After diligently trying for 3 years, my adventure partner Bernie finally lucked out and won the highly sought-after lottery for “The Wave” / Coyote Buttes North—one of the most striking geological wonders of the world. The trailhead is in Utah, but the Wave and the 3-mile hike to it are in Arizona.
The landscape was enchanting from start to finish. The colorful, striped, groovy rock formations that comprise this mesmerizing geological wonderland are part of the 112K acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.
The Wave was awe-inspiring, though the area was much smaller than I’d envisioned. My photos don’t do it justice, but there are plenty out there that do.
Unexpected highlights included some colorful formations along the way, an alcove, and a double arch beyond the Wave.
And we had the good fortune to run into some of the locals who get to call this area their home.
The maximum group size is 6, with a daily maximum of 64 people permitted. I’m for lotteries in these exquisite natural areas . It eliminates undesirable crowds, optimizes the visitor’s experience, and helps keep our natural wonders pristine. However, the lottery system for the Wave is complex and, as with most lotteries, not rigged in the player’s favor. One of our friends has been trying for 10 years! Some would argue that the system favors two tour companies that often swoop up the most permits and charge $200 per head to escort people to the main attraction and other points of interest when the group is game and time permits. Permit info.
One clear advantage of going with the guides is that they assume the risk of the notorious 9-mile drive to the Wirepass Trailhead on the rough and often unruly/treacherous House Rock Road. The perfect storm of ingredients, precipitation (rain or melting snow), thick sand, deep mud, and slick clay coagulates like quicksand to trap jeeps, trucks, and those silly enough to attempt the drive without a 4-wheel drive in their tracks. The tow cost alone likely would be several times the cost of a group tour. Our group evaluated the risks and the weather and took the tour with Dreamland Tours. Great operation, and I highly recommend our guide, Melanie Rader.
Naturally, despite doomsday predictions from the BLM and Visitor Center, the road was tame and easily passible with any 4-wheel drive on the day we went. Better safe than sorry as they say.
While we were disappointed that we couldn’t explore on our own, we appreciated the insights and highlights that Mel shared. We’re looking forward to exploring White Pocket next, along with the permitted Coyote Buttes South. A daily maximum of 20 people is permitted to visit Coyote Buttes South. Permit info.
Ok, so I didn’t exactly hang ten here, but our friend, Cris did.
The yoga pose photobomber strikes again and again! Perhaps my yogi balance poses or headstand count?
Happy Adventures!
On the Loose Live 