Yesterday, we were chosen in the daily lottery to get a permit to hike in the North Coyote Buttes wilderness area of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument on the Utah/Arizona border. It was my fourth attempt and getting selected was pure luck as there were 65 - 90 people each day vying for 10 spots.
There are 20 permits per day issued for North Coyote Buttes - half of them are issued as part of an online lottery and half are issued as part of a daily in-person lottery at the Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, UT. Here is the link that explains How To Get A Permit either online or as a "walk-in".
When you win a permit, you are given maps and special instructions on how to get to "The Wave", an internationally popular hiking destination within Coyote Buttes. The map provides directions as well as photos of what you should be seeing as you move from point to point.
We were ready to head out this morning with our biggest concern being whether or not Linda was going to feel up to doing this 6-mile roundtrip hike. She certainly was not feeling well, but she was a lot better than yesterday, and she wasn't about to miss out on this opportunity. :)
It was about 30 degrees when we left the RV park at 9:00 a.m. and we were expecting temps only in the high 50s today. However, the sun was shining bright and it was supposed to be a clear sky day - another stroke of luck since yesterday was overcast and it snowed twice.
It took us about an hour and a half to get to the parking area which is about eight miles back a rough dirt road. We were told it would take about two hours to hike to "The Wave" and midday is the best time for photos.
We were bundled up and headed out with our map in hand.
The hike itself was beautiful.
At my orientation, we were told to be sure to stop and look back and take note of where we came from.
Even with our map, we were warned that there are some confusing spots, and others have gotten lost on the way back.
We continued on and starting seeing the rock swirl patterns that are present at "The Wave".
Our approach to "The Wave" included rock and sand and a mixture of colors as we climbed.
Arriving at "The Wave", part of the entrance was in the shadows.
But the swirls and colors were quite prevalent as we proceeded.
As we walked through "The Wave" and then looked back, we were treated to the iconic and amazing view.
Linda first went off to the side and then hiked through.
We were fortunate to arrive before others and had "The Wave" to ourselves for a short period.
After her video, Linda took my picture.
Okay, now for a montage of photos I took around this fascinating place.
Eventually, almost everyone with permits for the day showed up at the same time. And everyone was respectful in allowing each other to get photos.
We took each others' photos and just marveled at this special place.
We stayed around after most people left, and then we climbed up above "The Wave" to explore more of the North Coyote Buttes area.
When we decided to head back, I suggested that we work our way down into a wash rather than backtrack through "The Wave". Well, it was a bit challenging, but it also provided some scenery most folks wouldn't see.
We reached the wash and mini-slot canyon.
We chose a route requiring us to slide down into the wash.
The canyon walls were striking.
We had to do a little improvising in one section.
Soon we were out in the open wash.
Eventually, the wash intersected the "trail" and we headed back out.
There was a lot of walking on slanted slickrock that was a bit hard on the ankles, and a lot of walking through thick sand, but all in all, it wasn't a difficult hike. Still, with us, especially Linda, not feeling up to par, the 6.5 miles we walked wore us out.
But it was all worth it.
Only 7,300 permits a year are given out for "The Wave" and almost 50,000 applications a year are made. So, if you are fortunate enough to get a permit, be sure to get here and take advantage of the amazing opportunity. :)
That is so awesome and we thank you for sharing! So glad you won the lottery!
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 01:42 PM
AMAZING!!! So glad you were both able to make this hike together:o)) Thanks so much for sharing the experience with us!!
Posted by: Nancy and Bill | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 01:58 PM
Simply beautiful ~ thank you!
Posted by: Jan | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 02:09 PM
Well, having only done The Wave myself this past November, I was as very eager to read about your hike -- as much so after having seen it myself as I would have been never having seen it. YEAH! So excited you got to experience it!
I enjoyed the photos of the alternate hike out. I did the trail "solo," so I didn't have the nerve to veer off the path more than a few inches. haha!!
If you are interested in a different experience hiking out, you can click on my name to find the link...first post under "Utah." (at the risk shameless promotion, I just want to share.)
It took me 18 months of entering the monthly lottery by mail. Just like the real lottery, you must pay five bucks each time you enter whether you win or lose. I don't know how you two felt about this, but after having the "wilderness experience" in such a gorgeous, other-worldly environment mostly all to myself, I am really grateful that they run it this way. It was worth every frustrating, disappointing email I received saying "You were not selected" after I felt the pristine wonder of it all.
(Sorry for the long comment, but as you can tell, I am very passionate about that place!)
Posted by: Suzanne | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 02:30 PM
Congrats and thanks for taking us along!
Posted by: Cathy S | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 04:18 PM
Some of the required hiking “techniques” (moving sideways on the walls) reminds me of the Fiery Furnace hike in Arches. Quite spectacular pictures.
Bill
Posted by: Bill | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 04:32 PM
It almost doesn't seem like that's a real place on this earth... And as usual, H & L bring us to it... Thanks for the tour..
Posted by: Rod | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 05:17 PM
I never knew such a place existed on Earth. Awesome doesn't even come close! thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Cherylbrv | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 05:56 PM
I really believe luck had nothing to do with you winning the Wave lottery. You were meant to go in there and take us along too. :)
The photos are beautiful. I'm glad Linda was able to do the hike.
Posted by: Kathy | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 06:34 PM
VERY Cool! Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Doris | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 09:22 PM
Very nice photos and we to have never heard of this place before, chocolate and vanilla swirling around!
Posted by: Judy Schmader | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 10:31 PM
It's even more beautiful than I thought. There aren't even words to describe this place. I love your adventure beyond. The entire area has that red swirling appearance. Great hike!!
So glad you put so many pictures in the post. I went through them three times. Thanks!!
Glad you both were well enough to make this amazing hike! Take care of yourselves!
Posted by: John and Pam Wright | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 11:24 PM
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Steve Crowe | Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 12:44 AM
Wonderful pics and on my bucket list for sure!
Posted by: tami | Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 07:26 AM
So happy you got to hike The Wave! Thanks for sharing your brilliant photos!
Posted by: diana | Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 08:58 PM
You have just added to my Bucket List of things I must do. I have to see this in person!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kristin & John | Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 06:12 PM
Awsome pics! There is a "junior" version of this at Valley of Fire SP in Nevada, about 55 north of Vegas and 18 Mile east of I-15. Same type of swirled rock, but smaller - bonus is that it is only about 3/4 of a mile from the trailhead to the swirls.
Wayne
Posted by: Wayne Dunn | Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 02:01 PM