Exploring The Wave

I've been hanging out near Page, AZ for the last few days. I explored the Wave two days ago and it was awesome! It takes a 1.5 to 2 hour hike to get there and there is very little shade to shield you from the 95°+ afternoon heat. I started my trek at around 6:30am and didn't make it back to the car until 2:30pm and that wasn't enough time. The only reason I left before sunset was because someone told me that there was a 60% chance for a thunderstorm and the road becomes impassible after a rain. I'm glad I left when I did because I had just enough water to last the time I was out there.

In order to get into The Wave, you must get a permit. You have two choices; 1) sign up for a permit 7 months in advance (only 10 are available for each day), or 2) show up the day before you want to explore the wave and hope that no more than 10 people show up, otherwise they'll have a lottery to determine who gets a permit.

I'll be heading back to the Wave tomorrow. This time I'm going to start the hike in the afternoon and hang out until after sunset. My new GPS will be essential since it would be rather difficult to find my way out without being able to see landmarks far in the distance.

Right now I'm headed to Horseshoe Bend to scout for locations for tomorrow's sunrise and then will be exploring Alstom Point at sunset.

Comments

[Terry Chan]

Hey Ben,

I was there in July but couldn't make it because I didn't allow for enough time. I would definitely want to hear more abou t the details of preparing for the waves. Please write more prep info, things to bring, to watch out for, etc. Thanks.

[Ben Willmore]

Terry,

All you need are good hiking shoes, a lot of water (1 Gal) and some food. I'd also suggest bringing an extra water bottle and hiding it along the trail about 1/4 of the way from the beginning so you don't run out on the way back (that idea saved me). I'd also start the hike before sunrise so you don't get too hot on the way and you have great light once you get there.

The BLM office nearby has maps and photos that help you find the way to the Wave. The permit is only $5 and I was able to pick one up the day before, but if more than 10 people show up looking for permits, then they do a lottery to figure out who gets one because they will only give out 10 the day before and 10 seven months before via the internet.

-Ben