Hiking The Wave in Arizona: Dale & Debbie #69
26th May 2026
We're so excited to share our Wave hike photos with you. We left Apache Junction on April 1st and returned to Kanab, Utah, to spend time with our friends, Lynne and John, from Caroga Lake, NY.
Dale and I have wanted to hike the Wave for many years, and Lynne and John even longer (20+). We have all applied in the past for the daily and advanced lotteries, to no avail. This time, we decided to be diligent in our effort to obtain a coveted permit! We applied individually each day without getting our hopes up as the chances of winning are slim to none.
All applications have to be submitted by 6 pm. Drawings take place and notifications are emailed between 7-7:30 pm each evening. Expectations are to receive a letter stating you did not win. I’m very serious when I say just how hard it is to get a permit to hike in this wondrous place known as Coyote Buttes North, which is part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.
On the evening of April 5th, my letter stated I had WON the lottery for four people to hike on April 7th! We were beyond thrilled!!! The next day, you pick up your permit and go to orientation. And the following day, you hike!
It’s 6.4 miles to the Wave and back, but most people (including us) wander around the Wave, and even hike to the Second Wave. There is no official trail! You are given a brochure at orientation with some landmarks to follow; we also downloaded an AllTrails map. Both were very helpful as it is a vast area.
There are many colors along the way!
Notice the guys behind me.
Lynne was usually in the lead; she’s a fast hiker! That’s most likely because she’s a runner and cross-country skier!
We took advantage of any shade we came across. Even at 72º, the sun was quite warm!
This was a very slippery hill. Lynne didn’t fall; she slid down! None of us fell that day!
The landscapes on the way out are extraordinary!
We hiked past some dinosaur tracks.
John declares we have reached the Wave!!!
Even the drab spots are interesting.
This was our view while eating lunch!
We saw three young guys hike up to this arch, but we didn’t feel the need to!
This is the beginning of the Second Wave, it’s not as impressive as the Wave itself.
The scenery around the Second Wave is outstanding in every direction!
zoomed in on the above picture
Heading through the Wave again on our way back. Can you find Lynne? Rather than Where’s Waldo, this is Looking for Lynne!
I touched a wall one last time before we left.
All of us are grateful for the opportunity to experience this remarkable and majestic part of northern Arizona! And it’s one more thing we crossed off our bucket lists!
Until next time,
Debbie and Dale
