Only 64 people per day are allowed to hike this Arizona landmark.
The rock has been eroded by the wind to resemble an ocean wave.
The permit provides access to the entire geofenced Coyote Buttes North area, which contains The Wave.
Credit: Justin Reznick/Getty Images
The Wave is located on the border ofArizonaand Utah and accessible only by foot.
The advance lottery opens four months prior to the date of your prospective hike.
To enter either lottery costs $6 per group.
Getty Images
If you win the lottery, it’s another $7 per person for the permit.
For example, applications must be filed in January for a trip in May.
Entering the Daily Lottery
Permits granted through the daily lottery are offered two days in advance.
Getty Images
These must be secured through theRecreation.gov mobile siteorappand can’t be obtained with a desktop computer.
To apply for the daily lottery, you must be within acertain boundary set by the BLM.
The day after that, you’re free to explore The Wave and Coyote Buttes North.
BSTPhotography/Getty Images
Tips for Hiking The Wave
The weather can make or break your Wave experience.
Many people are unprepared for how hot this region gets.
No matter what time of year you go, you’ll have to be weather-conscious.
double-check you pack three liters of water at minimum, and wear plenty of sun protection.
The trail is not marked, and you most likely won’t have cell service near The Wave.
All hikers are required to attend a safety briefing, which includes navigation.
During that meeting, hikers are reminded of the fragility of the area.
It also requires a permit, but theCoyote Buttes South lotteryis much less competitive.
Also nearby is Wire Pass, a slot canyon that looks almost like the famedAntelope Canyonin Page, Arizona.