The Wave is a geologic wonder in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness of Northern Arizona, formed by Navajo Sandstone. Over millions of years, forces of wind and erosion have shaped the rock here into the remarkable patterns we see today.
As recently as the 1960s, the Wave was only known to local cowboys and ranchers, but it is no longer a secret – the Wave’s popularity has exploded and continues to rise.
To help protect it, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) enforces a strict day-use permit system that allows 10 walk-in permits and 10 online permits per day.
The other way to apply for a permit is visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, UT and try your luck in the walk-in permit lottery.
These take place at 9 a.m. every day (except for federal holidays). It’s advisable to show up early. That way, you have time to fill out paperwork and learn about the process.
As luck would have it, my name was drawn on the second morning. I couldn’t believe it! If you win, you are only able to get a permit for the following day.
For us, that was Halloween. We didn’t have costumes but one guy was dressed as Spiderman. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a pH๏τo.
