By Ron Wolfe–
“The Wave” comprises the Navajo Sandstone dunes that have calcified vertically and horizontally, turning into hardened, compacted rocks over time. Photographs of it are widely published and highly desired but it can be a dangerous location for photographers who are not in good physical condition. Located near the Arizona-Utah border in Paria Canyon of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, this sandstone formation is famous both for its distinctive colors and shapes, and for the rugged hike required to reach it. Its peculiar and unique strata were created by wind and rain erosion.
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© Ron Wolfe
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There were four in our party, ages 62 to 75, and the hike took from about 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. in late August. We intended to start at dawn, but missed a turn. The youngest person, who was in best physical shape, had problems on the return hike, probably from not drinking sufficient water. The month before we took the hike, two people died on the return trip. The month prior to that a young woman died from a heart attack.
The hike is only about 7 miles total round trip, but in the heat it seemed much longer. “The Wave” is in a desert so carrying adequate water is always essential. Even outside the very hot summer months, the weather can still be hot and is always dry. Despite the location, preparation requirements, and even danger, The Wave is an amazing location that must be visited to fully comprehend. The web is full of comments on The Wave and its effect on visitors:
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© Ron Wolfe
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While all who have been to “the Wave” will agree with the blog extracts above, there are many others you should pay close attention to as they are also very true:
Things you should be aware of regarding a trip/hike to the wave:
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© Ron Wolfe
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The lottery application for The Wave (officially known as Coyote Buttes North) is located on the BLM website here. Twenty permits are issued per day. Ten permits are issued in-advance, and ten are walk-in permits. The advance permits include:
There are many people/groups requesting permits each month. Do not expect to have your lottery entry drawn on a specific month. Many apply to the lottery multiple times before their entry is selected.
The wave is located between Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. The map below gives the general location. Route 89A runs from Kanab to Page north of the wave (mostly in Utah), and route 89 runs between the two cities south of The Wave (mostly in Arizona.) About half-way between the two cities on either 89 or 89A, you will find House Rock Valley Road. Turn onto this road and continue until you reach the “Wire Pass Trailhead.” This is where the hike to The Wave begins.
Beware that there are many portions of the hike where you will not find a trail. When you receive your permit, you will also receive a map as well a document containing many photos of landmarks with their GPS coordinates. This information can be very valuable and should be part of the material carried on the hike.
The hike is only about 3.5 miles each way, but you may find it difficult. In the summer it is hot. It is recommended that water be most of the weight you carry. The Wave is in a desert area and water is necessary regardless of season. The equipment you take along should include:
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© Ron Wolfe
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People have died on the hike to/from the Wave from dehydration, heart attacks, and falling into canyons. Please take appropriate precautions to avoid being on the evening news and so you can spend the night comfortably in your motel after the hike. Among the precautions are:
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© Ron Wolfe
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Some information and general tips you should pay attention to include:
Assuming you are lucky enough to have your lottery entry selected, and pay attention to the information above, you should have an experience that is well worth the hike. When you return, please inform others about the beauty of The Wave, and especially all the safety precautions you found useful. –Ron Wolfe, Red River Paper Pro.
Original Publication Date: July 24, 2014
Article Last updated: July 24, 2014
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