District
The Wave
Arizona's surreal sandstone masterpiece requiring lottery luck
The Wave looks like Mars decided to take up pottery. This sandstone sculpture in the Coyote Buttes North area of Arizona draws photographers and hikers from around the world — but only 64 people get permits each day. The undulating rock formations create corridors of red, orange, and cream that seem to flow like frozen water. You'll need serious planning, decent hiking skills, and a good dose of lottery luck to experience this geological masterpiece.
Itineraries coming soon
We're working on adding amazing itineraries for The Wave. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!
There's only one way to reach The Wave: a 6-mile round-trip hike with no marked trail. You'll navigate using GPS coordinates and rock cairns across slickrock and sand. The route starts at the Wire Pass Trailhead and crosses open desert terrain with minimal shade. Most people take 4-6 hours total, including time to photograph and explore. The hiking itself isn't technically difficult — no scrambling or steep climbs. But the navigation challenge is real. People get lost here regularly. Download offline maps to your phone and bring a GPS device as backup. The final approach involves walking through narrow slot canyons before emerging at The Wave's main formation.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1.Enter the online permit lottery ($9) instead of driving to Kanab for walk-in lottery — saves gas money and a potential wasted trip
- 2.Camp at free dispersed sites near Wire Pass Trailhead instead of paying for hotels in Kanab
- 3.Bring all your own water and snacks — no services exist near the trailhead
- 4.Download offline maps before arriving to avoid expensive satellite communicator rentals
- 5.Visit during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) when accommodation prices are lower than peak summer rates
Travel Tips
- •Apply for permits exactly four months in advance when the lottery opens — set a calendar reminder
- •Start hiking by 7 AM to avoid afternoon heat and have better lighting for photography
- •Print backup copies of your permit and GPS coordinates in case your phone dies
- •Practice using your GPS device before the trip — navigation skills are crucial here
- •Wear light-colored clothing to reflect heat and stay cooler on the exposed trail
- •Check weather conditions the night before — flash flood warnings can close access roads
Frequently Asked Questions
Very difficult. The online lottery typically has thousands of applicants for 48 daily spots, giving you roughly a 1-2% chance of winning. Walk-in lottery odds are slightly better but require showing up in Kanab the day before your planned visit.
Explore The Wave
Ready to explore The Wave?
Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.
Free on iOS. No credit card required.