We’re so excited to finally share our Wave photos! The Wave is a sandstone formation in Coyote Buttes North part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Northern Arizona. It has been popular among photographers and hikers and is now becoming more and more popular with the rest of the world. They only allow 20 people in to see it per day (see tips on how to win a permit here).
This is every landscape photographer’s dream destination, and in fact, many say you’re not a real landscape photographer unless you’ve photographed this place. Does that mean I can officially call myself one now? :P
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Last Updated: June 13, 2021
The Hike + The Wave
We hiked out at sunrise and arrived alone to the Wave. It had mixed lighting when we got there and since the Wave is a depression, the whole thing doesn’t get lit up until several hours after sunrise. This was approximately 2 hours after sunrise:
It can be a difficult process getting those permits, but once you’re out there, it’s so nice and quiet. We sat patiently and enjoyed the peaceful views and our balanced breakfast.
Other Features Near The Wave
The Wave area is actually quite small but Coyote Buttes North has so much more to explore. You can go on to see the Second Wave (right) and Third Wave or Sand Cove (left).
This is Fatali’s Boneyard, which was made popular by a photographer named Michael Fatali. He’s also known as the photographer who burned Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Did anyone ever hear what happened?
We met another photographer who had been here 10 years ago, and he told us how the colors have changed so much over the years. We’re so glad we had the chance to see and photograph this place. If you’re entering the lottery, we wish you the best of luck and hope you get to see it too!
Best Places to Stay
Our favorite spot to stay in Kanab is the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile. You can see more photos of our experience here. Check out other spots to stay below.
Have you tried getting The Wave permit? What else is on your bucket list?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.