THE WAVE a jewel of nature

The Wave (enlargeable)

Location: west of Page, Northern Coyote Buttes, Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, northern Arizona
Driving Distance: about 38 miles from Page to the Wire Pass Trailhead; about 277 miles from Phoenix to Page
Hike Time: 1.5 to 2 hours one way
Direction to the Trailhead: From Page go west on US-89 (towards Kanab, UT) for about 30 miles, there make a left onto the unpaved access road, follow it for about 8 miles to the parking area Wire Pass and park there (you can find an exact description of the driving directions from the US-89 to the parking lot further down the page).

I can not remember exactly when I saw a photo of The Wave for the first time but I think it was 1999. Then I had no idea that this jewel of nature is located in Arizona - though I enjoyed the picture but I did not follow up on it.


The Wave - a jewel of nature (enlargeable)
Then I read about 'a wave' in an email from a visitor of my homepage, telling me that it would be in Arizona.

All photos here on this page can be enlarged for better viewing - just click on a photo. To get back to this page, click the 'Left-Arrow/ Back Button' on the photo page or the 'Return Button' of your browser. Please visit also the page The Wave - Photo Collection with all the photos of this page and many more.

In the same email I was asked if I would have more information about it and so on. In my response I had to say no. Then I got a link which brought me to the homepage of Karsten Rau (see the link @ my Link Collection), a German hiker and globetrotter.

Of course I had to check out Karsten's website and I was fascinated. I knew that I wanted to go there but it shouldn't happen soon. For me it's a drive for more than 300 miles, I had already an 'important list' with many other interesting places in Arizona and it supposed to be not to easy to get a permit for the hike to this beauty.

From now on I kept my eyes open to collect all information I could get about The Wave. But there was not a lot to find. Most of the information from the internet was found on European websites - rarely anything on American websites.
Then in August 2003, the journey to The Wave should become true. I planed a short vacation in Page/Lake Powell and the hike to this 'jewel of nature' - that's how I like to call it.

Permit

The Permit. The Wave is located in a restricted area. You have to have a permit for hiking. The Bureau of Landmanagement (BLM) is handling the permits.

Because of the restriction and the permit regulations and the growing number of nature enthusiasts it is most of the time not so easy to get one of the few permits.
To get some information and tipps how to get a permit visit my page Permit for The Wave in the Coyote Buttes North.

The Last Miles to Drive. The easiest way to find the dirt road (House Rock Valley Road, BLM Rd. #700) which leads to the trailhead is to drive the US-89 from the Paria Contact Station (mile marker 21) west for 5 miles. There the street makes a turn to the right and the access to the road you are looking for is on the left side. It becomes a dirt road right away and you will pass a flashflood warning sign after 0.2 miles. About 8 miles later you will see the parking area (on the right, with a small bathroom) for the Wire Pass TH.
Driving time from the US-89 to the trailhead is about 30 minutes. For more info & photos see my page Trailheads / Maps for the Coyote Buttes.

Note: You have to cross several deep ditches (washes). The road conditions change dramatically in or after rain. Then driving (even for 4WDs) will become extremely difficult if not impossible. Rangers do not suggest to drive that road with RVs in any road condition - but I have seen smaller RVs at the Wire Pass TH.

The Hike. It is in the interest of everyone that this stunning and fragile place will remain as beautiful as it is. To many hikers could be a threat to it so the Bureau of Land Management limits the number of hikers and controls this with permits. Every hiker with a permit can get a good description of the hike and the directions to go at the Ranger Station.

(enlargeable)

So please understand that I support the permit regulation. You will not find a detailed description of the hike or landmarks along the way to The Wave on this website.

But you should know that there are several parts of the hike where you have to gain some elevation (a few are steep) and hike on rock as well as sand areas. Following the landmarks (you get described and shown on pictures at the Ranger Station) you will enjoy a very nice hike which leads you to The Wave.

Tipps: Don't forget to leave the parking tag of the permit on the dashboard of your car.

It is recommanded to use the logbook (in/out) at the entrance to the permit area of the Coyote Buttes.
Turn around on your way to The Wave often and remember the scenery looking back. This will help you to find the trail easier on your way out.
Flying sand can be unpleasant. So use good fitting sun glasses, wear long and comfortable hiking pants and opt for sun cream or milk instead of oil (sand sticks on oil).
For more information see also Weather.

(enlargeable)

The description of the way from the Rangers and the simple but sufficient map of the area (copy in black and white) you get are in combination with the photos (with the important landmarks) you will see at the Ranger Station enough information to enjoy a very interesting hike to one of the most beautiful places in the southwestern USA.

It is usually told that it takes about 90 minutes (one way) for the hike but I think that this applies only to good hikers. If you like to 'discover' and look behind a few interesting rock formations on your way, take many pictures and rest one or two times then it could take up to 2 hours to get to The Wave. It took me 1.75 hours, with 2 short rests.

The Wave and its surrounding area are worth to stay more than a short time. I recommend to spend a hole day so you can discover not only the Wave but also the and very interesting areas close to it and you can experience the fascinating change of light and shadows.

The Wave (enlargeable)

The Wave. What is 'it' actually? In a simple way you could say a sandstone formation. But that would not be accurate enough and doesn't fit well a wonder of nature. The Wave is more a very rare combination of a specific location of towering Navajo sandstone and erosion (wind and water) for many years. A process which is still ongoing - slowly but continually.

Different solidity and different composition of the layered sandstone resist the erosion with changing success. By that the surface of the sandstone appears now as many little waves and to make it even more fascinating the hole complex of the sandstone formations appears as a huge wave. That's what makes it so special. It is truly unique!

Enjoy the perspective in the two following photos I like very much. You get these 'views' if you take the pictures very close to the sandstone.

Detail 1 (enlargeable)

Detail 2 (enlargeable)

Final Thoughts. The Wave is one of the most beautiful places of nature I was fortunate to enjoy. Not as gigantic as the Grand Canyon and not as historic as the Monument Valley - indeed - but the solitude of this jewel of nature which allows the visitor to enjoy its stunning beauty in a very special way makes this place so special and an unforgettable experience for every hiking and nature enthusiast.

Every year more than 100 people die during hikes in deserts, highlands and wilderness areas of Arizona. Most of them because of wrong judgments and/or lacking knowledge.

Do not attempt to look for The Wave without a description of the way by the Rangers. If you get lost you might not be found for several days. There are no signs or regular trails. This is backcountry - wilderness in all its beauty.

Besides that Rangers make hikes to The Wave and ask for permits. If you get caught without a permit you will have to pay a heavy fine.

Note: You hike on your own risk. Be aware of your ability and your own responsibility. Ware appropriate clothing and shoes, and carry always more than enough water.
And ... LEAVE NO TRACE! Take everything (!) out you brought in or hasn't been in this beautiful part of nature before you arrived.


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