Hiking The Wave
October brought an unforgettable memory as I had the rare opportunity to hike one of the most exclusive trails in the United States – The Wave!
The Story
The Wave, located on the Utah/Arizona border in the Paria Canyon–Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, is accessible only through a lottery system that awards permits to just 64 visitors per day. This exclusivity makes it a highly coveted hiking destination. Many people apply for years without success, and winning a permit often feels like pure luck. During my hike, we met a mother/son duo that applied for 8 years before finally winning a permit! The limited access not only helps preserve the area’s breathtaking beauty but also enhances the thrill of finally experiencing this unique landscape.
Hiking The Wave has been on my radar for a few years now. I knew winning a permit would be a long shot, but over the summer, I decided to throw my hat in the ring anyway—after all, you can’t win if you don’t try, right? I applied for three consecutive months, hoping they’d get tired of seeing my name and finally grant me a permit (haha). To my surprise, in June, I received the email everyone dreams of: I was selected in the lottery to hike The Wave in October!
June was already an incredible month for me, and this news felt like the icing on the cake. I was convinced that 2024 was my lucky year! Back in April, I had posted on my Instagram story that I was applying for a permit, and a friend jokingly replied, “If you win, take me.” Without missing a beat, I agreed—sure that he never expected me to actually win, let alone remember his request. But here I am, ready to keep my word!
The Hike
Hiking The Wave in Arizona is an unforgettable adventure that draws outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike to its stunning, rolling rock formations. Located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, The Wave is famous for its vibrant, swirling patterns and rich colors, creating a mesmerizing landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
Preparation and Access: To hike The Wave, you need to secure a permit, as access is limited to preserve the delicate environment. Access to The Wave is highly restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem. Only 64 permits are issued each day, creating a competitive lottery system that can be quite challenging to navigate. Many aspiring visitors apply repeatedly over the years, often without success, making the opportunity to hike this iconic landscape feel like a rare treasure. Winning a permit is a mix of luck and persistence, adding to the allure of this remarkable location.
Permits are obtained through a lottery system, with a few available for walk-in visitors each day. Unless you live in the area or will be visiting the area on an already planned trip and want to test your luck with a walk-up application, you will want to apply for a permit in advance. To apply for an advanced permit, head to recreation.gov.
The Experience
Trail Distance: 6 miles + roundtrip
Type of Trail: Out and back
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (depending on your fitness level)
Time Required: 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 450 ft +
Trailhead: Wire Pass
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but must be named on your permit.
The hike to The Wave is about 3 miles (round trip) and is moderately challenging. The trail is unmarked, so it’s crucial to navigate using a map or GPS. The route involves traversing sandy terrain, rocky outcrops, and occasionally climbing over small boulders. The landscape itself is stunning, with striking views of the surrounding cliffs and desert. Upon arrival, The Wave reveals itself in all its glory. The iconic sandstone formations, sculpted by wind and water over thousands of years, feature vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, making it a photographer’s paradise. Take your time to explore the intricate patterns and play with light and shadow, capturing the beauty from various angles.
I personally found hiking to The Wave relatively easy and I’m not a “pro-hiker” by any means. However, keep the time of year in mind when applying for your permit as excessive heat in Summer or icy conditions in Winter would significantly increase the difficulty of this hike. I thought October was the perfect time to do this hike. The weather was perfect – mid 70’s and clear blue skies.
Once we soaked in the beauty of The Wave, we explored the area around it and traversed up the ridge and saw it from above (highly recommend!) There are multiple Arches at the top of the ridge worth exploring, including one named after me (Melody Arch). Ok, it was actually named after Melody Thomas, but let me live.
Other spots to explore in this area to maximize your day:
· Melody Arch
· The Second Wave
· Sand Cove Slot
· The Alchove
· Water Hole and Top Rocks
Tips for a Successful Hike
Hydration: Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as shade is limited.
Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the rocky terrain comfortably.
Leave No Trace: Respect the fragile environment by following Leave No Trace principles. Stay on established paths and avoid disturbing the formations.
Conclusion
Hiking The Wave is more than just a hike; is an adventure filled with beauty, challenge, and a bit of luck and a chance to connect with nature in a uniquely beautiful setting. Whether you’re drawn by the breathtaking scenery, the thrill of the hunt for a permit, or the joy of connecting with nature, it’s an experience that truly stands out in the vast landscapes of the American Southwest. Hiking The Wave is an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
My Review
While The Wave is undeniably beautiful and unique, I found it somewhat underwhelming overall. I’d rate the hike an 8/10. I think it’s slightly overhyped, largely due to social media. Based on the photos I’ve seen, I expected a larger area, but it’s actually quite compact. Once you arrive, you take your photos and then it’s pretty much time to head back unless you plan to explore the surrounding landscape.
Fortunately, we ventured out to the ridge and discovered the Arches, which added a whole new dimension to our trip. Without that exploration, I might have felt disappointed with The Wave itself.
