The Wave
The legendary sandstone formation—one of the most photographed geological wonder...
View The Wave (Coyote Buttes North) permit details and availabilityPermitSnag checks Recreation.gov every 2-3 minutes. When a cancellation posts, we send an alert so you can book before the spot is gone.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Equally stunning but easier to get than The Wave.
“Experience Coyote Buttes South in Vermilion Cliffs.”
Get reminders when the Coyote Buttes South lottery opens, before the deadline, and when results post — plus optional cancellation alerts after results.
Get reminders when the Coyote Buttes South lottery opens, before the deadline, and when results post — plus optional cancellation alerts after results.
Two ways to land it
We watch Coyote Buttes South for cancellations 24/7 and alert you when a spot opens so you can book before it's gone.
Start free cancellation watchApply with a crew. Each person multiplies your combined odds. We coordinate invites, deadlines, and outcomes.
See plans to start a poolMost crews do both: pool for the lottery, watch for cancellations.
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every 2-3 minutes, 24/7.
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
Coyote Buttes South in Vermilion Cliffs offers a wilderness experience protected by the permit system. Quotas help maintain trail conditions and ensure visitors can enjoy the natural setting without overcrowding.
Required and recommended gear for Coyote Buttes South
Trailhead transportation options
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Competitive
estimated success rate
Get detailed lottery statistics and tips. Sign up to track this permit.
Use the lottery pool and tracking options above to coordinate your crew and catch cancellations.
12,453 permits and 8,294 campsites secured by PermitSnag users
Coyote Buttes South permits use a lottery system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every 2-3 minutes, 24/7.
Coyote Buttes South is most photogenic during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light is warm and soft.
Morning light is typically best, with clearer air and softer shadows. Afternoon can bring haze in summer.
Arrive before 7am for the best chance at crowd-free photos. The hour after sunrise is magical.
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Coyote Buttes South trip
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