Hiking to The Wave, located on the Arizona and Utah border, is one of the coolest adventures in the American Southwest. The trail takes you to an amazing red rock formation in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, with stunning views and really unique terrain. It’s a natural wonder that is totally worth the effort to see in person!
When I first visited The Wave, I was a little nervous that it wouldn’t look as awesome as the pictures I’d seen. But it was even more beautiful than I expected!
One important thing to know is that you need a permit to hike to The Wave, and getting one can be tough. Some people try for years before they win a spot through the lottery system.
To help you plan your hike and increase your chances of getting a permit, I’ve put together this guide. You’ll learn about the lottery, last-minute permit options, and the best gear to bring. I also included a trip report from my own hike to help you get ready for your adventure at The Wave!
The Wave Trail Stats
- Distance: 6.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult due to route-finding challenges and desert heat
- Duration: 3-4 hours, depending on pace and conditions
The Wave hike is not well-marked, and hikers must rely on GPS coordinates or maps to navigate. Although the terrain isn’t steep, the combination of sand and slick rock can make the hike challenging. Be prepared for changing conditions and always carry plenty of water.
Getting to The Wave Trailhead
The trailhead for The Wave is located at Wire Pass Trailhead, situated along House Rock Valley Road on the Utah-Arizona border. To reach the trailhead, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle, as House Rock Valley Road can become impassable after rain. It’s about an hour’s drive from Kanab, Utah, and two hours from Page, Arizona.
Best Time to Hike The Wave
The best time to hike to The Wave is in the spring (April to June) and fall (October to November). During these months, the weather is the most comfortable, and there’s less chance of rain.
In the summer, it can get really hot, often reaching the 90s, and there’s not much shade. If you’re hiking during this time, it’s important to be extra careful when hiking in the desert.
Winter can be colder than you might expect at The Wave, with average highs in the 40s and lows dropping below freezing. Sometimes, it can even snow!
When it comes to getting a permit, March through November are the hardest months to win one because they’re so popular. However, from December to February, your chances of getting a permit are better.
Keep in mind that while it’s easier to get a permit in the middle of winter, the weather can be worse. Roads may be closed, and snow could cover The Wave, making it harder to enjoy.
When to Go / Climate
December – February
Getting a permit in December, January, and early February is easier, especially if you try the walk-in method. But avoid the busy Christmas and New Year holidays, as permits are harder to get during those times. Winter often brings snow, which can make hiking tough and might cover the cool red rock patterns. If it snows, you might have better luck taking photos of places like The Boneyard and Sand Cove. Cloudy days are common, and the roads can get muddy or even impossible to drive on. The South Buttes, which are higher than The Wave, are more likely to have snow that sticks around longer. In some areas, there can be over a foot of snow.
March-May
These are great months to visit, especially April and May, when it’s not too hot, and there’s not much cloud cover. However, permits are super hard to get during this time. Spring also brings stronger winds, especially in the afternoons. These winds can make it harder to take pictures at places like Sand Cove and The Boneyard.
June
If you don’t mind the heat, June is a fantastic month to visit The Wave. There’s usually very little cloud cover, and it doesn’t rain much. June is also the best time for night photography because the Milky Way will be visible across the sky.
July – August
I used to think July and August were the worst times to visit because of the heat, but they can be okay if you’re well-prepared. July’s average high temperature at The Wave is 101°F, and there’s almost no shade. If you plan to go during these months, it’s best to hike in the morning when it’s cooler or in the mid-afternoon if the weather looks safe. Be prepared, though—there have been several heat-related deaths at The Wave, so it’s important to stay safe. Bring at least a gallon of water per person, and try to find or make shade if you’re hiking all day. Space blankets can help you create shade, and you can find natural shade in some areas like Toprock at the Alcove. Keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms or hail. Mornings are usually clearer and cooler, which can make for great photography opportunities. Sometimes, you might even find water pockets, where you can spot tadpoles, fairy shrimp, or even hear toads croaking!
September – November
These months are excellent for hiking The Wave. The nearby towns of Page and Kanab aren’t as crowded as they are during the summer, and the weather is mild with reasonable cloud cover. However, getting a permit during this time is very difficult. The rest of the Southwest is also beautiful, with the Aspens changing colors in late September and the Cottonwoods in late October.
The Wave Permit Process
The Wave is such a popular hiking spot that you need a special permit to visit it, and the process to get one can be tricky. Here’s how it works:
- The Lottery System The main way to get a permit for The Wave is through a lottery. There are two types of lotteries:
- Advanced Lottery: This lottery opens up four months before your planned hike. For example, if you want to hike in May, you would enter the lottery in January. You apply online, and if you win, you can plan your hike!
- Daily Lottery: If you didn’t win the advanced lottery, you can try the daily lottery. This is for people who are in the area and want to hike The Wave the next day. You’ll need to apply the day before your hike, and you can do it online or in person in Kanab, Utah.
- Chances of Winning Getting a permit can be tough! During the most popular months (March to November), many people enter the lottery, so it’s harder to win. However, from December to February, your chances of getting a permit are better because fewer people apply.
- Group Size Only 64 people (or 16 groups) are allowed to hike The Wave each day, so even if you win, it’s important to plan for a small group.
Recommended Gear for Hiking The Wave
Hiking The Wave requires careful preparation. Here’s what you should pack:
- GPS device or map: The trail isn’t marked, so navigation is key.
- Plenty of water: At least 3 liters per person.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Sturdy footwear: Hiking boots with good grip for the slick rock terrain.
- Snacks: High-energy food like trail mix or protein bars.
- First aid kit: Including blister care and bandages.
- Light jacket: Desert temperatures can drop quickly in the evening.
Hiking The Wave: Trip Report
The road leading to the Wire Pass Trailhead can be bumpy and not always well-maintained, but we were lucky and made it without any trouble, even though it had rained the night before.
When we arrived, a park ranger gave us a safety talk and explained how to navigate the area.
It’s really important to grab a map because the path to The Wave isn’t like your usual marked hiking trail.
After getting our directions, we laced up our shoes, double-checked our packs for water and snacks, put on sunscreen, and started our hike.
To find the main trail, you’ll need to cross the road and walk into the river wash. Head north for about half a mile until the trail starts curving east. Eventually, you’ll see a sign pointing you in the right direction!
After passing the sign for the Coyote Buttes North Area, we stayed to the right (the left leads down to Buckskin Gulch) and soon found ourselves hiking through sandy desert terrain. This is when having the map from the ranger became really helpful. We aimed for the first big mound we could see in the distance, just to the right.
Once we crossed over the ridge, the landscape changed to hard sandstone, which made hiking a lot easier. There were some signposts along the way that helped guide us toward The Wave.
To stay on track, we looked for two buttes (small, steep hills) in the distance and headed toward them, passing just to the right. After going through the pass, the landscape opened up, and we saw a big rock face with a crack running down the middle. That was our destination!
As we dropped down into another river wash and began the final climb through the sand, the excitement grew. The sun was blazing, and we were sweating, but the thrill of reaching The Wave kept us going.
When we arrived, we were amazed! Thanks to the storm from the night before, there were reflection pools that added to the magic. The red rock contrasted beautifully with the blue sky, creating a stunning view.
We spent about 30 minutes wandering around, exploring, and taking it all in before stopping for a break. We perched above The Wave, enjoying our snacks and water while taking in the incredible view.
Refreshed and ready for more, we climbed to the top of the sandstone cliffs to the south, where we could see the vast desert landscape stretching out in all directions.
In total, we spent about three hours exploring the area, making sure to capture every vantage point during our once-in-a-lifetime visit. Toward the end of our adventure, we caught an amazing view of The Wave from the south, looking north. It was the perfect spot to take pictures of us “surfing” this desert wave!
Our trip to The Wave was absolutely epic! It’s unlike any place we’ve ever been—peaceful, unique, and breathtakingly beautiful. The fact that only a few people can visit each day made it even more special. Without crowds, we could truly appreciate the wonder and beauty of Mother Nature.
Looking back, we wish we had explored more, especially since there are other cool spots beyond The Wave, like Top Rock Arch, Melody Arch, and the South Teepees. If you ever visit, make sure to check those out too!
Photographing The Wave
The Wave is a photographer’s dream, with its swirling sandstone lines and vibrant colors. The best time to photograph The Wave is mid-morning or late afternoon when the light casts long shadows, emphasizing the textures. Bring a tripod for stability and play with different angles to capture the curves of the rock. Overcast days are also ideal for photography, as the diffused light brings out the richness of the sandstone’s colors.
FAQ
How hard is the hike to The Wave in Arizona?
The Wave hike is considered moderate due to the sandy terrain, slick rock, and navigation challenges. While not overly strenuous, the heat and lack of a marked trail can make it difficult.
Do you need a permit to hike The Wave in Arizona?
Yes, a permit is required to hike The Wave. Only 20 permits are issued per day through an online and walk-in lottery system.
How much does it cost to visit The Wave in Arizona?
The permit fee is $9 per person. If you win the lottery, the cost is paid online through Recreation.gov.
How high is The Wave in Arizona?
The Wave is located at an elevation of approximately 5,225 feet above sea level.
