Hiking The Wave Arizona: A Full Guide + Essential Tips
Often times, I hear “Is this real?” when people see photos of The Wave in Arizona. I get it. Located in northern Arizona, this magical landscape resembles the latest in movie CGI, right? So, it’s no wonder that is a frequent reaction when viewing its photos. Imagine when people learn they can hike it! Yes! Hiking The Wave Arizona is possible; however, it is not just a decision one makes. Much planning and preparation goes into hiking this restricted area. Therefore, I’ve laid out my comprehensive guide filled with tips to help you achieve this dream for yourself!
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Hiking The Wave Arizona
In my opinion, hiking The Wave in Arizona should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. Even if you don’t classify yourself as an outdoor enthusiast (I wouldn’t necessarily classify myself as one), it’s still a most impressive sight.
It’s hard to fathom that we have this unique landscape here in the United States and it’s yet another example of how dynamic our country is!
What is The Wave
Located just inside the northern Arizona border shared with Utah, The Wave is a beautiful sandstone rock formation. It sits within the Coyote Buttes area, part of the Navajo Sandstone, a geological formation found in four states – Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado.
Believed to date back to the Jurassic period, these beautiful “waves” are the result of erosion with the different ridges forming according to different cyclic patterns of grain flow within the Navajo Sandstone.
Where is The Wave
Screenshot courtesy of Google Maps
As previously mentioned, The Wave is just inside Arizona’s border with Utah. It’s so close to the border that the trailhead is in Utah. So, this means the hike begins and culminates in Utah.
It is kind of cool to “hike from one state to another” but that makes it sound much farther than it is in reality. While it isn’t a short or easy hike by any means, it also isn’t considered overly long or one of the most difficult hikes either.
But, more on that later.
Why You Should Hike The Wave
Simply put, you should hike The Wave because it is one of the most beautiful, unique, and natural landscapes in the entire world.
Outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers, wait hopefully in anticipation to get the chance to see it. Photographers (this is my category!) consider it an absolute dream to get the opportunity to shoot the legendary formation.
So, if you get to hike to and experience The Wave, consider yourself lucky and in the minority of people who desperately wish to do so!
How to Hike The Wave Arizona
Permit Only
The neon pink permit attached to my backpack
As I mentioned above, not everyone gets to hike The Wave. In fact, many (to most) people don’t as it requires a hard-to-get permit. I say that not to discourage but as an honest statement for the successful to realize just how special of an opportunity they get (or got) to experience.
July 2021 | Not terrible for a ruptured appendix, right?
Personally, I’m doubly grateful for the experience as the first time I was set to hike, my appendix decided it wanted to take a hike. So, I had an appendectomy 2.5 weeks prior and didn’t have medical clearance. At that point, I was just relieved to have survived but didn’t know if I would ever get another chance to hike this beautiful landscape.
Thankfully, that second chance came…two years later but it came!
How to Obtain a Permit
Visitors can only obtain a permit for Coyote Buttes North via the government website. The Bureau of Land Management limits how many hikers per day may access this backcountry, undeveloped terrain.
Currently (as of publish date), that number is 64 people TOTAL per day. Believe it or not, this is a huge increase from the previous max of 20 people per day. 😳
Everyone who hikes The Wave MUST have a permit (or be on the permit) and there are plain clothes monitors spot-checking. We ran into a couple of them! In other words, don’t think you can get away with not having a permit.
That said, there are two ways to obtain a permit to hike The Wave.
Advanced Lottery
This type requires visitors to choose up to three dates four months in advance.
Each month, the advanced lottery opens on the first of the month and closes on the last day of that same month. The drawing occurs on the first day of the following month of entry. For example, we hiked on September 30th. For that date, our friend entered the advanced lottery in May and was drawn and notified on June 1st.
Applicants are notified by email shortly after the 9am MDT drawing. If chosen, you will be granted a one-day pass (there are NO overnight permits) on one of your chosen dates. You must log back into your account to confirm your permit, fill in any missing information, and pay for the permit by the 15th of the month in which you were drawn.
There is an application fee of $9 (as of 2024) and you can enter the advanced lottery online here.
TIP: To maximize planning time, choose dates at the very end of the month to give a possible travel planning window of 5 months ahead and, if drawn, a definite window of 4 months.
Daily Lottery
This type requires visitors to apply online from the area two days prior to the date they hope to hike.
Previously, there was a daily, physical walk-in lottery. The government changed this in 2022. Now, visitors need to be within the physical boundaries of the area (“geofencing”) and should apply two days before their chosen date.
NOTE: Visitors must apply for the daily lottery from a mobile device in the Recreation.gov mobile app or on a browser.
For example, if you want to hike on October 4th, you should apply on October 2nd between 6am and 6pm. Winners will be notified around 7:15pm that same day and have until 8am the following day (so October 3rd if using this example) to confirm and pay for the permit. Also, the person must be onsite to pick up the permit by 8:30am.
Only 16 people or 4 groups (whichever comes first) will score permits in this lottery.
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How to Access The Wave
It’s time, let’s do this!
As stated, to access The Wave, one must have a permit. With a secured permit, visitors may access The Wave via the Wire Pass Trailhead.
As you might guess, the Wire Pass Trailhead (as well as The Wave in general) is in the middle of NOWHERE. The closest town, Kanab, Utah, where most people stay the night before hiking The Wave, is still an hour (47 miles) away.
Wire Pass Trailhead parking lot in Kanab, Utah
From Kanab, take Highway 89-S. Then, turn onto House Rock Valley Road and head south for approximately 8 miles to the Wire Pass Trailhead parking lot. The official address for the parking lot is Wire Pass Trailhead, House Rock Valley Road, Kanab, Utah 84741.
TIP: House Rock Valley Road is not paved and pretty rough. We read that a 4×4 was highly recommended (especially with any recent rain) and we were glad we headed that warning. Those 8 miles seemed much longer than “just 8 miles” and I would NEVER take a regular car (let alone my car) on that road!
Rules for Hiking The Wave
Serious reflection not happening
Have a permit. Hike only on the day of your permit. Be safe. Hike from sunrise to sunset. Stay hydrated. Be responsible. Stay with your group. Don’t litter. Don’t take from or disturb the land. Have fun.
Okay, so some of these rules are official and others are not. 😜
How Long to Spend at The Wave
How much time you want to spend once you reach the beautiful sandstone formations is completely subjective. There are a few other things to see such as a slot canyon to the right of the entrance. Also, there’s The Alcove, Melody Arch, The Boneyard (complete with Dinosaur Tracks), and even a Second Wave!
Time is definitely of the essence depending on the size of your group and how fast you move. My group was completely happy exploring right around The Wave, spending some time there and…
Caption this! Is it just me or does this give off album cover or movie trailer vibes? 😂
even having a little fashion show. Okay, I admit this one was my idea. Look, I’m not typically the person you’re going to see doing the whole “for the ‘gram” thing. I have nothing against it but…
It’s a lot of work. Too much for this girl, typically. Occasionally, I get the desire and this was that time.
This photo was featured on a high-end fashion site after they saw what I was wearing! 😱
I carefully chose a silky dress (that would ball up without wrinkling) and a pair of fold-up ballet flats that were around 4″ x 5″ in their travel pouch.
Having a girly good time!
I hadn’t planned on pairing the sun hat with it. Truthfully, the styles do NOT match. But from far away, eh…why not? When in Rome. 😉
Tips for Hiking The Wave Arizona
Back to real life but having the time of my life. Be sure to to read the tips so you do too!
HIKING THE WAVE TIPS
- Apply for three dates even though you don’t have to choose that many. This increases your odds of being chosen. As can be expected, weekdays have a better chance than weekends.
- Each permit allows up to 6 visitors. To increase your group’s chances, don’t list any names on your permit application. Instead, have each one of those people apply separately. Each person can only apply ONE time per month. If an applicant’s name is found listed on another’s permit, this is considered “applying” and their actual application will automatically be discarded.
- Dogs are allowed but they must be on the permit. You must register your dog(s) during the permit confirmation process and pay an extra fee.
- Groups are allowed to hire an authorized guide (as there is no established trail). Only one guide is allowed per group and won’t count against the permit number. However, this doesn’t exempt the group from having a permit.
- Only the permit holder can pick up the permit and it must be done in person.
- Stay with your group for safety reasons and in case a monitor wants to check your permit.
- Your permit should be on clear display (attached to a backpack). Usually, the permit holder will do this. However, in the event they are unable (ie-backpack doesn’t have proper attachment capabilities), another member of the group can display the permit. That member needs to remain with the permit holder (as all members should) at all times.
- There are some rough roads to access the trailhead parking lot. Renting a 4×4 is recommended especially if there has been recent rain.
- Plan to hike at or right after sunrise to miss the mid-day rush. Sunset isn’t a great idea as it closes at sunset and takes so long to get back to the trailhead.
- The moderate hike is 6.7 miles (round-trip) and takes an average of 3.5 hours (excluding time spent at The Wave exploring).
- Layer up! Depending on the time of year, a single day can be really cool early in the morning and crazy hot by mid-day.
- Water, water, water. I can’t stress this enough. Staying hydrated is a top priority of any hike and this one is no exception. There are NO shaded areas and it. gets. HOT. Upon research, the common recommendation was three liters (3-4L) of water per person. Our group found this to be accurate. I brought 3L but I only finished two. Still, in this case, more is more.
- Download the map on a map like AllTrails for offline use. Remember, there is no cell service in the middle of nowhere. Learn how to download these maps to your phone.
- Best time for hiking Arizona’s The Wave? Whenever you get drawn for a permit! If choice was a thing, October is the best month. Cooler temperatures AND less chance of rain.
- You will need to provide an emergency contact on the permit information. Notify this person that you listed them as your emergency contact as well as when you start and return from the hike. This way, they will know when you go off-grid and when to expect you back.
- ALWAYS have a form of identification on you for safety reasons. Have emergency contacts designated in your phone so they can be accessed from the notification screen (iPhones) in an emergency.
- There is a restroom at the trailhead parking lot. I highly recommend using it before you begin your hike and before starting the drive back.
Thirsty pups!
Essential Hiking Equipment – What to Pack
Putting together my pack in the hotel the night before my hike
- Hydration backpack: This fit a 3L bladder plus all of my essentials (think snacks, first aid kit, dress and flats for photos, handheld fan, cooling towel, sunglasses case, napkins, ziplocks, and more) perfectly!
- 3L bladder for hydration backpack
- Liquid IV: These electrolytes are perfect for adequate hydration or rehydration. It came in handy for us. These are sugar-free but they come in the regular (sugar-filled) too!
- Reusable water bottle: If you are utilizing the hydration backpack, you shouldn’t need this on the hike. Nevertheless, it’s fantastic for flights and the rest of your trip.
- Snacks (protein bars, nuts, crackers, candies if diabetic)
- Tylenol or Ibuprofen
- Power bank and charger cord. I love this affordable, dual pack and wish I’d had it before this hike.
- Camera and accessories (batteries, strap, lenses, etc)
- Handheld Fan: This was nice to have. Added bonus? It’s USB rechargeable!
- Cooling Towel: If you are one of those who needs the added “oomph” to getting your cool on…I hear you, this is the solution. It’s fantastic!
- Hiking boots or shoes. If you have ankle issues, this is a hike that warrants hiking boots vs shoes. Personally, I don’t recommend running shoes for this hike although a couple of people in my group did wear them.
- Ponytail Sun Hat: This is a MUST. Keep the sun out of your eyes, off your head, and ladies, keep that long hair OUT OF THE WAY! Also, this one is collapsible making it space-saving for travel.
- Mask in case of extreme dust
- Sunglasses
- Tech tees (long sleeve for layers)
- Lightweight Raincoat: This packable raincoat doubles as a windbreaker and is perfect to add a layer if you get cool or in case of light rain. This is a good men’s option.
- Sunscreen: Everyone needs this. Some of us need stronger SPFs than others. I like and use this one because it’s organic and a spray.
- Mini First-Aid Kit: If you don’t have one, this is a good one to get!
- Moisture-wicking socks: These are a must, trust me.
- Toilet paper: Grab the extra roll from your hotel room or tear a bunch from the roll to take with you. Nature might call while you’re out in nature. 🙈
- Hand sanitizer
- Kleenex
- Wet wipes: These are my favorite and are easy to stash in your backpack, purse, or pocket.
- Ziplock bags: A couple of sandwich-sized bags are perfect as there are no trashcans for your snack wrappers or used TP. 🙃
Loved this post! Beautiful pictures!
Thank you! So glad you like them and thanks for reading! 🙂
We’ve visited many of the top sights in Utah, but still haven’t made it to the Wave. Hopefully we can get tickets during our next trip out there.
Hi Sonia-I highly recommend trying to get a permit for The Wave! Just keep in mind, you do have to have one and they are quite difficult to get. You have to enter the lottery or try for day-of but either way, fairly difficult. I outline how to do both above. Good luck and I hope you get them for your trip! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I am so glad that you had a second chance to hike the Wave. Also, happy to hear that you are mended and back to traveling. Thanks for all the information on permits. It seems like the world of travel is changing with more and more permits required. But, that means these sites are not overcrowded which is a very good thing.
Hi Lance-Thank you, I am so grateful as well. That was 3 years ago when the first attempt was canceled by the emergency surgery. So, I was definitely thankful for a healthy redemption last year! The world of travel (and everything else) is definitely changing! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I had no idea there was such a limit on the daily number of visitors to an attraction like The Wave, but I think it’s a good thing. So many nice places in the world would stay nice if there wouldn’t be this idea of fast exploitation, that ruins the experience for everyone.
That being said, I’m sure you had a great time, and it’s awesome that you came so prepared, with an extra outfit and all. It made for an extra set of nice pictures!
Hi Ivan-I agree. Things get run down and people don’t take care of them and it’s sad. So I do agree with the limits. Just sad we have to have them. Not that I fault anyone for wanting to see any of these gorgeous locations that fall into this category. I was definitely prepared for this one, thanks for my friends who did it before me. The outfit, yes, it was just one of those times and I went for it! Thanks for reading! 🙂
As a football fan, I always thought The Wave was something fans did at football games. Anyway, great post with lots of useful details. I especially like your suggestions on what to bring. And I LOVE your pix! But I’m afraid I’m going to have to experience The Wave vicariously through this post. I haven’t even been to the Grand Canyon!
Hi Michael, I was the same way for a long time until I heard of this Wave several years ago. So, you are’t alone! Glad you enjoyed the post. I saw the Grand Canyon first.You’ll get there! Believe it or not, neither the Wave or the Grand Canyon is my favorite attraction in the “area”! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Wow! The Wave is truly stunning! I have only been to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Must make a trip to see the wave and hike it. The colors and the whole wave looks like some amazing art or architecture! Thanks for the tips on what to bring – hydration is very important. 🙂
Hi Jan-The Grand Canyon is awesome too but I like things like The Wave and Antelope Canyon better. Have you been to Antelope? I high recommend trying to get permits to hike The Wave. Thanks for reading! 🙂