Monday, October 4, 2021
Olivia: The Wave -- October 4, 2021
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The Wave
Have you all seen this iconic photo and wondered what it was all about or whether you could visit?
The Wave is the premier photographic destination in the US Southwest.
It is located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Utah-Arizona border. In addition to The Wave, Coyote Buttes North contains many other spectacular rock formations. These include The Second Wave, The Alcove, Top Rock Arch, Melody Arch and the Grotto, Sand Cove, and Fatali's Boneyard.
The Wave is best photographed from mid-morning to early afternoon so as to minimize the extensive shadows; the other areas listed above are best photographed mid-late afternoon.
A permit issued by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is required to see The Wave.
Only 64 people per day (48 on-line and 16 walk-in) are allowed in the area and demand far exceeds supply. During the most popular months (April, May, September, October) there can be over 300 people applying for the sixteen walk-in daily permits. In the other months you usually have much less than a 50% chance of getting one at the daily lottery. Your chances are better if you're going alone, or in December - February.
A six-mile round trip hike in required to get to The Wave.
Since there is no trail to The Wave you should be able to use a map and compass or GPS to help with navigation. The BLM provides a map with your permit and instructions on getting to The Wave, and there are a small number of cairns on the way.
Over the past five years five people have died on the way to/from The Wave.
If you are not sure about your navigation skills I strongly suggest you hike in with a guide or a friend with these skills. Do not go alone. If you use a GPS be sure to mark the Wirepass trailhead and other key points along the route. Stay with your party. Four of the five fatalities were heat related, so if you go in the warmer months bring plenty of water, at least four liters, and preferably more.
While in Utah this past summer, our middle granddaughter, Olivia, entered her name in the lottery for a permit.
She won. LOL.
She scored a permit for herself and one adult. The permit is good for one day, which just happens to be this Saturday, October 9, 2021. So, Olivia and her dad will be flying to Utah on Friday, driving to the site and hiking "the wave."
In kindergarten, she entered one of those
crazy contests in which one wins a prize for guessing the number of
"candy corn" candies in the jar. She won.