How to Get a Permit for The Wave in 2026
One of Earth's most photogenic formations. Only 64 people per day can visit. With lottery odds around 5%, here's how to maximize your chances.
Check Availability~5%
Lottery Odds
64
Daily Quota
$9
Permit Cost
Year-Round
Season
6 mi
Round Trip
The Most Competitive Permit in the Southwest
The Wave receives 200,000+ lottery applications per year for roughly 23,000 spots. That's about 5% odds. But with two lottery systems and persistence, people do win. Some apply every month for years.
Two Ways to Get a Permit
Advance Online Lottery
48 permits/day • 4 months ahead
of daily permits distributed via advance lottery
Apply 1st of each month for dates 4 months out
Select up to 3 preferred dates per application
$9 application fee (non-refundable)
Results announced by the 15th of the month
Daily In-Person Lottery
16 permits/day • Day before
of daily permits distributed via walk-in lottery
Show up at BLM Kanab Visitor Center by 9am
Drawing held at 9am for the following day
$9 fee charged only if you win
Must be in Kanab area to enter
2026 Application Calendar
Apply In Month → For These Dates
How to Apply
Get The Wave Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
5 Strategies to Improve Your Odds
Apply Every Single Month
You can submit one advance lottery application per month. That's 12 chances per year. Apply consistently for multiple years if needed.
Choose Weekdays
Weekday dates (Tuesday-Thursday) have dramatically fewer applicants than weekends. Your odds improve significantly.
Try Winter Months
November through February have lower demand. The Wave is stunning year-round, and cooler temps make the hike more pleasant.
Enter Daily Lotteries
If you're in the Kanab area, enter the daily lottery every day. Some people spend a week trying until they win.
Coordinate Your Group
Each person can submit their own advance lottery. If anyone wins, they can add up to 5 additional people to their permit.
What Happens When You Win
Check email
By the 15th
Pay $9 fee
Within 14 days
Watch video
Orientation required
Pick up permit
Kanab VC
Download GPS
No marked trail
Hike The Wave
6 miles RT
Navigation is Critical
There is no marked trail to The Wave. You navigate by landmarks and GPS coordinates. The BLM provides:
Landmark Map
Photo guide showing key landmarks along the route
GPS Waypoints
Coordinates for navigation apps and devices
Offline Maps
Download before you go. No cell service in area.
Best Time to Visit
Spring
Mar-May
Moderate temps, wildflowers, best light
Fall
Sep-Nov
Pleasant temps, clear skies, popular
Winter
Dec-Feb
Lowest crowds, dramatic photography
Possible snow on route
Summer
Jun-Aug
Long days for photography
100°F+ temps, start before dawn
Didn't Win? Try Coyote Buttes South
Cancellation Alerts
Permits get cancelled. PermitSnag monitors 24/7 and alerts you the moment one opens.
Coyote Buttes South
Different but equally spectacular formations with 20-30% lottery odds. Same permit system.
Daily Lottery Week
Spend a week in Kanab entering the daily lottery. Many successful visitors used this strategy.
Pro Tips for Hiking The Wave
Arrive at trailhead early
Parking at Wirepass is limited. Arrive before sunrise for the best light and to beat the heat.
Bring 3+ liters of water
There is no water on the route. Desert heat is unforgiving. More water than you think.
Check the weather
Flash floods can occur in slot sections. Don't hike if rain is forecast anywhere in the area.
Time your photography
Midday light (10am-2pm) is best for The Wave itself, illuminating the swirling layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the odds of winning The Wave lottery?
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The advance lottery has approximately 3-5% success rate, with tens of thousands of applications for limited slots. The daily lottery has slightly better odds because fewer people can show up in person, but it's still highly competitive with typically hundreds of applications for 16 available permits.
How many people can visit The Wave each day?
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Only 64 people per day are permitted to visit The Wave. This breaks down to 48 permits through the advance online lottery and 16 permits through the daily in-person lottery.
When should I apply for The Wave advance lottery?
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The advance lottery accepts applications for dates 4 months out. For example, apply in March for July dates. Applications open on the 1st of each month at Recreation.gov. You can submit one application per month for up to 3 preferred dates.
Where do I pick up my Wave permit?
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Permits are picked up at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah. For the daily lottery, you must appear in person at the BLM Kanab Visitor Center the day before your desired hiking date.
Is hiking to The Wave difficult?
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The 6-mile round trip hike is moderate in difficulty but navigationally challenging. There is no marked trail. You navigate by landmarks and GPS coordinates provided with your permit. The terrain includes loose sand, slickrock, and some scrambling. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F.
Don't Miss Your Wave Permit
Cancellations happen. PermitSnag monitors The Wave permit availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
