The Wave Lottery 2026
One of the most coveted permits in the United States. There is no annual application window: the advance lottery runs every month for dates 4 months out, and a daily lottery runs 2 days before each date.
Don't Miss Your The Wave Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors The Wave availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit AlertsHow the Two Lotteries Work
Advance Lottery (48 people/day)
Apply any time during a month for dates 4 months later. Example: apply in January to hike in May.
Advance Results
Drawn at 9 AM on the 1st of the next month. Pay by the 15th or the permit is forfeited.
Daily Lottery (16 people/day)
Apply in the Recreation.gov app, 6 AM to 6 PM, from inside the Kanab/Page geofence. Results around 7:15 PM.
Estimated Odds
Advance lottery, per BLM statistics
⚠️ Important Notes
Both lotteries run on Recreation.gov (BLM manages the land). Each application costs $6 and covers up to 3 dates. Winners pay $7 per person and per dog. The Wave is day-use only, there are no overnight permits, and the daily lottery requires the mobile app plus a mandatory in-person safety briefing the morning after you win.
🎯 Tips to Improve Your Odds
- ✓ Apply for winter dates (odds run near 10-12%)
- ✓ Use all 3 dates on every application
- ✓ Enter the advance lottery every single month
- ✓ Already nearby? Try the daily lottery from Kanab or Page
🏜️ Similar Destinations
- → Coyote Buttes South (similar rock, better odds)
- → Buckskin Gulch via Wire Pass
- → White Pocket (no permit needed)
- → Paria Canyon overnight
Keep Your Trip Alive
The Wave itself is lottery-only, but Coyote Buttes South and Paria Canyon permits open and cancel year-round. Track the whole Vermilion Cliffs area with one alert.
Get The Wave Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.