After receiving a handful of Instagram messages asking how to get to the Wave, I decided to it would be helpful to write a blog post on it. Going to the Wave requires a permit from the Arizona BLM. There are 20 persons allowed to visit the Wave per day. There are three ways to get a permit:
- Apply for the lottery online four months in advance. 10 permits are available through the online lottery. The online lottery is the least risky way to try to get a permit for the Wave. The lottery is done on a monthly basis and is open four months before your desired trip month. For example, right now (October), the lottery is open for February permits. The lottery has been open all month and will close at the end of the month. Then the lottery will happen and permits will be issued. You can only submit one application per month and the lottery fee is $5 USD. It is non-refundable; you don’t get it back if you lose the lottery. You can select up to three date choices. Use the this link and the following path to apply for the lottery: Coyote Buttes Permits – Apply for a Coyote Buttes Hiking Permit – Apply for Lottery Here
- Check for cancellations. Your chances aren’t good with this option, but on the rare occasion there are cancellations or open dates, you can check the Coyote Buttes North calendar four months in advance. I’ve never seen a cancelled permit available online, but it’s worth checking. Check here: Coyote Buttes Permits – Apply for a Coyote Buttes Hiking Permit – Check Calendar
- Apply in person the day before your desired trip date. 10 permits are available in person the day before your desired trip. To apply for a walk-in permit, go to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah (745 E. Highway 89 in Kanab Utah across from Walkers gas station and Wendy’s restaurant) from 8:30-9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time -Utah- (9am Daylight Savings Time in summer) to submit your application.
Read more about how to get permits at the BLM website here.
Hey, what’s the Wave in Arizona? Is it a part of a National Park?
It’s not part of a national park, it’s a protected area controlled by the Bureau of Land Management. 😊
That’s very interesting, it’s good that they protect the area like this though must make it very hard to visit. I wonder how many people try to get a permit on the day and if they have to queue for hours? Looks well worth the effort
It depends on the day, but usually I think it’s at least 100. The wait isn’t too terrible – you just fill out an application and wait for the drawing 🙂
Wow, I didn’t know how hard it was to get in!!!! Thanks for the tips! 🙂
You’re welcome! Hope you get to visit one day
The fact that it’s so hard to get to makes me want to go more! Looks beautiful. Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome! Hope you get to go 🙂
Woooww I had no clue it was this hard to get access to. But I think it’s good that it is controlled other wise it would be an absolute circus!! That’s great you got in!