Doin' The Wave

By far, the most popular and recognizable area within the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and its surrounding areas is a place simply known as "The Wave." The first time you see photos of this area, it's immediately obvious why people travel from across the world to visit the incredible geologic formations of red, white, and yellow swirling slickrock. 

However, visiting The Wave is not done easily. Due to its popularity, and the fragile nature of the sandstone (which visitors hike directly upon) the Bureau of Land Management requires visitors to obtain permits in advance. 20 permits are issued for each day - 10 of these are issued online several weeks in advance, and the other 10 are set aside as "walk-in" permits issued the day before your desired trip. All of the permits are issued based on a lottery system, rather than "first come, first serve," so obtaining a permit is simply the luck of the draw. For more information, refer to the BLM's website HERE.

To give you an idea of the likelihood of obtaining a Wave permit, especially if your dates aren't flexible: it took me 4 or 5 attempts to obtain a walk-in permit before I finally succeeded, and these attempts were all during the "slow" season. During the summer months, your odds decrease significantly. Luckily for me, I lived in Kanab (where they do the walk-in lottery) so I didn't have a high sense of urgency to obtain a permit during a specific day.

For those who are unable to obtain a Wave permits: DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED! The Wave is just one of many options you have to explore in the area. Don't let its popularity fool you, there is other stuff that is just as good, if not better than The Wave. Ask a ranger in the Kanab BLM visitor center and they'll be more than happy to direct you to a viable alternative to The Wave.

One more important point I'd like to make before describing my hike to The Wave - for those lucky enough to obtain a permit: This is not your "average" 5.5 mile hike. Most of the hike is off trail, with little to no shade. The BLM will hand out a trail guide with pictures of landmarks to help guide you along the way. Make sure you bring this on your hike. Without it, even the most advanced hikers could lose their way, especially if it's their first time to The Wave. Bring plenty of water, especially in the summer - more than you think you'll need. Most importantly, don't do anything that you feel is beyond your comfort/ability level. Normally, I'm not one to try and scare people away, but last July (2013) alone, 3 hikers died while attempting The Wave, and all cases were completely avoidable had they been better prepared, and had a better idea of their abilities.

Thanks for listening to my shpeel. Now, on to the fun stuff!

I was pretty excited when I finally scored a Wave permit, especially after one of my failed attempts when the odds were considerably in my favor (14 people for 10 permits) and Stephany and I were 2 of the 4 left out. Ouch.

The Wave shares a trailhead with Wire Pass up the House Rock Valley Road, but the trail splits out of the wash, where there is an obvious sign. Make sure you have a permit!

For a while, there is an obvious trail, but soon, you begin hiking across slickrock with no trail or rock cairns to guide you. I can't over-empasize how helpful the BLM's handout is in helping you find your way. 

We chose a sunny but chilly December day (in 2011) to complete the hike. Overall, the hiking weather was perfect, and it's nice not having to worry about the blistering summer heat. If at all possible, I highly recommend hiking The Wave during the "slow season."

Despite all of my warnings about preparing to hike The Wave, if you're an advanced hiker, chances are you won't find the hike to be overly difficult. It's truly amongst the most fascinating marvels that nature has to offer. 

During my hike, I didn't take many photos along the way, but once I arrived at The Wave, I had a tough time putting my camera down. 

Warning: tons of pics to follow!

(Yes, dogs are allowed at The Wave!)

Doing The Wave Dance!

(Actually, it's my dance for all things awesome.)

We scrambled up to a high point to catch some views of the surrounding area.

Obviously, a trip to The Wave is about way more than The Wave itself.

Back to the streaky stuff!

Perhaps my personal favorite:

Wave Cave (or cavern, or whatever...)

Making our way back:

Sorry if that photo overload was a bit excessive, but I think it was necessary!

Continuing back to the trailhead left us with a feeling of complete satisfaction. One day I hope to return to The Wave but if I don't, it's okay, because I know I'll never forget it. 

If you are fortunate enough to get a Wave permit, I am sure you will be thoroughly satisfied with your experience, as I was. If you are unable to obtain one: I can almost guarantee that you will also be thoroughly satisfied by one of the countless other options the area has to offer.

Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch

Within the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness area lies Paria Canyon and its tributaries. One of its main tributaries is Buckskin Gulch, which is arguably the longest slot canyon in the world at 21 miles, and is certainly one of the most impressive.

There are several different ways to approach Buckskin Gulch, and can be done as a backpacking trip with a one-way shuttle. If interested in doing Buckskin Gulch as a backpacking trip, you can find more information HERE.

As a day hike, the most popular route starts at the Wire Pass trailhead, where there is an obvious parking area 8 miles up the House Rock Valley Road, south of highway 89 (between Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona.) This dirt road is usually in decent shape, but may be impassable when wet.

At first, the hike starts up a wash and is pretty uneventful, but know that it gets much, much better!

Soon, you enter Wire Pass, a tributary of Buckskin Gulch and an impressive slot in its own right. I have taken two trips into Buckskin Gulch via Wire Pass. Here are the highlights.

Stephany, who had just moved to Kanab from Connecticut a couple of months prior:

(Apparently, they don't have slot canyons like this back east.)

After about 1.7 miles, Wire Pass joins Buckskin Gulch, where the canyon opens up in spectacular fashion, with towering, streaked rock walls all around. 

Here's a photo at the confluence, looking back towards Wire Pass:

For scale:

Once reaching Buckskin Gulch you can either take a left and head back towards the House Rock Valley, or a right, and wander for miles. Buckskin Gulch's canyon walls are much higher than Wire Pass, but not as narrow in most sections. I definitely recommend hiking to Buckskin via Wire Pass rather than starting on Buckskin from the beginning. Wire Pass offers a slightly different, more "intimate" slot canyon experience.

Here's a look into Buckskin Gulch (right of the confluence from Wire Pass):

Working our way back through Wire Pass, which sometimes opens up with views of colorful slickrock:

On a different trip, I took my friend Shenon on the same hike while he visited me in Kanab. This time, I elected to go left at the confluence. We discovered some interesting mud slabs that we entertained ourselves with. 

Soon, we reached an area where the canyon opened up, and we were able to hike up the slickrock and explore the area a bit more. 

In some areas, the rock formations resemble the nearby Wave.

After a while, we decided to sit back, relax, and soak in the views.

On our way back through Buckskin Gulch, we spotted a Gopher Snake. Surprising, considering it was a chilly November day. 

Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch are spectacular, easily accessible slot canyons that offer the versatility of short day hikes or longer, overnight adventures. Nearby, there are countless other attractions that are also worth exploring. As I recollect these trips, it makes me miss slot canyon and slickrock country. Trust me, if you get the chance, you don't want to miss out on exploring these amazing places!