The Wave

The Wave. This has always been on my Bucket List. Should this be on a Bucket List? YES. Should this be on a ‘repeat this’ Bucket List? YES. This hike surpassed our expectations and will likely be the highlight of our 2025 hikes. After four years and six earlier lottery attempts with associated “you did not win” emails, the lucky number seven entry yielded the magic words of “Congratulations! You were successful in the Coyote Buttes North Daily Lottery.”

Coyote Buttes North, better known as The Wave, is a natural wonder. I have lost count of how many hikes I have done, and I can say I have never seen anything like this. 

The hike out to the famous formation was a treat. You begin walking down the same wash you start on when going to Wire Pass slot canyon. A short way down the trail, the Coyote Buttes North Trail veers off to the right and you will gain elevation quickly. You cross a sandy plateau and then reach a vista of sandstone rock formations, hills, unique rock structures that stretch as far as you can see. The rest of the hike to The Wave from here is beautiful. Despite the length of the hike on paper, the grand beauty the whole way with so much to look at and to take photographs of made it seem much shorter than it actually was.

During the last section of the hike before The Wave, look behind and to the right of you to witness colors galore on the cliffs. Purples, yellows, oranges, reds, whites. Finally, there is a final steep ascent that you will climb to enter The Wave. Then, brace yourself, you will be treated to The Wave.

The Wave is just that, a wave of multi-colored sandstone that undulates within the mountain. Twists, curves, ribbons of striped rock. We were amazingly lucky to have it to ourselves for a short time, what a treat! It was recommended to get there sooner rather than later for ideal photography conditions. Once you arrive to The Wave, you can climb around (have caution, the sand on the sandstone is extremely slippery) and explore further. There are arches and Second Wave to view.  We went as far as Second Wave. While not as spectacular, it was cool to see.

This was an incredibly special experience to have as a family. It was Homer puppy’s first hiking trip too and all 8 of us humans and dogs were able to have this achievement together. It is my pleasure to be able to share our photos and videos of this hike. What you see is what you get, none of these photos have filters applied. Wishing you the best of luck with your next lottery entry!

Difficulty: Strenuous, related to distance and elevation gain.

Trail Stats: 6.7 miles, out and back, 1204 feet elevation gain. Your mileage will increase once you have made it to The Wave and explore more.

Trail Finding: There are sections where you can see footprints in the sand, otherwise there is no marked trail. 

Conditions: Sand, sandstone, gravel wash.

Would I Repeat This: I could only be so lucky! We would love to go back.

Parking: Plentiful. This is the same parking lot as Wire Pass. Restrooms are available.

Timing: There is no shade on this trip, please take into consideration the exposure to the sun and your exertion.

Downloaded Map: Absolutely, and also make sure to go to the orientation meeting and get the map.

Fees: As of the date of this post, the entry fee for the lottery is $6. If you are fortunate to win, it is $7 per person in your party and $7 per dog. You can enter the lottery in advance or a “daily lottery”, which is actually drawn two days before the date you are submitting for. Check out the links below for information about the lottery. We entered for the daily lottery once we were in the geofence region, which was a great option compared to the past where you had to be in person. 

Trails: Toadstools, Coyote Buttes South, Buckskin Gulch via Wire Pass, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Car Stacks at Catstair Canyon, and more.