The Wave
The Wave is an iconic sandstone formation of swirling orange and pink ridges and troughs located along the joint of Arizona and Utah. Access requires a permit and careful planning. It’s best as part of a longer hike through Coyote Buttes — stay on trail to protect the fragile rock and check current conditions before you go.
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Geography
| Address | Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), Arizona & Utah, USACoyote Buttes North Trailhead |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Colorado Plateau |
| Subregion | Southwest United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | ArizonaUtah |
| County | Mohave County (AZ)Coconino County (AZ)Washington County (UT)San Juan County (UT) |
| District | Coyote Buttes |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 36.9992 |
| Longitude | -112.0069 |
| Maps |
12:52 PM LOCAL TIMEThe Wave is a breathtaking sandstone formation of ribboned orange and pink troughs and ridges, carved by eons of wind and water processes into striking, ripple-patterned surfaces. Located in Coyote Buttes along the Arizona–Utah border, it’s accessed via a race to secure a limited permit, with a strict lottery system and additional first-come, first-served quotas; a permits is essential before arriving. The formation itself is best experienced as part of a longer, trail-based hike across Coyote Buttes, which also reveals Navajo- and Wingate-style rock and lesser-known but equally compelling sub-features. Proper preparation—maps, hydration, layered clothing—is vital, as is respecting private land boundaries and fragile surfaces. While quick photos are common, the real reward is the sense of scale and the changing light over the sweeping curves and etched channels that shift with the sun and season.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:46 AM