Terry, Yes it would be easy to visit either park from the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, UT (where the in-person lottery is held). Zion National Park is closer, about half an hour drive. Bryce is about a 1.5 hour drive from Kanab. Either park has a wide selection of easy-to-moderate hikes you can do should you strike out on The Wave. Day hiking in Zion Day hiking in Bryce Before getting into hikes, however, you should get your lodging nailed down as choices are limited in both parks. If for some reason you are unable to secure lodging within the parks, you could opt to simply stay in Kanab, UT for Zion, or the community of Springdale, UT on the Western border of the park has an ample selection of hotels (but you should still make reservations). For Bryce, the areas of Ruby’s Inn, Tropic, UT or Hatch, UT offer good locations from which to “base camp.” Hope that helps. Have fun and safe travels! Alley 🙂

Alley, the info you provided is just what we needed. Thank you…

How far of a hike is the wave? What level would this hike be. Do I need special gear?Ropes and such? Thank you.

Hi Tammy, The hike to The Wave from the starting point at Wire Pass Trailhead is approximately 6 miles round-trip. It is considered a “moderate” hike. Ropes and other special gear are not required, but you must take adequate water and food. The most important piece of “equipment” to carry, however, is the proper permit. This area is ecologically fragile and access to it is limited to 20 people per day by the Bureau of Land Management. For more information on obtaining a permit, visit AntelopeCanyon.az How To Get A Permit For The Wave AZ Good luck and safe travels, Alley 🙂

Can I get close to the Wave to take some pictures, not for hiking?

Hi Van, Unfortunately, that’s not possible – at least on the ground (more on that in a minute). It’s approximately a 3 mile hike to The Wave from the Wire Pass Trailhead on the House Rock Valley Road. Coyote Buttes North is hidden behind several ridges, so there’s no choice but to hike there in order to take photos. If you’re unable to make the hike or obtain a permit, another way you might see The Wave is to charter an airplane or helicopter from Page, AZ or Kanab, UT. Doing such a thing will be pricey, and The Wave itself doesn’t show that well from the air, but the view of the surrounding terrain is amazing. YouTube video of a helicopter flight over The Wave Hope that helps. Alley 🙂

Got a permit to hike The Wave and all looked good until this weeks forecast of rain/snow on Monday morning the day my permit is good for. Forecast says 8am – 10am Showers/Rain/Snow less than an inch. Do you think we will be able to drive to the Trailhead with the road being wet? Thanks for your time.

Hi Quoc, Congratulations on getting that Wave permit. Sorry to hear that it might coincide with inclement weather. It’s too soon to predict what conditions on the House Rock Valley Road will be like, but your best resource for up to the minute information will most likely be the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab. You might try calling them at (435) 644-1300 Monday morning. Good luck and hope everything works out. Alley 🙂

Hi, My wife and I are planning to visit Kanab the week after Christmas. Ideally we’d love to hit the lottery f or the Wave. Reality, very remote to happen. We are driving from our home in Las Vegas and are planning an overnight, or two. If we can’t hit the lottery what hikes in that area would you suggest? We’ve done Zion and Bryce so we would prefer the Kanab area. We do a lot of class 2 and 3 generally between 5-7 miles. Any help would be fantastic! Thank you, Dominic

Hello Dominic and thank you for visiting our site today! We’re glad to see that you’re being realistic about your odds of getting a Wave permit, but, we’ll still keep our fingers crossed for you. As for alternatives you might consider, these include, but are certainly not limited to: – Coyote Buttes South (still requires a permit, but tend to be significantly easier to get) – White Pocket Fold (a guide service such as Paria Outpost or Dreamland Safaris is recommended for the somewhat difficult drive to the trailhead) – Buckskin Gulch – Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail – Lower Hackberry Canyon Trail – Cobra Arch Trail (near Paria) For more suggestions, a good site to visit is AllTrails.com You might also try the Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitors Center or the Kane County Visitors Center when you arrive in Kanab. The employees there are bound to have suggestions we left out! Good luck and let us know how you get on. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at HorseshoeBend.com! Alley 🙂

Hi, I’m currently stationed in VA and am going to be coming back home in AZ for two weeks in May to visit family. How hard will it be to get a permit to plan out a trip like this with 6 people?

Hi Taylor, In a word – OK, two – VERY hard. Popularity of The Wave increases almost exponentially with each passing year, and May is one of the nicer times to visit. In case you weren’t aware, access to this area is by permit, and only 20 per day are given out, 10 by advance online lottery and 10 on a walk-in basis the day prior. How To Get A Wave Permit You’re going to have a LOT of competition for permits at that time of year, so it’d be smart to start thinking in terms of alternatives: other places that are just as cool, scenery-wise, but not so bloody hard to get into. Areas you might consider exploring include but are not limited to: Alstrom Point, Coyote Buttes South (a permit is required, but these tend to be easier to get), White Pocket Fold, Steamboat Rock, Cobra Arch, Buckskin Gulch or The “New” Wave near Page, AZ. Hope that helps and that you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Alley 🙂 P.S. And THANK YOU for your service.

Hi my name is Roxanne and I wanted to know what is the best month to hike the wave? what kind of wild animals are there?

Hi Roxana and thank you for visiting today! The best time to hike The Wave is during early Spring or Fall. Daytime high temperatures aren’t so hot then, so there’s lower risk of heat exhaustion and other complications sometimes experienced during the summer months. The downside? Lots of people are aware of this, so competition for the few permits they give out is particularly fierce for April or October. Those who are truly determined to hike The Wave may have to settle for a time of year that’s less than ideal weather-wise. As for wildlife you may see, typically it’s lizards, snakes, and chipmunks; occasionally deer or elk are spotted. Hope that helps. For more information on obtaining a permit to hike The Wave, visit the Bureau of Land Management’s official website . Thanks again and happy hiking! Alley 🙂

Hi Ryan, My wife and I are visiting Page AZ – driving into Page from the Grand Canyon Southern Rim on the evening of Monday 18th December 2017. We plan to stay in Page on the 19th of December. We would like to see the Antelope Canyon (upper and lower) followed by the Horseshoe Bend (to photograph) and maybe see the Wave. Please could you let me know if we can join a group tour for the above sites? will 1 whole day be enough? Please let us know what the weather will be like in Mid-December? How much would it cost?

Many thanks

Dear Jafar, Hello and thanks for visiting our site. Unfortunately, there is no commercial tour that covers ALL of the sites you wish to see. The Wave, in particular, is very difficult to get access to. It requires some forethought, a good dose of luck and a high degree of physical fitness in order to experience. Read this piece for more detailed information How To Get A Wave Permit As for Antelope Canyons, since you have your own vehicle, and are interested in seeing both the Upper and Lower branches, your best bet would be to catch tours that originate from the canyon’s entrance on US98 just South of Page. For Upper Antelope Canyon, you would want to contact Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours or click here to reserve . For Lower Antelope Canyon, there are two outfitters that operate from the canyon’s entrance on US98: Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours and Dixie Ellis’ Antelope Lower Canyon Tours . No need to be too concerned about who does the better tour, they are virtually identical right down to the footsteps. Prices will be listed on all respective sites. As for Horseshoe Bend, you can visit it whenever you wish, no tour guide is needed. Keep in mind, though, that daylength is relatively short during the winter months. Sunrise occurs about 7:30 AM, sunset at about 5:15 PM. Weather in mid-December will be on the cool side, with possible rain or light snow, so be prepared by packing jackets, gloves, scarves and other clothing appropriate for these weather conditions. If I’m inadvertently making it sound like December is a horrible time to visit, that’s far from the case. That time of the year is shoulder season, so along with cooler temperatures, you’ll encounter far fewer people than you would during the summer months. More than a fair trade-off IMO. Good luck and safe travels! Alley 🙂 P.S. In response to your other inquiry, Ryan is a part-time consultant with our company and does not give guided tours. The contact information for the sites you wish to see has been given above.

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What is the Wave? – There’s MORE To SEE!!!

The Wave Arizona

Have you heard of the Wave? No, not the one you surf. The Wave that you can walk on without getting water up your nose! The Wave that takes just as much physical activity, but allows for a view of your lifetime! I’m talking about THE WAVE that is a sandstone rock formation on the border of Utah and Arizona. You might have seen it as a Microsoft screen saver years ago. Due to the Wave’s overwhelming popularity and its fragile nature of the sandstone, only 20 people can visit a day. Permits can be obtained from the Bureau of Land Management via a lottery system that you can read about here . Chances of winning the lottery for a daily permit to the Wave is as low as 4% in the busy season of April to November.

The Wave Arizona tour

To get to the Wave requires a 6 mile round trip, moderately strenuous hike. I recommend a tour guide so you do not get lost and you find the Wave at the opportune time. It is best to see the Wave mid-day to get the best views of the striations developed by the wind over the many, MANY years. You do not want to miss that opportune time because you are wandering around lost! A tour guide plans the day out for you and makes sure you see the highlights of Coyote Buttes. And most important, packs a picnic lunch and keeps you safe! We used Dreamland Safari Tours and highly recommend them!

The Wave guided tour

Our guide mentioned that of the 20 people that win permits to the Wave, some still never find it. Some wander around and get lost. In fact, while we were hiking, there was a rescue helicopter flying over looking for someone lost. Our guide told us about every week someone gets lost in the area. Some even have to spend the night since you aren’t considered “missing” the day you are lost.

Chris and I decided we would be more than happy to pay for a guide to make sure we were able to see as much of the area as possible. That, and we have been known to get lost FOLLOWING people! 😉

The Wave trailhead

Here I am at the trailhead getting the hike started.

Across from the parking area, you see one of the only trails of the day.

The hike continues on a dried up river bed.

Thank God we had a tour guide, as I would have walked right past this sign guiding us to the Wave!

The terrain to the Wave is sand or rock that is not level. You basically follow your map looking in the distance for markers.

The scenery along the way is so beautiful. I did not even feel as though I was hiking.

A sign directing you towards the wave. It is one of just 2 signs out in the North Coyote Buttes area.

A happy hiker!

Almost to there!

We arrived midday. The perfect time to see it!

Of course, we had to take pictures of us in the Wave!

There are not enough words to express the beauty of this rock formation.

There were about 10 others that arrived midday while we enjoyed there. We spent over an hour here eating lunch and enjoying the scenery.

Chris and our guide eating lunch at the top of the Wave.

After lunch, we spent more time checking out the crevices in the Wave. With every minute that passed, the light changed the color of the striations creating a different view.

Sites to see near the Wave Arizona

If you are lucky enough to win a permit to the North Coyote Buttes area, explore all that it has to offer. There are dinosaur tracks and other rock formations that are just as amazing! We went to Melody Arch and Window, the Sand Cove, and the Second Wave.

The Second Wave

Sand Alcove

Melody Arch and Window is a destination in itself! Most hikers in this area never get to experience this beautiful rock formation! It requires a strenuous and steep climb but allows for an amazing view out the hole in the rock. Words cannot describe the beauty looking through the arch and window out into the Coyote Buttes area.

After climbing to the top, it was time to head back down and explore more of the North Coyote Buttes area.

There are many dinosaur tracks and rock formations in the area you can check out. There are lace rocks and even one that looks like giant rock cheeseburger! The wind and rain has created many beautiful geological masterpieces.

Since we were in the area, we headed to the Wire Pass Slot Canyon. You can read more about this addition to the trip here .

Watch a video of our day in North Coyote Buttes.

What to Pack for a Day Hike: Hiking Checklist

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Tips for hiking the Wave in Arizona.

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The Wave and Tower Butte - Unlimited Aviation

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My dad has lived here for 44 years and Page is where I grew up. He has always wanted to land on... read more

We took a tour of the lake, Horseshoe Bend and spent time on top of Tower Butte. Kyle was our... read more

The Wave and Tower Butte

Earlier this year my sons-in-law and I chartered an Unlimited Aviation helicopter flight to the unique sandstone rock formation called The Wave. The trip exceeded all expectations. Thanks to the pilot Kyle we were able to circle the area and had enough time to get amazing photos. To top things off we flew on to Tower Butte where we landed to enjoy a picnic lunch and take in the breathtaking scenery. All in all - one fabulous flight!!! Jean Rigtrup

Everyone should experience a gorgeous sunset helicopter tour with Lake Powell Jet Center! We had one of the best experiences of our lives on our flight over Lake Powell. The owners, pilot and staff are all first class and we can’t wait for next time. Our 3 year old son LOVED the turns in the helicopter, landing on a house boat, listening to himself in the headset and sitting at the picnic table on top of Tower Butte. We want to thank the owners and the entire staff for the best sunset experience in Arizona.

I have taken numerous flights to Tower Butte and what an experience! Unlimited Aviation is extremely professional and had made each trip a time to remember. I have recommended it to many of my friends and family and they have said the same. Thanks for the great memories!! Kerry Norgren

Buckskin Gulch Guided Tours

4 Guided Tours of The Buckskin Gulch.

White Pocket Guided Tour

Amazing tours of The White Pocket.

Coyote Buttes South Guided Tour

Tours of The Coyote Buttes South area.

Coyote Buttes North Guided Tour

Tours of The Coyote Buttes North area.

The Tee Pees Guided Tour

Fantastic tours of The Tee Pees.

Guided Tours of The Vermilion Cliffs

Guided Tours of The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

Hiked Buckskin Gulch with Grand Circle Tours. Owner Kyle was most accommodating to our many questions. Our guide Angie was so informative and tailored the hike to our desires and skills. We learned so much, had an incredible hike and saw amazing natural rock formations.

We booked a tour to White Pockets from Page, Arizona with Grand Circle Tours. Angie is a great guide. She was very organized in the logistics of the tour, and made sure everyone was safe and comfortable. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and flexible with the schedule.

The famous TeePees of Vermilion Cliffs. Amazing views! Breathtaking experience! Angie was so accommodating to our group and was a wealth of knowledge. An experience we won’t forget!

Grand Circle Tours - Vermilion Cliffs

Grand Circle Tours is pleased to offer exciting and safe small group hiking and photography tours to The Vermilion Cliffs, including The Wave, Buckskin Gulch, Coyote Buttes North, Coyote Buttes South, White Pocket, and The Tee Pees. For tours of the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and St. George area please call or visit our other website GrandCircleTours.net for 7 additional tours.

The outstanding scenery, desert wildlife, colorful history, and opportunities for primitive recreation of Vermilion Cliffs will remain free of man's influence and be protected for future generations by the Bureau of Land Management, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Its 112,500 acres beckon adventurers who yearn for solitude, scenic splendor, and the chance to explore one of the most beautiful ecological formations in the world. The Cliffs are located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau. Nowhere will you find a comparable concentration of such varied geologic phenomena. There is more sandstone in this area than anywhere on earth, making it the number one choice for landscape photographers.

Tours to White Pocket are primarily vehicle-based, while the Coyote Buttes, Teepees, Buckskin Gulch, and Wire Pass Canyon are hiking trips.

The hikes to Buckskin Gulch, Coyote Buttes, and The Wave typically last 7 to 8 hours in total. We provide bottled water and snacks during the journey, but you can also bring your Camelback, personal food and anything else you want to bring for the day.

Grand Circle Tours is a company licensed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and has operated locally for over 20 years with safe, enclosed vehicles and fully insured guides. Our number one goal is always safety and providing an unforgettable day of nature and photography. Each of our trips will be small groups to ensure a personal experience. We currently offer VIP custom trips to any of the areas mentioned on our site. These are available upon request. Vermilion Cliffs casts a spell, not unlike Sedona with astounding views of golden and red sandstone known throughout the Colorado Plateau. It’s a powerful experience not to be missed. Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy! Thanks for your consideration.

Book your Dream Adventure Now!

Grand Circle Tours offers exclusive hiking tours of The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

or Call +1 928-691-0166

This is an all-day canyon hike with the option to venture out of the wash and onto rock formations that rival The Wave and White Pockets. Tour Details ->

This section of Buckskin is the right choice if you're looking for slot canyons with excellent light for photography. Tour Details ->

This tour requires navigating down into the Gulch revealing views of White Pockets, North & South Coyote Buttes, and large parts of the Buckskin itself. Tour Details ->

This is a combined hike to both the Wire Pass and Buckskin trailheads, providing an epic day of desert slot canyon hiking. Tour Details ->

The White Pocket guided tour in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is the go-to spot for the serious photographer. Tour Details ->

This tour requires a much shorter hike than the North tour and is considerably more varied from a photographer’s point of view. Tour Details ->

The Wave, located in the Coyote Buttes North tour, is a world-famous destination. Permit required. Tour Details ->

Hiking to the Teepee formation is an excellent hike in spring, fall, and winter. Tour Details ->

11 Additional Tours at GreaterZionTours.net

Visit our other website, GreaterZionTours.net, for tours of Zion National Park.

7 Additional Tours at GrandCircleTours.net

Visit our other website, GrandCircleTours.net, for additional tours and different locations.

Coyote Buttes North Daily Lottery (The Wave)

Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness

Important Information:

If you are planning to visit Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), there are only two possible options to get a permit.  

The Coyote Buttes North Daily Lottery (The Wave) - apply on this website

The Coyote Buttes North Advanced Lottery (The Wave) – apply to Advanced Lottery here  

Quick information about the Daily Lottery.

• Applications must be submitted two days before your hike during the lottery application window (6am - 6pm)
• You need a mobile device to apply – desktop or laptops will not work. Out of date Recreation.gov mobile apps will cause issues with payment.
• You must be in the geofence area to apply ( see map ) 
• 16 people and/or 4 groups (whichever comes first) receive permits through this Daily Lottery   

Quick information about the Advanced Lottery.

• Applications are submitted 4 months in advance of the hike date ( see website for the current month ) 
• Enter the Advanced Lottery at this site - apply for Advanced Lottery here  
• You can apply from anywhere or any device
• 48 people and/or 12 groups (whichever comes first) receive permits through this Advanced Lottery    

It is your responsibility to understand this information before applying for a permit. There are no refunds for lottery applications or permits, and permits cannot be rescheduled for any reason.

The lottery system is based on the time in Utah and the Navajo Nation. There are multiple deadlines to be aware of: submitting the application, accepting the lottery, picking up your permit. Carefully review the chart under Important Dates to see details concerning time zones.   

Overview of Coyote Buttes North

Coyote Buttes North is just a small part of the 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, but the permit area has some of the most visually striking geologic sandstone formations in the world, including the “Wave”. 

Coyote Buttes North Permit Area is within a backcountry, undeveloped wilderness area and does not contain any developed trails or facilities. Permit-holders are given a route description, which includes a route map, photo guide, and GPS coordinates along the suggested route to the Wave. The hike to the Wave is a physically demanding 6.4 mile round-trip hike. Permit-holders should be in good physical condition and be comfortable navigating in undeveloped areas.

The road that accesses the permit area is unpaved and minimally maintained. Most of the time, it is possible to reach the trailhead in a two-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle. However, four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles may be required when the road is wet. During the rainy season and the winter, the road may become impassable for all vehicles, even those with four-wheel drive. Be aware that cell service is spotty in this region.

Notifications and Alerts

There are multiple steps and deadlines to be aware of : submitting the application, accepting the lottery, and picking up your permit. Missing any deadline will void your successful permit award . Refer to Lottery Information for details. Carefully review the chart under Important Dates to see particulars concerning time zones. The lottery system is based on the time in Utah and the Navajo Nation.

Permit & Season Information

A permit is required to visit the Coyote Buttes North permit area, which features “The Wave”. Permits are distributed by lottery, either through this Daily Lottery, two days ahead of the permit date, or through the Advanced Lottery four months ahead of the permit date.  

Application submissions to the Daily Lottery are limited by a geofence. To apply, a group member must be within the geofence during the application window of 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, two days before the permit date.  

The lottery is held daily.  

There are multiple steps and deadlines to be aware of: submitting the application, accepting the lottery, and picking up your permit. Missing any deadline will void your successful permit award. Refer to Lottery Information for details. Carefully review the chart under Important Dates to see particulars concerning time zones. The lottery system is based on the time in Utah and the Navajo Nation.

Need to Know

Permit Information

 Permits are non-refundable. Permits cannot be rescheduled for any reason.

• Each individual may submit only one application per lottery. 
• Cannot concurrently hold more than one permit for a permit area.  
• Permits are valid only in the Coyote Buttes North permit area for the group size and date specified. They are not valid for other permit areas such as Coyote Buttes South or Paria Canyon Overnight.
• Violators of group size may be cited if limit is exceeded. Joining with those on a separate permit to exceed 6 is prohibited.
• If a group obtains a permit and opts to retain an authorized outfitter and guide service, the guide will not count against the group size limit or the total visitor limit for the given day. Parties limited to one guide each.
• Authorized commercial operators may also reserve permits for trips they lead. They compete equally with non-commercial users. If a guide service obtains a permit, the guide will count against the group size.  

Safety is your responsibility!

• Permits are issued for every day of the year, but changing conditions mean that access is not always safe or possible. Before applying, consider what the weather and road conditions are likely to be.  
• Permits cannot be rescheduled, even when conditions are poor. If you receive a permit for a day with unsafe conditions, you must choose whether to use the permit. Your safety is your responsibility. 
• Extreme heat and lack of shade between May and September, along with the absence of drinking water, have led to fatalities in this permit area. During the rainy season, heavy rainfall can cause extreme flash flooding. This can lead to impassable roads and dangerous hiking conditions. Winter visits may involve hiking on ice-covered sandstone and exposure to cold.
• There are no trails in the Coyote Buttes North permit area. Permit holders are offered an orientation and a route description, but the route itself is unmarked. Before applying, evaluate whether all group members have enough experience to navigate in this area. If unsure, consider hiring an authorized guide.
• The suggested route to the Wave is a strenuous 6.4 mile round-trip hike. Consider the physical abilities and fitness level of all group members before applying. 
• The road that accesses the permit area is unpaved and minimally maintained. Most of the time, it is possible to reach the trailhead in a two-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle. However, four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles may be required when the road is wet. During the rainy season and the winter months, the road may become impassable for all vehicles, even those with four-wheel-drive.
• Call 911 in case of a life-threatening emergency. Cell phones are unreliable in this area but may be able to reach 911 even when other numbers do not work.  

Rules and Regulations

• Use of motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, and the launching and landing of drones, is prohibited in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. (eg. bicycles, skateboards, strollers)
• Visitors must register at trailheads when entering or leaving the area.
• All group members must stay together.
• Coyote Buttes North permit area is designated day use only. Overnight camping is prohibited.
• Dogs are allowed, but they must be included on the permit and kept under control at all times. Waste must be packed out.
• All natural and cultural objects are protected. 
• Defacing surfaces and cutting or trampling vegetation is prohibited. 
• Harassing or feeding wildlife is prohibited.
• Campfires and burning of trash are prohibited. All trash, including toilet paper, must be carried out.
• Recreational use of horses or pack stock is not permitted.
• A Special Recreation Permit is required in addition to the recreation permit for all commercial uses such as outfitters or organized group guided trips where there is a fee charged. 

Application Fee: A non-refundable $9.00 lottery fee is required for each lottery application.

Recreation Fee: If selected in the lottery, a recreation fee of $7.00 per person or dog is required. This fee is paid online when filling in additional information to complete the process after successfully winning. Everyone, regardless of age, must be included in the permit. This includes infants that are not walking. Payment of recreation fees is only required if a permit is awarded through the lottery.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy: All fees are non-refundable. If a permit is cancelled, it does not return to the pool.

Change Policy: There will be no change or modification allowed to permit dates, applicant name and group size following the application process. The only way to modify these details is to cancel the first application and submit a new one, which will require an additional payment of the $9.00 application fee.

If the primary permit holder cannot make the trip on the permit date and is not present, the permit is invalid.

Contact Information

Mailing address.

669 S. Hwy 89A Kanab Utah 84741

This is not a permit pick-up location. See the Getting Here section for details.

Phone Number

(435) 644-1200

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Hire a Guide

Why hire a guide.

What if we told you that most people who hike to The Wave end up missing out on the exquisite beauty and singular geology of Coyote Buttes North, because they’re so focused on not getting lost on the way to The Wave? That would be the ultimate case of not seeing the forest for the trees, right? Getting a permit to hike The Wave is a highly-coveted, once-in-a-lifetime experience. So how do you ensure that you make the most of it? By hiring a guide!

There is no Established Trail!

If you were fortunate enough to score a permit for The Wave, one of the first things you learn is that there is no “established” trail to The Wave. Even though the BLM supplies a detailed map of the hiking route to permit holders, basic map reading and route-finding skills are a definite plus. There are instances every year of people getting so hopelessly lost that they never see The Wave, or worse, require a costly search and rescue operation to get them back to safety, and civilization. Then there’s the matter of whether the House Rock Valley Road to the Wire Pass Trailhead is even passable at the time of your hike. Winter snowstorms and summer flash floods can turn the normally hard, compacted dirt road to sticky, wet clay, which has mired many a rental car over the years. Who needs all those variables to ruin what is likely to be your one and only chance to see The Wave?

Kanab Tour Company

There are over a dozen tour outfitters authorized by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to conduct tours to Coyote Buttes North and its crown jewel, The Wave. Our preferred tour partner is Kanab Tour Company. 

The reality is that with so many people trying for a permit to the Wave the odds are that you will not get one. Let us customize a tour that shows off the other little known formations in the area!

Tour Operators

These trained professionals can eliminate the guesswork of hiking to The Wave . They’ll help you take quality photos by guiding you to the best areas of Coyote Buttes North at the times of day that lend optimal light and shadow play on the rock formations, such as:

The “Second” Wave

The Boneyard 

Top Rock and Top Rock Arch

North and South TeePees

The Dinosaur Dance Floor

Melody Arch

Hourglass Arch

Dick’s Arch

With Kanab Tour Company, you’ll find a clean, comfortable fleet of late-model, high-clearance vehicles, and local driver/guides with the experience and knowledge to safely pilot them. They can power through deep mud and sand, and spider-crawl over boulders, ruts, and other obstacles – both expected and unexpected – that might pop up on the journey. On the trail, they’ll share insight and expertise on the geology and human history of the area that you may miss out on by going unaccompanied

If you were unable to secure permits for The Wave and Coyote Buttes North, these companies can suggest a myriad of alternate sites that are just as incredible as The Wave (some, dare we say it, even moreso!), and don’t require a permit. Remember, they are experts on the area of the American Southwest known as The Grand Circle and their knowledge and enthusiasm can make a huge difference in the quality of your vacation, your photos, and your memories!

Companies with the necessary clearance from the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) to guide tours to The Wave are:

Action Photo Tours — www.actionphototours.com — 208-789-5899

• American West Scenic Adventures — www.utahguidedtours.com —  435-767-0220

Dreamland Safari Tours — www.dreamlandtours.net —  435-644-5506

Grand Circle Tours — www.vermilioncliffs.net —  928-691-0166

Grand Staircase Discovery Tours — www.grandstaircasediscoverytours.com —  928-614-4099

Kanab Tour Company — www.kanabtourcompany.com —  435-644-5525

Kanab Western Adventures — www.kanabwesternadventures.com — 435-690-0220

Coral Cliffs Tours of Kanab — www.cctoursandtownhomes.com — 435-899-0697

Paria Outpost & Outfitters — www.paria.com —  928-691-1047

ROAM Outdoor Adventures — www.roam-outdoor.com — 435-319-0472‬

Seeking Treasure Adventures — www.seekingtreasureadventures.com —  435-689-2182

Antelope Canyon Tours — www.antelopecanyon.com — 928-645-9102

Lake Powell Scenic Tours — www.lakepowellscenictours.com — 928-316-6060

Adventure Tours of Kanab — 435-689-2029

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon Tours — www.peekaboo-slot-canyon-tours.com — 435-414-9793

Some outfitters offer round-trip transport from Page, Arizona, Kanab, Utah and other gateway cities. Others require that you meet them at their headquarters. Be sure you establish your tour’s meeting place, what time zone they’re operating on, and convenience to where you’re staying, before committing to use their services. Also, be aware that utilizing a guided tour to The Wave does not exempt you from the requirement to get a Wave Permit. You still need to get one. Some tour companies may apply on your behalf as part of a booked excursion, with contingency tour locations for if a permit is not awarded.

While you wait for your permit why not take a look at some other tours in the area.