"THE WAVE"

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THE WAVE

My wife and I had been trying to get a permit for about a year to get into "The wave". So finally after so many tries and rejections, we were granted permits for August in 2008. This place is absolutely amazing. So far, it is one of my favorite places on the planet. It has such good energy to it that I plan to go there again next year. It is a very delicate and serene place, carved out by spiraling winds. I hope that anyone and everyone who goes there will understand that it is a privilege to access this place.

So, without trying to be preachy, please leave no trace on this place. Do not collect rocks or animals or plants as souvenirs. Do not trample on the desert flora and when you are negotiating the rocky inclines and declines, be careful not to damage the delicate sand stones, and please, please, please, do not carve your names or anything else on the facade of "The wave". Let's give it respect and give others the opportunity to enjoy and experience this place in all its pristine beauty. Thank you.

This place is actually located between the Arizona/Utah Border. It is highly protected and Rangers keep a close watch, if you are found here without a permit, you will get a hefty fine. Even if you stumble upon it by accident, you will get a fine. The whole area requires permits for hiking. The area is called the North Coyote Buttes.

To attain a permit, you need to go to the UTAH BLM (Bureau of Land Management) site to request for it. Or you can go to the Ranger Station in kanab the day before you plan to hike in and enter the lottery system. They only allow 10 people per day. Good luck!

The hike takes about 1.5 hours one way. Bring lots of water and good hiking footwear. Bring a compass or a GPS as you can easily get lost out there and perish. An all wheel drive is the best way to negotiate the path to the main parking area where you start off the hike, but a front wheel vehicle that is set higher than most cars will do just fine.

Oh yeah, make sure to sign in before the hike, so if you do get lost there will be some info for the rangers to go by - time you hiked in and your contact info and contact info of a relative or friend.

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