I've heard the lottery permit for The Wave is one of the hardest to win. I had previously missed out on the advanced lottery for 3 dates I submitted for mid-May and sorta planned out my 9-day roadtrip in AZ without visiting here. I really only had 1 day to fit in a trip to The Wave while I was staying in Page for 4 days and took a shot with the daily lottery permit and won! I was super pumped when I got the email notification! The 2-day advance daily lottery permit can only be applied for while you are in a nearby geofenced area and you have to pick up the permit and go through orientation/training at either Page, AZ or Kanab, UT. One tricky thing about the permit application hours is that it is based on UT and Navajo time, not AZ time. If you are in Page, you'll have to ignore the local time and make sure you are 1 hour ahead of the daily application closing time. Anyways, this was one of the most jaw-dropping other-worldy places I've hiked. The journey to reach The Wave features some of the most unique terrains and landscapes I've seen. There are geologic features all around, everywhere you look. Once you reach The Wave area, you almost can't believe what you are seeing. Some areas look like the rings of Saturn. Some areas look like huge ocean waves. I was in awe the entire time I was there. I can't even explain everything I saw, as words can't describe the scenery. Just look at the pictures. I didn't really explore past the main area because I was on a tight schedule and needed to head back. I would have to say this hike may be too challenging if you only rely on the paper map provided during orientation. I would highly recommend GPS tracking app, I used AllTrails to track my hike and even then I went off trail a few times, as this is definitely not a straight forward hike. Not a long hike at about 3.3 mile each way, but I would start early as it can get quite hot in this area. Also, there was a gentleman from BLM that was checking for permits at The Wave, if you were curious about enforcement. read more

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How the heck did I get so lucky to be selected in the monthly lottery?!!? You want to do as much research as you can prior to your visit that way you can feel comfortable prior to your hike. There is a 4 mile dirt path to get to the parking lot. In the parking lot there are bathrooms, but no trash throughout the park. Please bring a plastic bag to put your garbage in and toss it when you get to your destination outside of the park. There are wild animals as you get to the parking so please be cautious when driving on the dirt road. Read the weather forecast for the day of your hike and prepare accordingly. Since I went in the spring my hike started out with the sun shining and ended with the sand hitting my face because it started to get windy. Again, there are wild animals so please be cautious and be prepared. Do take breaks along the way, hydrate and most importantly enjoy it all!! read more

What an awe inspiring, scenic and jam dropping hike!!! My friends and I were challenged during the hike, especially as we got lost a fair few times But it was all so incredibly worth it. This is certainly a rock formation that will leave an indelible mark in your memory bank, and as many other will say - it is a once in a lifetime experience!!! Before making plans to visit The Wave, you have to apply for a permit, and bare in mind that it is a lottery system which many people have to apply for several times before being fortunate enough to be selected !!! As I mentioned earlier, we got lost a fair few times - so, I unless you are incredibly comfortable with a compass an an artesian map , I would encourage you to hire a guide for the 6.5 mile hike!!! We ended up walking 13 miles!!! 10/10 THE best experience!! read more

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2024-02-13: drove in at 6:30am, Buckskin Gulch wash had very little water in it. Most of the road seemed graded or like it doesn't normally need it. Drove out at 12:45pm, Buckskin Gulch wash had max 2-3" of water, the road was muddy. The deepest ruts were ~6". We drove in in a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, but I think we would have been ok in something a little lower clearance, like a Jeep Compass. I imagine the ruts will get deeper until whenever the state regrades the road. The BLM office should have daily updates on the road. The trail itself was fine. The sand was much firmer in the morning, and very loose when the sun was on it (imagine walking on the beach in hiking boots). Rubber tipped poles would have been useful to have for the loose sand over sandstone portions. ~15-20% of the trail is on sand that is loose when it's warm/in the sun. The sun started to hit the edges of The Wave before 8:45am. The Wave was fully in the sun by 10:15am. There was very little ice on the trail. We brought microspikes and never put them on as we were able to circumnavigate the ice instead. Hike took us 5 hours, but we spent 2 at The Wave, the Second Wave, and waiting for the sun to fully encompass The Wave Our permit was checked by a BLM ranger read more

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Visiting and hiking The Wave with 5 close friends was a once in a lifetime experience that I will forever remember! After several tries one of our friends finally got picked for a permit in the lottery we applied for back in December for a permit in April. It's about 10 miles on a dirt road to get to the parking lot. The same lot for hiking Buckskin Gulch. Words can't even begin to explain the beautiful terrain we hiked across as we headed toward The Wave. It's about a 6-mile round trip. There are no markers except in the beginning. We just knew which direction we had to hike toward. Because of the daily permit limit of about 50 people it was very empty. It felt like we had the whole area to ourselves. The whole time we probably ran into about 5-8 groups. They do have volunteer park rangers walking out there checking permits so don't attempt to hike this illegally. We spent a decent amount of time at the "entrance" of The Wave, taking tons of pictures, only to realize around the corner was a whole new world. This is where the majority of the pictures you see on Instagram are taken. Every turn we took revealed even more beauty. We were in awe just standing there and looking at the amazing sandstone curves. I'm glad we packed a lunch and were able to sit in the area for a while absorbing every view. We also hiked to an area they called the Mini Wave. The hike back was just as nice as the hike there. Because there are no marked trails you're really hiking through the terrain. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to go and find the dinosaur tracks. Buckskin Gulch was "next door" and we ended up hiking through the slot canyons right after finishing The Wave... read more

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The day I found out I won the lottery for this hike, I literally went into tears as I never thought I'd get to see this place. I've applied about a dozen times within the last 6 years and have been unsuccessful..... until this year. With the increase in daily allowance from 20 to 64, the chances are just a bit better. This year my trip date was 4/10/22 on a Sunday and I couldn't ask for a better day. The weather prediction was a slightly overcast 75 degree but when I got to the Wave, it was nice and sunny with blue skies. The hike is a decent 7 miles round trip with a little over 1000 ft of elevation gain. With the mileage, desert weather conditions and the elevation of the location, one can get tired and dehydrated easily. From sandy wash to red rocks you'll encounter beautifully carved out landscape which looks out of this world. Started my hike around 8:30 and arrived at the wave at 10am with just a handful of people there ahead of us. The beautiful carved out stone and formations stuns you with a surprise and awe at every corner of the mountain. After taking hundreds of photos and looking around we started making our way back to the parking lot. As we had other hikes to complete. Now, you'd think one would sit here and bask in on all the time to sit there and enjoy it but we wanted others to enjoy the solidarity of the iconic rock that sits out here in the desert. I feel very blessed to be able to experience this magical place in my lifetime as I don't know if I'll be able to get to see if again. read more

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OMG! Did I just win a wave permit?!? Yes I did!!! This is by far the HARDEST hiking permit to get!! They only allow 20 PEOPLE, not 20 permits a day to enter this area. The issue 10 online and 10 in person, both via process of a lottery. Online lottery happens 4 months in advance, and in person happens the day before. Last year, I tried most of the year online with zero success. I tried in person and won!! To apply in person, it is free and online is $5 each entry. You can ONLY have 1 person from your group enter. Do not cheat the system and others, your whole group will be banned! Dogs are welcomed!!! They MUST be included in your permit. If you win, it is $7 each person and $7 each dog for a max of 6 in your group! Your permit is good for 24 hours. I had booked a tour guide to take us here as I originally obtained permits for the south coyote buttes with hopes of winning for the north (the wave) in person. Since I won permits for the wave, our tour was switched to the wave tour. The road here is drivable, even with a regular car, but I would be very cautious about that. A 4WD/AWD is a much safer car to take. The road can be impassable if weather is bad. From Kanab, UT, it will take about an hour to get here. When you win permits, they will also have you a hiking handout with sites marked on where to go so you do not get lost... but many do end up getting lost, so please pay attention to your surroundings!! The round trip hike is roughly 6 miles and me being a very simple hiker, this was the hardest hike my dog and I have done to date. You hike through sand, climb up rocks, uneven terrain, exposed unmarked trail. Sometimes there are some water puddles to cool off in, but do no rely on that. Bring a hat and plenty of water!!! Also, use hiking sticks to help you on the terrain and take your time!! While everyone wants to reach the wave, the hike there and the experience is all amazing! There is much to see, so take your time to study the sites and explore. Once you get to the wave, each lunch, relax, and of course take lots of amazing pictures!! Once we got to the wave, we stayed there for probably 1-2 hrs just relaxing and taking pictures. If you have time and energy, you can venture past the wave and see the other things out there - dinosaur tracks, the second wave and others. We did not have time and ventured back after being at the wave. The hike back seemed much quicker and easier. The hike itself is not "hard" but it is challenging, but you will be rewarded with the amazing "wave". It is quite the sight to see and beyond words! I am incredibly grateful I "won" permits and was able to do this hike! If you pay a guide to take you like we did, expect to pay on average $200 a person. For our first time, I am very glad we had a guide. If I am ever so lucky to obtain permits again, I feel confident I would be able to find and do this hike on my own. We we left, we did see someone in their car setting up to car camp for the night so he could venture out first thing in the morning. Just know that there is zero reception out here and to tell someone you are going here!! Many do get lost so safety is very important! Sign in and out at the check in post at the trailheads because the rangers do check for people. Also, DO NOT try this hike if you do not have a permit. The fines are up to $100K and 6 months in jail. While it was amazing to see, the fines and jail time are NOT worth it!! If I am ever lucky enough to be able to get a permit again, I will for sure do this hike again!!! read more

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The wave is a beautiful site although it's scary going to the spot because not a lot of people go there and everything looks the same. read more

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I surprised there has not much review about the wave. Yes if you want to get in this place you need win wave lottery. They only allow 20 people visit this dreamland. It's just quiet peaceful luxury..time is frozen. It's a secret paradise backyard garden of lord. It's fragile .. I mean the canyon , just like your soul .. You folded yourself in the world because the rain the wind the hurt. I guess it's the reason only allow 20 visitors in. For protection the beautiful dreamland. Special place , the ticket make you believe you are the one always have good luck. You been blessed. read more

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OH MY GOD! I cannot believe my great fortune to win a permit to see this! Holy shit!! The hike in was good. There are enough markers and if you have the map you'll be fine. The beauty is indescribable. I've been trying for 4 years to get a permit and it was worth the effort. My only suggestions would be the following: Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. It hit 100 on the hike back and I thought I was going to stroke out from the heat. Wear shorts, a hat, sunscreen, and hydrate BEFORE you go!!! Slogging through sandy parts of the hike in 100-degree heat is draining. This is a must experience for all and sundry! read more

One of the most beautiful places on earth! Please respect and conserve it these sacred grounds.

Just WOW. Get a permit and go!!! Do not go without a permit! I can see the value of a guide. Take lots of water and electrolytes. If you cannot get a permit there are lots of other things to do in the area... Wire Pass, Buckskin Gulch, White Pocket, etc read more