The Wave, located in the Coyote Buttes North tour, is a world-famous destination. If you are one of the lucky few, who have a permit to enter Coyote Buttes North, you are in for a real treat.
Wave formations are made of Jurassic-age Navajo sandstone and are approximately 190 million years old. Scientists who study The Wave tell us that ancient dunes became compacted rock over time, calcifying in vertical and horizontal layers. Erosion by wind and rain created the spectacular landscape that appears today. A good time for photographing The Wave is during the few hours around mid-day when there are no shadows in the center, although early morning and late afternoon shadows can also make for dramatic photos. Pools of water that form after a rainstorm can also provide great shooting opportunities.
Guided hikes to The Wave take about an hour and a half. The total distance is approximately six to seven miles, while photo tours often total 10-12 miles. Fruit and bottled water are provided. There is some walking uphill and through sandy and rocky areas, this is not a challenging hike. Be aware that summertime temperatures reach triple digits and can cause heat exhaustion. We have guided several hundred Wave tours and can lead you to special photo ops. We take your safety very seriously. You should be in good shape to tackle this tour.
BLM PERMIT REQUIRED
Daily Lottery: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251909
Advanced Lottery: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/274309
BLM Permit Information: Permit Information