North Coyote Buttes (The Wave)

Photo resource guide of Coyote Buttes North and the vicinity. Maps, descriptions and little visited areas that will make the Hiking permit visit worth all of the effort.

Click on image below to see a sample of the pages

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Price(USD): $24.95

Cover formation is “Royal Crown Butte”

Coyote Buttes were designated as a special management area years ago and are comprised of two distinctive areas Coyote Buttes North and Coyote Buttes South. Both protected due to the amazing sandstone formations contained within them and for the delicate nature of these formations.  While these areas are relatively close to a gravel road the terrain around them is difficult to negotiate.  The natural solitude this creates is also something that was a goal of the special management area designation.  In order to secure the protection goals stated in the managing document limits to the access of the public was instituted. These limits are regulated through a lottery system to address the demands for entry into this special place. Much of the public interest is to see and experience the magic of the area called “The Wave” This relatively small area is within the much larger 1600 acre+ management area. The difficulty in obtaining a permit to see “The Wave” means much of the rest of the area is left not visited.  

The amazing area named “Coyote Buttes North” or as I call it “North Coyote Buttes” is home to some of the worlds most beautifully colored and sculpted sandstone. Hoodoo’s, buttes, pinnacles, intricately carved stone formations abound. Coves filled with sand dunes, wind swept alcoves display striped sandstone await to be discovered and of course the world renowned “Wave.” All is located in the Northwest corner of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument situated on the Utah-Arizona border. Solitude abounds due to the careful protections to preserve delicate formations of this one-of-a-kind place.

The three mile hike to The Wave is not a difficult hike and can be accomplished in a couple of hours while there one should take some time to explore more of what the area has to offer. Adding just a mile more to your hike can significantly increase your understanding of the area and fill your mind and camera with wonderful images for a lifetime.  A special hiking permit is required from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to enter North Coyote Buttes and go to The Wave.  The Wave formation attracts visitors from all over the world, but North Coyote Buttes offers so much more than just The Wave.

Looking for information about how the lottery works?

How to see all of what North Coyote Buttes has to offer?

Access

A significant parking area has been established to accommodate the crowds of visitors to the area. Being the only reasonable access to the Northwest corner of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and a short cut access to Buckskin Gulch one of the longest slot canyons in the nation if not the world. This area is crowded at times during peak hiking seasons.  Permits for parking and using the area are required for all vehicles for day hikes down through Wire Pass Slot (a side canyon that connects with Buckskin Gulch) Those with permits to hike in Coyote Buttes North have parking permits attached to their hiking permits.  Those wishing to explore areas outside the permit area and outside the Buckskin Gulch Slot should also obtain the parking permit at the self serve station at the trail head. The BLM law enforcement team checks this and other parking areas regularly.  Whether hiking to “The Wave” or elsewhere the route is the same cross the road and follow the wash downstream for approximately .6 miles. At this point a marked trail leaves the wash to the left and climbs the side of the canyon. This trail is for those headed for “The Wave” and will reach the permit area in another .8 miles. After that point all hikers must have their hiking permits visible.  Those headed for the Slot canyons continue down the wash and will reach the beginning of Wire Pass Slot in approximately another .8 miles.

What does North Coyote Buttes have to offer in addition to “The Wave”?

To learn what else there is to see in both Coyote Buttes North and South purchase these books: Beyond The “Waves” and Beyond the Sands.  Beyond The “Waves” and Beyond the Sands are available in the Paria Contact Station, and Visitor centers in Kanab and in Page, Arizona areas. They are the only books, currently on the market, which will show you photos of all most every part of each permit area. Both books may also be purchased on Amazon by clicking here.

See the photo gallery for a small taste of what you can find in this book.

Even if you are unsuccessful in getting a hiking permit, “Beyond The Waves” offers information for hiking trips in areas that do not need a permit to see and explore. Check it out!

While this beautiful hardcover book is fit for any library, it is also a valuable resource for planning a trip or exploring trip possibilities in this wonderful area of stone. Maps with directions to assist more determined hikers to see more of what North Coyote Buttes has to offer. This makes a great very unique gift for anyone that enjoys the beauties of nature.

  •  80 full color pages
  • Over 180 photographs
  • Six detailed Topo maps

 

The book…through beautiful full color photographs, maps and detailed descriptions…showcases natural wonders with whimsical names like: 

  • The Wave — the internationally known swirling sandstone ravine.
  • Second Wave — a second swirling sandstone ledge formation.
  • Neon Buttes — buttes with the richest of colors.
  • Brain Rock — an amazing formation created by water erosion.
  • Rainbow Stone — a canyon wall striped with multiple colors running parallel across the wall.
  • Sand Cove — a small valley of slick-rock and sand striped in red and white.
  • Melody Arch — a secret arch hidden away in an alcove above the “Wave.”
  • White Castle — the halfway point of a hike to the “Wave.” Home of the Twin Buttes formation and “Ravens Hollow”
  • Royal Crown Buttes — home of the “Dinosaur Dance Floor” and the Over-sized Hamburger.
  • Outer Buttes  — the far southern end of Top Rock mesa.

Features outside of the permit boundary:

  • Sunset Buttes — in South Coyote Buttes permit area. Want to learn more ? Click Here
  • Buckskin Buttes — north of the hiking permit areas.
  • The Painted Desert — along House Rock Valley Road.
  • Teepee Country — east of the hiking permit area.
  • Wire Pass with Coyote Wash and Buckskin Gulch

This book has been approved by the BLM who operates Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.  Each book is autographed by the author/photographer.