The Wave (Coyote Buttes North)
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
The legendary sandstone formation. Only 64 people per day allowed.
“One of America's most sought-after wilderness permits.”
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The Wave Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Lottery
- Demand Level
- Extremely High
- Cost
- $9
- Daily Quota
- 64 permits
- Lottery Odds
- ~5%
- Season
- Year-round
About This Permit
The Wave is one of the most photographed geological formations on Earth. Swirling bands of Navajo sandstone create a surreal, alien landscape. The formation took millions of years to create through erosion. Strict permit limits (64 people per day) protect this fragile environment and ensure a wilderness experience.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Wave is among the most competitive permits in Vermilion Cliffs. Thousands attempt to get permits each season, and success requires planning, persistence, and often a bit of luck. The permit system exists because this destination is genuinely special.
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Apply every month for 4+ months
- •Try the daily walk-in lottery in Kanab
- •Coyote Buttes South has similar formations with better odds
- •Download GPS tracks before your hike
- •Bring more water than you think
What to Expect
Route Details
Highlights
- •6 miles round trip (no marked trail)
- •400 feet elevation gain
- •3-4 hours for most visitors
- •Navigation required via GPS and cairns
- •No shade or water on route
- •Fragile sandstone formations
Best Time to Visit
March through May and September through November. Avoid summer heat. Winter can be beautiful but navigation is harder with snow cover.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Extreme heat (no shade)
- !Flash flood risk in slot areas
- !Navigation challenges
- !Fragile formations (stay on rock)
- !Remote location with no cell service
When to Go
Conditions
Mild temperatures. Occasional rain. Wildflowers in lower elevations.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Pleasant temperatures
- +Fewer crowds than fall
- +Wildflowers
Challenges
- !Unpredictable weather
- !Some areas still muddy
- !Flash flood risk
Difficulty Assessment
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
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between 4 months ahead. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
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Rules & Regulations
- •64 permits per day maximum
- •48 online lottery, 16 walk-in lottery
- •Dogs not allowed
- •Stay on durable surfaces
- •No camping in Coyote Buttes North
Gear Checklist
Required
- GPS device or phone with downloaded tracks
- 3+ liters of water
- Sun protection
- Sturdy hiking shoes
Recommended
- Camera
- Wide-angle lens
- Snacks
- Satellite communicator
The Wave FAQ
How hard is it to get a permit?
Extremely. Over 200,000 applications compete for roughly 23,000 permits annually. Online lottery success rates hover around 5%. In-person walk-in lottery in Kanab has slightly better odds.
How does the lottery work?
Apply online 4 months ahead at recreation.gov. 48 online permits per day. 16 walk-in permits are awarded daily at the Kanab BLM office.
How hard is the hike?
The hike is moderate (6 miles round trip) but requires navigation skills. There is no trail. You follow GPS coordinates and cairns through unmarked desert terrain.
When should I go?
Spring and fall offer the best conditions. Summer is brutally hot with little shade. Winter can bring snow that obscures navigation.
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