The wave is one of the most photographed places in the world. It’s a sandstone rock formation that literally looks like a wave, located in northern Arizona. But, because of its popularity, it’s extremely difficult to be one of the few lucky ones to see it for yourself.
Only twenty people are allowed in the wave every day. Ten people are picked through the lottery, on-line, months in advance. You also have to pay for your entry every day and if you don’t get picked, you don’t get your money back. You can be putting in entries for weeks and not even get picked.
The other ten people that get in every day, are walk-ins. You would think this way would be easier, but it’s not. Like I said, the wave is extremely popular. Everyone wants to see it. People line up every day, day after day to try and get in.

You meet at the Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah. Every day the drawing is done at 9am for the next day. People enter their names in from 8:30am to 9am. Only one entry can be put in per group and groups are allowed up to six. So if you are a group of 2,4,6, whatever, only one name can be put in.

After every party has their names in and it’s 9am sharp, they call. Now only ten people can get chosen so if they pick a party of 6, only 4 spots are now open. On an ordinary day, you are up against about 100 people. There were people in that room that were there 8 days straight still waiting to get chosen. On the contrary, you can be very lucky, and get picked your very first time. You just never know.

If you are one of the unlucky one’s and do not get picked right away, it’s ok because you get to explore whats around Kanab. Kanab is a great place to get stuck in. There is so much to do and see! Hiking, slot canyons, backpacking, camping, off-roading, and so much more. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. If you were going to get stuck somewhere, you really can’t complain about being tied here.

South Coyote Buttes

The wave is located in Coyote Buttes North, which as you now know, is difficult to get in. Coyote Buttes South, is less difficult and has similarities of the wave. You still need a permit but much easier to obtain. We got ours right at the visitors center. Just walked right up and got it.
Coyote Buttes South only lets ten people in a day and is very difficult to get to. You need an appropriate vehicle because you drive through rocks and deep sand to get here. It is worth it though!

There is also Buckskin Gulch, which is a notorious slot canyon, very similar to Antelope Canyon. Buckskin Gultch is a mulit-day hike with technical climbing needed. If you don’t have the time or skill to do this, there is a slot canyon called Wire Pass which is an easy access point into the middle of Buckskin gulch with out having any experience needed.

Wire Pass

Wire Pass is absolutely breathtaking!!! It’s an easy mile or so hike on a wash and then all the sudden these walls just over take you on each side. It really is amazing. You walk through this breathkaking pass and it empties into Buckskin gultch where you can explore. This is meant for a day hike.
These are just two of the many many places surrounding Kanab. This is also where the Arizona trail starts, an 800 mile trail running north and south from the Utah border all the way to the border of Mexico. I accomplised 600 of the 800 miles and it was incredible! One of the best experiences I have ever done.
Well, hope this helps! I was confused about how the wave worked until I went there myself. My boyfriend and I went, and never did get picked. We were one of the unlucky ones. But, was lucky with all the other great things we did in the area.

Thank you for reading, hope you learned something and have a great day.

Sincerely,
Livingonthedirt/Shelly