Guided permit hike · 7–8 hours
The Wave
If you're lucky enough to land a permit for Coyote Buttes North, let us make the most of it. We'll drive you to the trailhead by Jeep or 4WD SUV and guide you to the most famous rock in the Southwest.
Tour details
$339 for 1–2 guests + tax
Priced by the size of your permit group. See all rates below. Prices are before 15% taxes and fees.
- Vehicle
- Jeep or 4WD SUV
- Days
- Monday–Saturday
- Departs
- 5am or 8am
- Duration
- 7–8 hours
- Walking
- 6–12 miles round trip
- Difficulty
- 5 of 5 · Strenuous
- Group size
- Your permit group
- Permit
- Required (recreation.gov)
Rock waves in the desert
An icon worth the effort
There's no ocean for hundreds of miles, so the desert made its own waves. At The Wave, officially Coyote Buttes North, thin bands of sandstone curve and crest in stripes of red, orange and cream.
The hike is rugged: deep sand, slickrock, loose stone and elevation gain both ways, with no shade. A guide who knows the route takes the guesswork out of navigation and leaves you free to enjoy every step.
We'll handle the drive to the trailhead, keep a comfortable pace and point out the formations and photo spots along the way. We promise it will exceed your expectations.
What you'll see
The Wave itself
The famous swirling sandstone bowl, in person.
Coyote Buttes North
Crossbedded sandstone, teepees and fins along the route.
Expert navigation
No GPS juggling. Your guide knows the way.
Rates by group size
| 1–2 guests | $339 |
|---|---|
| 3 guests | $410 |
| 4 guests | $489 |
| 5 guests | $569 |
| 6 guests | $639 |
Per group, before 15% taxes and fees. A small gas surcharge may apply.
What to bring
- Plenty of water for the hike (bring your own)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Closed-toe shoes with good grip
- A camera or phone with room for lots of photos
- A packed lunch and salty snacks
- Lots of extra water in summer heat
Good to know
- You must hold a valid Wave permit from the recreation.gov lottery. We can't get one for you.
- Strenuous: deep sand, loose rock and climbing both ways
- No shade, and summer temperatures run very hot
- Runs year-round, weather permitting
From the trail
Got your permit? Let's go.
Book your date as soon as your permit comes through. Early starts fill up fast.