Description
The Coyote Buttes North region of the Paria Canyon/Vermillion Cliffs National Monument houses a sensory overload of red rock formations, culminating in the magnificant "Wave", a dense collection of finely-curved rock striations jutting out from a group of buttes. To preserve this delicate treasure, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) limits the number of hikers to about 20 per day, and permits can be gone 7 months before the date of your hike.
Here were the pics of my hike last April 2005:
http://community.webshots.com/album/364344447YifMKE
Directions to Hike
The trailhead is at the Wire Pass Parking Lot, accessible via an 8.5-mi dirt road from UT Highway 89. It is recommended to stop by the Kanab, UT backcountry office to get their topo and picture map, since there is no formal trail to "The Wave".
TIPS:
1. Reserve your permit ($5) 7 months in advance by logging into http://www.az.blm.gov. Their phone # is 435-688-3230. Select the site from the Coyote Buttes North region, and fax back your information to them. Note that in their website, they only post the available sites SIX months prior, so sometimes everything is already filled up in the calendar! So my advice: don't wait, call them!
2. When I hiked last April, it was raining like crazy in Page, and I considered not going anymore. However, it wasn't raining in Kanab. They can give you a raincheck, BUT this is subject to when the next available slot will be -- which means you might as well apply again and wait several months. About halfway through the dirt road is a wash that could get flooded, so consider taking a 4WD. I had my compact car and did alright even after the rain, but then again, I was probably lucky.
2. While getting to the Wave is straightforward, the absence of a trail makes it difficult to return. The map they give you at BLM contains GPS coordinates of various geographic features. It is quite helpful, but even more important is being able to retrace your steps. Hint: turn your GPS on the whole time, and make sure to look back and note specific features to help you on your way back.
4. The Wave is at 36°59'58"N, 112°0'23"W.
5. Once you find the Wave, consider hiking up a bit more to see more intriguing rock features, including the "Second Wave". It feels like being in some alien planet!
Contact Information
Permits can be obtained through the Arizona Strip Intepretive Association at 435-688-3230. Their website is at http://www.az.blm.gov/paria.
The Kanab Office (BLM) can be reached at 435-644-4600.
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