Catch the Wave

 

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in the United States of America near the Arizona-Utah border, on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, on the Colorado Plateau. It is famous among hikers and photographers for its colorful, undulating forms, and the rugged, trackless hike required to reach it.

“The Wave” consists of intersecting U-shaped troughs that have been eroded into Navajo Sandstone of Jurassic age. The two major troughs, which comprise this rock formation, are 62 feet (19 m) wide by 118 feet (36 m) long and 7 feet (2 m) wide by 52 feet (16 m) long. Initially, infrequent runoff eroded these troughs along joints within the Navajo Sandstone. After their formation, the drainage basin, which fed rainwater to these troughs, shrank to the point that the runoff became insufficient to contribute to the cutting of these troughs.

As a result, the troughs are now almost exclusively eroded by wind, as indicated by the orientation of erosional steps and risers cut into the sandstone along their steep walls. These erosional steps and risers are oriented relative to the predominant direction of the wind, as it is now naturally funneled into and through these troughs.

To protect these last remaining wilderness areas, Congress in 1984 created the Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in an effort to keep them free from the influence of man. Its 112,500 acres beckon adventurers who yearn for solitude, scenic splendor, and the chance to explore one of the most beautiful geologic formations in the world.

If you would like to hike The Wave, here are some things you should know:

·       Advance permits are required for day use. There is no overnight camping allowed in the Coyote Buttes permit area.

·       Day-use permits are available on-line, and as walk-in permits at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah, the day before you wish to hike.

·       Day users must display half their permit on their vehicle windshield and the other half should be visible on the outside of their backpack.

·       Campfires are prohibited.

·       Dogs are allowed. They must be kept under control at all times.

·       Successful Coyote Buttes North permit applicants will receive a map and directions to the "Wave".

·       Group size cannot exceed six in the same permit area on the same day.

·       All trash must be packed out, including toilet paper.

·       Use of public land for business or financial gain requires a special permit.

·       Wilderness is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment.

·       If during your hike, your permit is inspected by BLM representatives, you may be asked to present a government issued I.D. for permit verification.

·        Permit are non-transferable and only 20 are allowed each day.