The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in Arizona, United States, near its northern border with Utah. The formation is situated on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness of the Colorado Plateau. The Wave consists of intersecting U-shaped troughs that have been eroded into Navajo Sandstone of Jurassic age. It reminds one of marble cakes!

You need a permit to visit The Wave. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the site, the Bureau of Land Management limits foot traffic into the Canyon, thus preserving the integrity and beauty of The Wave. For years, access was limited to only 20 lucky people a day, but in February 2021, the BLM increased the daily hiking quota to 64 people/day. 48 people are awarded permits through the online lottery system. The other 16 people are awarded permits through the walk-in lottery. I got a permit to visit in 2007, but due to heavy rains the dirt road was impassable and I was forced to abandon the trip. I was lucky to get another one in May 2019.

A six mile round trip hike is required to get to The Wave. Since there is no trail to The Wave you should be able to use a map and compass or GPS to help with navigation. The BLM provides a map with your permit and instructions on getting to The Wave, and there are a small number of cairns on the way. Over the past five years five people have died on the way to/from The Wave. If you are not sure about your navigation skills one is strongly suggested you hike in with a guide or a friend with these skills. Do not go alone. Mobile phones do not have a signal. If you use a GPS be sure to mark the Wirepass trailhead and other key points along the route. Stay with your party. Four of the five fatalities were heat related, so if you go in the warmer months bring plenty of water, at least four liters, and preferably more.

The trip to The Wave was epic! To date, we haven’t been to any place in the world as remarkable, serene, and uniquely beautiful as this site. It is difficult to describe the beauty of the place. Hope the video shows some of the unique formations one can admire the wonder of Mother Nature.