There are two processes used to secure a hiking permit to the wave, they are the online lottery system and the daily lottery using a “geo-fence” system. For more information about the current lottery process and the number of hikers allowed on a given day click here.
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Forty-eight people or 12 groups (whichever comes first) each day are awarded permits through an online lottery four months in advance.
My first experience with entering the Wave back in 2008 may shed a little light on the challenge that exists. The Wave is a “Y” shaped ravine. The route from the parking lot reaches the Wave at one of the top “limbs” of the “Y” proceeds to the center and then along the main “stem” of the “Y”. As I entered I passed a photographer setting up to take a photo of that area. As I reached the intersection of the ravine I found that another photographer was ready to take a photo from the other “limb.” So I thought to move on to the main part of the ravine to my surprise there was a third photographer wanting to take a photo from that position. I was trapped! All I could do was stop and cause the second photographer to wait until the third photographer had taken their photos. Then I could get out of his shot. Here was a time when just four people were inconvenienced by each other in this amazing place.
Another example may be in order. Arches National Park has the iconic Delicate Arch. This arch is visited daily by hundreds of people. The arch is located on the edge of a great bowl of stone. When the Park Service constructed the trail to the arch they understood the need to maintain the presentation of the arch in the best possible way. So to that end the trail circles around to the opposite side of the stone bowl and is actually carved into the side of the cliff. The trail at this point is high above the surrounding desert floor and presents a challenge for hikers with fears of heights. Those who do make it to the end are overwhelmed by an impressive view of the arch with the bowl between them and its inspiring beauty. Even with hundreds of people there, spread out along the edge of the bowl, the arch can be enjoyed by all. Had no thought been used to make the trail the way they did, it would have possibly ended at the arch and would have resulted in a constant flow of visitors arriving and leaving the arch. Can you imagine the frustration for people just wanting to photograph the arch by itself?
The Wave is seen and experienced by hiking in and through the ravine and its side branches. The possibility of having 30 or 40 people there at the same time walking through it, will totally diminish the full experience that the Wave offers. I hope a better solution can be found to both allow more people to see it and have them leave with the same experience of solitude and reverence for the amazing creation of nature.
Quick information about the Daily Lottery.
On various trips to the area I have witnessed hikers following the described route and the abundance of footprints, finding the wave and spending very little time admiring The Wave or the area in the immediate vicinity and then as quickly as they came they retreat back out of the area. I have met individuals from countries outside of the United States that have planned their whole vacation around the date of the hiking permit that they were successful in obtaining. Most National Parks are open every day and can be visited without prior reservations. So it is amazing that, with the difficult process necessary to see The Wave, that more exploration of North Coyote Buttes is not done to make the most of the difficult entry privilege.
The seldom seen areas that frame The Wave are home to some of the World’s most beautiful and unique rock formations. Beyond The “Waves” describes, in detail, areas adjacent to and within the hiking permit boundary with maps, descriptions, and photographs.
I like to think while looking at Beyond The “Waves” that is is an exercise of walking past the designated tourist spots and witnessing the often ignored areas. The book explores the pockets of amazing formations and color that are along the popular route to “The Wave”, The Wave itself, as well as those places beyond this incredible destination.
Click here for book details and to purchase your copy.