Some would say that visiting The Wave under snow would
be a waste of time, but really it is even more special that
way because it is much more rare to find the area covered in
snow. The bone white snow causes the reds and oranges to jump
out with even more saturation.
The Wave - Permits - Regulations - Rules
The Wave (and much of Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon)
is the most exclusive place in Utah that I know of. To
enter the Wave, you will need to enter a lottery. To enter
the lottery, you will need to pay $5-$7. Your chances
of getting a permit is roughly 10%. If you apply for a
day in the In-Season (Spring and Autumn), your
chances are lower. If you apply for a day in the Off-Season
(Summer and Winter), your chances are higher. A
link to their site can be found at the bottom of the page.
There is no camping. You can bring dogs.
The area can be confusing, so confusing in fact, that
it could cost you your life on an extremely hot day, or
an extremely cold day. They give you a map when you get
your permit, but it's good to do some research, visualize
the whole trail, and then keep your mind open while you
hike.
There is a link to a printable map at the bottom.
Study the pictures on the Coyote
Buttes page to get acquainted with the names of
the areas and features.
Trail Description
After driving south for about 10 miles down House Rock
Valley Road from Highway 89 (Between Kanab and Page) you
will come to the parking area for Coyote Buttes.
Coyote Buttes
You will begin by hiking directly east, navigating
around some old rickety fences. The trail curves and meanders
in a northeastern direction. After only about 15-20 minutes,
you will encounter a trail that climbs up a steep embankment
on the right or eastern side of the trail. From there,
you will climb up a open section of land where you will
be able to see red and yellow mesas and buttes to the
east.The trail will lead you southeast and down the other
side of this open area hill.
Approaching
the North Coyote Buttes
Soon you will be able to see the
beautiful red sandstone cliffs of the Northern Coyote
Buttes.
North Coyote Buttes. This is the first place to
take note, you can get lost here because the trail disappears.
If you look at the picture above, you can see where you
will want to cross over to the east side of the North
Coyote Buttes -- far on the right, at the low point, near
the northern end of the buttes. Once up and over this
ridge you will walk along it's eastern ridge base going
directly south.
Top Rock Mesa
Looking south from near the
North Coyote Buttes
A closer view of the
cleave that extends down from it's high point.
Soon a sandstone mesa will come into view to the southeast.
Look for a massive cleave that leads to the top of the
mesa. If so, it should be Top Rock Mesa. Follow the cairns
(rock stacks) , general weaknesses and animal paths throughout
the areas that the trail isn't visible. You will slowly
march directly toward the cleave, and on your path, you
will encounter The Wave. Continue south just above the
Wave and you will find the Big Wave.
I would like to know more about the Wave in Winter. Like driving condition and snow. I might not be able to see the wave if it's covered by snow, right?
GLEN STUTZNEGGER
OMAHA, NE
2009-09-12
Am interested in doing the Wave on January 4th 2010 any help would be appreciated
willi
2009-06-05
JJ
Utah
2009-03-09
Great Photos!!
Margit Gentry
Lakewood
2009-02-18
I would like to receive information regarding registering to tour The Wave, how to get on the Lottery, etc.
