Hiking the Wave: Everything You Need to Know

Want to hike the Insta famous Wave? Here’s what you need to know.👇🏻

🪪 You'll need a Coyote Buttes North permit to hike the Wave in Arizona, which can be obtained one of two ways.

💻 The first way is through an online lottery system. You can apply every month for 4 months in advance.

🎟️ You can also participate in the Daily Lottery if you're in the area nearby. Apply 2 days before your desired hiking day from the 6am-6pm lottery window on Recreation.gov.

🧭 The hike itself is approximately 6.4 miles roundtrip and can take anywhere from 3-6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the area. Keep in mind that the hike does not have a marked trail, so you’ll need a map or GPS device to navigate.

🚶‍♀️I recommend hiring a guide. They know the area well, so you won’t waste time worrying about following a map and you’ll learn a lot along the way.

📆 The best time to hike the Wave is in the spring or fall when temperatures are milder, but more people will be apply for the permit. It’s doable all year round, and you can increase your chances of winning by trying for less popular seasons.

🚘 The road out to the trailhead is tricky - you'll definitely want a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance and be comfortable with off road driving. This is another reason why I recommend hiring a guide - they took me out in a Jeep, which was a lifesaver during monsoon season since a lot of other vehicles had to turn back due to the heavy rainfall and difficult terrain.

💧Bring plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking during the hot summer months.

🗑️ Make sure to Leave No Trace! There are no facilities or amenities along the trail. Be sure to pack out all trash and leave the area as you found it to respect the natural environment.

Is this beautiful hike on your bucket list?

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