The Wave Utah Hike Guide: Where & Getting A Permit

The Wave hike in Utah is a bucket-list destination for adventurers and photographers from all over the world. Known for its mesmerizing swirls of red and orange sandstone, The Wave has become one of the most sought-after natural attractions in the Southwest. Every year, tens of thousands of people apply for a limited number of permits, but only a small fraction are lucky enough to secure one. 

How To Get The Wave Hike Permit In Utah 

To visit The Wave in Coyote Buttes North, you’ll need a permit from the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Only 64 people are allowed in each day. These permits are split between an online lottery held three months in advance (for 48 people) and another lottery just two days before your visit (for 16 people). You can apply for both lotteries at recreation.gov. But be prepared—the demand is incredibly high, especially in the spring and fall months. 

During these peak months, about 300 people compete for the 16 last-minute permits each day. In other months, your odds are usually less than 50%, so it’s tough to secure a spot even in the off-season.Keep in mind, it’s not just a 64-person limit—there’s also a cap of 16 groups per day, whichever comes first. That means the size of your group can also affect your chances. It’s best to plan ahead and hope for a bit of luck! 

The Wave Lottery: Daily and Advanced Permits 

Getting an advanced permit for Coyote Buttes North is tough, to say the least. Advanced permits are issued through a lottery held months in advance, allowing you to secure your spot ahead of time. The lottery opens four months before your trip date, and you have the entire month to apply. For example, if you want to visit on February 11th, you’d need to enter the lottery anytime in October. 

Permits are non-transferable, except for up to three people you list as “alternate permit holders” when you apply. This means if a ranger stops your group on the way to The Wave, either you or one of those alternates must be present. Otherwise, your group could get ticketed. Just remember that anyone listed as an alternate needs to have an account on recreation.gov. They also can’t enter the lottery for that month separately.

You only get one application per month. If you’re traveling with a group, your best bet is for each person to submit a separate application—as long as they’re not listed as an alternate on someone else’s permit. If you’re unable to score an advanced permit, don’t give up hope! There’s still the option of applying for a daily permit while you’re in the area. The daily lottery opens two days before your desired entry date. You can apply through your phone or any connected mobile device while in the geofenced area. This area includes towns like Kanab, Page, and Fredonia. This new system is more convenient than the old walk-in lottery. You no longer need to be physically present in Kanab at 9:00 AM like before. However, there’s still a $9 fee to apply, and unfortunately, it’s no longer free like the old system. You can find more info and apply on the Coyote Buttes permits webpage if you’re in Southern Utah or Northern Arizona. 

How Much Does It Cost? 

The initial fee to enter the lottery is $9 per group, which applies whether you’re going for the advanced permit (three months in advance) or the daily permit (two days in advance). If you’re lucky enough to snag a permit, you’ll need to pay an additional $7 per person to finalize it. 

This means if you have a group of four, you’ll pay $9 upfront to enter the lottery and an extra $28 if you win. The fees help support the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to protect this fragile landscape, so while it may feel a bit steep, it’s for a good cause. 

Where Is The Wave in Utah? 

The Wave is nestled in the rugged Coyote Buttes North region, right on the Utah-Arizona border. Despite its fame, reaching it isn’t as simple as heading to a typical trailhead. The hike actually starts in Arizona, a few miles south of Utah, in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. You’ll begin at the Wire Pass trailhead, which is accessible via a dirt road called House Rock Valley Road. This road can be tough to navigate, especially after rain or snow, so check conditions before setting out. Wire Pass is about 40 minutes from Kanab, Utah, and an hour from Page, Arizona. It’s a convenient stop for travelers exploring nearby spots. Although the hike itself is in Arizona, The Wave is often associated with Utah’s iconic red rock landscapes. 

Hiking the Wave

Hiking to The Wave isn’t exactly a stroll, but it’s manageable for most people in good physical shape. The round-trip hike is about 6.4 miles and has an elevation gain of around 400 feet. Most hikers plan on dedicating at least half a day to the trek in and out. While the trail itself isn’t too technical, it’s not well-marked, so good navigation skills or GPS are recommended. Expect a mix of sand, slickrock, and some light scrambling. The biggest challenge is the harsh desert environment. There’s very little shade, and summer temperatures can get extremely high, making heat exhaustion a real risk. Always carry plenty of water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen. 

As you hike, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from open sandy stretches to narrow rock formations. The first mile is mostly sandy terrain, but then you’ll start navigating slick rock, which can be slippery. Keep an eye out for small cairns along the way, but don’t rely on them completely. As you approach The Wave, the terrain becomes more rugged. The view opens up to reveal stunning rock formations and layered cliffs. 

When Is The Best Time To Go? 

When planning your trip to The Wave, it’s always a smart idea to consider the pros and cons of each season. 

Winter (December – February) 

• Pros: If you’re hoping to score a permit, this is your best bet. Fewer people visit during winter, especially outside of the holiday season, which means less competition. The cooler temperatures make the hike more comfortable, and if you’re lucky, a light dusting of snow can add a magical touch to your photos. Plus, you won’t have to worry about overheating or dehydration. 
• Cons: Winter conditions can make the hike tricky. Snow and ice can cover up the famous rock patterns, making The Wave less visually impressive and harder to photograph. Slippery trails are a real possibility, and House Rock Road, the path to the trailhead, can become a muddy mess if it’s wet. If the road is too difficult to drive, you may not even reach the starting point of the hike. And let’s be honest—getting stuck in the middle of nowhere is nobody’s idea of a good time.

Spring (March – May) 

• Pros: Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit. Temperatures are moderate, and the wildflowers start to bloom, adding color to the landscape. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the soft lighting and clear skies make for some fantastic shots. You also avoid the intense heat of summer, making the hike less strenuous. 
• Cons: Getting a permit during spring is a real challenge. This is peak season, so competition is fierce. You’ll likely be dealing with high winds as well, which can whip through the canyons and kick up sand, making it tough to capture clean photos. Expect more people on the trail, and be prepared to start your hike early to enjoy some solitude and the best morning light. 

Summer (June – August) 

• Pros: During the summer months, fewer people are willing to brave the heat. This means your odds of getting a permit are slightly better. Mornings and late afternoons are still beautiful, and the lighting can bring out the rich colors and textures of The Wave. 
• Cons: Summer heat in this area is no joke. Temperatures can reach over 100°F, making the hike physically demanding and potentially dangerous. Dehydration and heat stroke are serious risks—multiple fatalities have occurred from the heat alone. You’ll need to carry at least a gallon of water per person, find shade whenever possible, and pace yourself. Afternoon thunderstorms are also common, bringing the possibility of flash floods. It’s very important to monitor the weather closely before heading out. 

Fall (September – November) 

• Pros: Fall is an incredible time to visit The Wave. The temperatures start to cool down, making the hike more enjoyable, and the lighting conditions are ideal for photography. Plus, the surrounding areas are gorgeous with the changing leaves. The bright yellow aspens and golden cottonwoods create a stunning contrast against the red rock formations.
• Cons: Permits are just as hard to get as in spring, so expect a competitive application process. This is a popular time for visitors, meaning more people on the trail and at The Wave itself. You might need to plan your photos strategically to avoid other hikers in the background. Despite these challenges, fall is worth it for the fantastic conditions and the beautiful landscapes both at The Wave and in the surrounding areas.

Things To See and Do There 

If you’re lucky enough to score a permit, there are several nearby spots that you’ll definitely want to explore while you’re there. 

1. The Wave 

Location: The heart of Coyote Buttes North, just across the Arizona border. 

Why Visit: As the main attraction, The Wave is where everyone heads first. Its swirling sandstone patterns and vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues create a visual spectacle that changes with the sunlight throughout the day. Visit early in the morning for soft lighting and fewer people, or stay until late afternoon when the low sun brings out deeper colors and shadows. It’s a must-see spot and an unforgettable start to your adventure.

2. The Boneyard and Dinosaur Tracks 

Location: Just a few minutes hike west of The Wave. 

Why Visit: This maze of eroded rock formations feels like stepping into a sci-fi landscape. Some of the rocks resemble bones, while others look like intricate carvings sculpted by time. This area reveals new and unique shapes that aren’t visible from the main trail. 

There are also some pretty cool dinosaur tracks nearby. head west from The Boneyard and keep an eye out for small, three-toed prints embedded in the red sandstone. They’re roughly the size of your hand. The tracks are scattered close to the base of a cliff wall and can be tricky to spot at first. Look for small clusters of tracks, often lined up in rows. You might feel like a true paleontologist for a few minutes but that’s just part of the fun. 

3. Sand Cove

Location: After exploring The Boneyard, follow the sandy wash southeast for about 0.2 miles, then turn south into Sand Cove Wash and continue for about 100 yards. 

Why Visit: Sand Cove is fairly hidden but is filled with curved sandstone formations that seem to flow like liquid rock. The area’s smooth shapes and vibrant colors create a surreal feeling, almost like the ground is rippling beneath you. 

4. The Second Wave 

Location: East-northeast of Sand Cove, at the base of a steep cliff. 

Why Visit: Tucked away at the base of a cliff, The Second Wave is easy to overlook but absolutely worth seeking out. While smaller than The Wave, it offers similar swirling patterns and textures. The best time to shoot pics is in the late afternoon when the sun casts long shadows across the formations. Capture this spot from a small sand dune to the south or from the rocks above for the best angles. 

5. The Alcove 

Location: About 0.2 miles southeast of The Wave. 

Why Visit: The Alcove is a cozy, shaded nook carved into the rock. This small archway provides a cool spot to take a break and escape the direct sunlight. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, it’s a great place to rest and appreciate the beauty of the area. 

6. Top Rock Arch 

Location: Perched on Top Rock, about 0.5 miles northwest of The Wave.

Why Visit: Top Rock Arch offers panoramic views of the entire Coyote Buttes North region. The climb up is well worth it for the stunning vista and the opportunity to see the landscape from a new perspective. 

7. Melody Arch and The Grotto 

Location: Near Top Rock Arch, accessible via a short climb. 

Why Visit: Melody Arch is a natural rock arch that frames the surrounding landscape like a window, providing a unique photo opportunity with the desert stretching out behind it. Just a short walk away is The Grotto, a small cave-like formation with walls smoothed by wind and water over the ages. The textures of the rock walls make it a fascinating spot to explore.

The Wave Utah Hike Guide Conclusion

Hiking The Wave and exploring the surrounding spots is like stepping into a natural playground full of surprises. It’s the kind of adventure that makes you want to stay and soak in the beauty as long as possible. Before you head out on your next big adventure, swing by General Army Navy Outdoor. We’ve got all the best gear to help you take on any trail with confidence and style!