The Wave
Few landscapes in the American Southwest feel as surreal as the Wave. Located within the Vermilion Cliffs region near the Arizona–Utah border, this remarkable formation of swirling sandstone has become world famous for its flowing bands of color and surreal shapes carved into the rock. Standing within the Wave itself feels almost unreal, as if the stone has been frozen mid-motion.
Yet what makes this hike truly special is that the Wave is only one part of a much larger and equally fascinating landscape. The surrounding sandstone hills are filled with sculpted formations, colorful rock patterns, and strange shapes that feel almost otherworldly.
Wandering through this terrain can feel like walking across another planet, and even after many explorations of the Vermilion Cliffs, I have never encountered anything quite like it.
Reaching the Wave requires a permit obtained through a lottery system, which helps protect this fragile landscape from overuse. While the advanced lottery remains extremely competitive, the newer daily lottery with its geofenced entry system has made it more realistic to secure a permit if you are already in the area (although I have had no luck on my last couple of trips!). Because of this, planning a short trip to the Vermilion Cliffs region can be worthwhile even without winning a permit.
The hike to the Wave itself is relatively moderate but crosses long stretches of soft sand that can make the walk feel more strenuous than the mileage suggests. For this reason, cooler seasons are the best time to visit. Summer heat can make the exposed desert terrain especially challenging.
Helpful Links
Apply for daily lotteryhttps://www.canyonlaurel.com/trails/wire-pass-to-buckskin-gulch
A surreal hike across colorful sandstone hills to one of the most extraordinary formations in the Southwest.
Awe Rating (1-5):
5
Length:
5-8 miles
Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail Type:
Out & Back
Time Needed:
Half Day, Full Day
Highlights:
Photography, Adventure
Landscape:
Slickrock
Solitude Potential:
High
Trailhead Access:
Dirt Road, High Clearance
Special Considerations, Best Season to Hike:
Best in cooler months. Soft sand hiking and completely exposed terrain make summer visits extremely hot and tiring.
Things to Know
• Permit required: Visiting the Wave requires a permit through the Bureau of Land Management lottery system.
• Two lottery options: Permits are distributed through an advanced lottery months in advance and a daily geofenced lottery that you can enter while physically within the Vermilion Cliffs area.
• Daily lottery chances: The geofenced daily lottery has improved the odds compared to the traditional lottery, though permits remain limited.
• Soft sand hiking: Much of the route crosses sandy washes, which can make the hike feel longer and more tiring than the distance suggests.
• Navigation required: The route to the Wave is not an established trail and requires basic navigation skills.
• Fragile landscape: The sandstone formations are delicate and should be explored carefully and respectfully.
More to Explore
With places like Buckskin Gulch, Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch, Edmaier's Secret and White Pocket nearby, there is no shortage of incredible landscapes to explore.
A similar, far more accessible (but nowhere as fascinating) hike, often referred to as "The New Wave" is The Beehives Loop just outside Page.
Scenes Along the Trail
