The Wave is formed of layers of the cross-bedded sandstone, which were once windblown dunes. Hiking through the area can be challenging, and requires a good level of fitness, but the exertion is worth the effort. The Wave is appropriately named, for it does look like a giant wave of swirling rock. It lies in the Paria Plateau, an area which spans the Southern Utah and Northern Arizona borders.
Hiking the trail
The trail starts in Southern Utah and arrives at the Wave in Northern Arizona, among formations called the Coyote Buttes. The area seems frozen in time, yet it was laid down during a turbulent history nearly two billion years in the making. The strata lie in ribbons of analogous sandstone tones--dark rose, warm yellows and soft pinks. Moving through the kaleidoscopic scenery, you sense that you are hiking through an ancient world.
The Buttes
The approach is from Utah just off U.S. 89, south on a dirt road, 1025, five miles west of the Paria information station. Eight miles down the dirt road you reach Wire Pass parking area. From there the trip to the Wave is approximately four miles one way. The trail climbs and descends, passes through sand and across rock ridges, but is relatively moderate in difficulty. It is all part of the Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.
Fees and Permits
The Wave is in the section called Coyote Buttes North. Controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, the Coyote Buttes have closely controlled access. Only 10 people on any one day are allowed in Coyote Buttes North, or South, for a total of 20 persons per day. Coyote Buttes North fees are $7 per person per day and per dog per day. Coyote Buttes South fees are $5 per person per day, and the same per dog, per day. All rates are as of 2010.
When and Where
The system works on a lottery with 10 online reservations made up to four months in advance and 10 saved for the out-of-the-hat draws at the Paria Station, which is 44 miles east of Kanab, Utah, and 35 miles west of Page Arizona, on U.S. 89. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn. The lottery at the station is for permits that must be used the next day. Weekends are most crowded.
Preperation and Weather
Though a moderate hike, temperatures can be scorching hot or bitterly cold. The wind can whip sand in your face. Beware of flash floods in spring and lightening storms in late summer. Carry layers of light, warm, clothing, snacks, at least two liters of water and a map and compass. A GPS unit is also useful. The trail is best hiked in the cool morning. Two miles down a dirt road from the Paria station is the White House campground, with five walk-in campsites at $5 each, 2010 rates.
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