The Beehives
Also referred to as “the New Wave,” this little trail is a great gem for when you only have an hour. The swirling red rock, while not as delicate or colorful as the Wave, is still pretty exceptional. And because it’s conveniently located right off the main highway, it’s definitely worth a visit.
The Beehives are formed from sweeping cross-bedded Navajo sandstone, shaped by ancient desert dunes that hardened into rock millions of years ago. The layered patterns curve and ripple across the slopes, creating beautiful flowing lines that feel almost sculpted. It’s a small area, but wandering around the formations reveals endless subtle textures and shapes.
What surprised me most about this stop was how much I enjoyed it, especially late in the day. At sunset the warm light deepens the reds and brings out the swirling patterns in the rock, making the formations glow. Because the walk is so short and easy, it’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, explore a bit, and enjoy a beautiful desert landscape without committing to a longer hike.
A short and easy walk to striking cross-bedded sandstone formations often nicknamed “the New Wave.”
Awe Rating (1-5):
3.5
Length:
< 5 miles
Difficulty:
Easy
Trail Type:
Loop
Time Needed:
1-2 Hours
Highlights:
Photography, Adventure
Landscape:
Slickrock, Red Rock
Solitude Potential:
Medium
Trailhead Access:
Paved Access
Special Considerations, Best Season to Hike:
The area is small, so it’s best enjoyed as a short stop rather than a long hike.
Things to Know
A short cairn-marked loop winds through the Beehives formations. While the route is easy to follow, it’s not an official constructed trail, so you may find yourself wandering slightly off the path to explore the sandstone shapes.
The Beehives sit directly off U.S. Route 89, making this an easy stop when traveling between Page and Kanab.
There is very little shade, and the sandstone can become quite warm on hot days, so bring water even for this short walk.
Adjacent Beehives Campground sits right beside the formations. It’s a very open and exposed campground with little shade, but it can be a convenient overnight stop, especially for vehicle or van campers traveling through the area.
More to Explore
Other great hikes in the vicinity that don't require much time include the Toadstool Hoodoos and Wiregrass Canyon. And be sure of course to apply to the daily Whttps://www.canyonlaurel.com/trails/the-waveave lottery while in the area!
In addition to the Wave, the adjacent Vermillion Cliffs boast several other world-class destinations including Buckskin Gulch, Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch, Edmaier's Secret and White Pocket.
Scenes Along the Trail
