The Wave
The legendary sandstone formation—one of the most photographed geological wonder...
View The Wave (Coyote Buttes North) permit details and availabilityPermitSnag monitors Recreation.gov every 2-3 minutes and alerts you instantly when spots open up. Most cancellations are snagged within minutes. We help you get there first.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Equally stunning but easier to get than The Wave.
“Experience Coyote Buttes South in Vermilion Cliffs.”
Be notified instantly when Coyote Buttes South permits become available due to cancellations.
Be notified instantly when Coyote Buttes South permits become available.
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Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
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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
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More people = better odds
* Assumes each person submits an independent application
12,453 permits and 8,294 campsites secured by PermitSnag users
Coyote Buttes South permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
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.
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