The Wave Tour guides you through one of the most photographed, visually surreal, and world-renowned geologic formations in the Southwestern United States.
Until a few decades ago only a handful of people knew about the Wave in North Coyote Buttes of the Paria Canyon Wilderness on the border of Utah and Arizona. Today there is a lottery to determine who gets in. Phenomenon is the word. Nothing else does it justice.
The undulating strata and spectrum of colors found in the sandstone walls of the Wave date back to the Great Pangean Desert of the Jurassic Period about 160-180 million years ago. Wind and water erosion carves, smooths, and reveals the layers of sand left here in great dunes and then compacted and mineralized (colors) into stone. While the Wave is a smooth, polished bowl of striped wind-swept sandstone, the same exotic rock is displayed in numerous forms, shapes, colors, and patterns throughout the guided hike to the Wave in North Coyote Buttes.
Get the most of your Wave experience! If you are lucky enough to get your paws on a permit to hike the 6-8 miles of Coyote Buttes North and the Wave, consider The Wave Tour guided by Dreamland Safari Tours.
With the Wave Tour you get all of the following:
1. Comfortable, safe, year-round, high clearance, 4×4 transportation for up to 6 passengers on rough, unpredictable House Rock Valley Road
2. Area Orientation, maps, and ideas for DIY adventures.
3. A homemade picnic lunch.
4. Knowledgeable tidbits about the geology, ecology, and history of the area. Guided Hiking through the easiest and most scenic routes to the neatest alternate and subtle Points of Interest including Dinosaur Tracks and bizarre colorful rock formations and hoodoos.
5. Guided photography and tips at dozens of locations.
6. Personal Safety- We help prepare you, keep you on track, and make sure you are safe in the Paria Canyon Wilderness. Our guides carry a Medical Certifications and satellite communications in case of emergency.
8hrs. Adults $185, Children 15 or under $92.50. Not Recommended for small children. Not Recommended for the elderly (75+). Please note that ignoring these recommendations and the harsh realities of the Wave hike, especially in Summer, could lead to serious injury or even death. If in doubt of age and abilities DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS TOUR. Not only will you be taking serious risks, but you will also negatively affect the outing for the others on the tour.
Hiking Difficulty 1-10: 7
Elevation change, uneven footing, and sand make the terrain on The Wave Tour more difficult and the distances are some of our longest at around 8 miles. Please be prepared for hiking in the sun in general. Daypacks are necessary especially in Summer when our guide alone cannot carry enough water for everyone to safely complete the hike. Boots are highly recommended. Please carefully consider your age and physical abilities especially during the hottest months of the year: June, July, August. This tour is especially difficult in the heat.
SPECIAL PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE WAVE TOUR AT NORTH COYOTE BUTTES. DREAMLAND DOES NOT PROVIDE ADVANCE PERMITS OR HAVE AN UMBRELLA PERMIT. ONLY OUR GUIDES ARE COVERED BY OUR PERMIT. WHEN OBTAINING PERMITS ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO ADD OUR GUIDES TO THE TOTAL NUMBER. IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, UPON REQUEST, AND WITH AN ALTERNATE TOUR PLANNED, DREAMLAND MAY BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE LOTTERY IN YOUR STEAD. THIS IS PROVIDED AS A COURTESY TO OUR GUESTS ONLY WHEN STAFF IS AVAILABLE. PERMITS ARE NEVER GUARANTEED.
Wave Permits are not easy to get, but odds can vary at different times of year. To find out about everything you need to know about Wave permits and lottery strategy check out the Dreamland Safari Tour Guide Blog. Also explained in the blog is alternative tour planning in case no permit is obtained. The most popular alternatives are White Pocket and South Coyote Buttes or combination.
To add on another 1 hour and see another nearby favorite try our Wave/Wire Pass Combo Tour. The White Pocket/South Coyote Buttes Combination Tour is the rest of the package to round out the best of the Paria Canyon Wilderness/Vermilion Cliffs on Day 2. It is also a great alternative to the Wave.
****Please do not book online if you are a single unless you have consulted us first. We have a two adult passenger minimum. It works much better if you call us or send us an email to discuss your options and what tours are running during your date window. Please see our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE #4 for more information.****
