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.
