Arizona
The Wave Coyote Buttes North
Point of Interest
The Wave is a surreal sandstone formation where millions of years of wind and water carved flowing, wave-like striations into the rock. The red, orange, and yellow bands ripple across the stone like frozen ocean swells, creating one of the most photographed geological features in the Southwest. Only 64 people per day are allowed access through a permit system.
Access requires a 3-mile round-trip hike across open desert with no marked trail — just GPS coordinates and landmarks. The permit lottery is extremely competitive, with thousands applying for each slot. No shade exists at the site, so summer visits can be brutal. Bring plenty of water and navigation tools.
Iconic wave-striped sandstone formation
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | 745 E 300 South, Kanab, Utah 84741 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Kanab, Utah |
| Miles from pavement | 8.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Land manager | BLM |
| Permit required | Yes — Permit info |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |