Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Boodle Mart

The Wave is a rare sandstone formation located in Coyote Buttes North. Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, and is one of the most photographed areas in the American Southwest. It is a six-mile roundtrip arduous hike into the harsh desert.

Due to its popularity and delicate terrain; a permit is required and is limited to 20 people per day. An issued permit is not easy to come by. Access to The Wave can be obtained by winning a lottery permit online. The other option is getting in front of the line at the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) office.

One can only apply for the lottery permit once a month. The chances of winning being a mere 4%. A once in lifetime luck of the draw, I won lotto ticket number 44496 to hike the Wave! The winning ticket came with a photographic and navigational map as to how to find this trackless hidden gem. 

Cairns and rare sandstone rock formations helped navigate through the vast desert. It was hot, brutal, rugged and desolate. In the middle of it, all emerged the strikingly smooth Navajo sandstone rock formations. Colourful swirls, undulating forms, and rhythmic ripples. 

Nature’s perfection in the middle of a hostile desert and the tranquil experience that will last a lifetime.