The Wave in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

[ProCaliberTraveler]

This weekend I won the lottery for a day-use permit at The Wave in Coyote Buttes in the northern part of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. My permit will be good for Friday, January 13, 2023. Now that the initial excitement has died down, I realize this will take a bit of planning.

So, I'm wondering anyone here has any advice regarding a suitable vehicle, hiking there, their experience at The Wave or within Coyote Buttes, etc. I have read that the hike to The Wave is a strenuous 6.5 mile journey one way. What can I expect along the way? My only car is a Toyota Camry, so I assume I'll have to rent a high-clearance vehicle in Kanab, UT because apparently the road leading up to the trailhead is rough and non-maintained.

I have driven along the southern border of Vermillion Cliffs a few years on my way to the Grand Canyon, also in January. I did notice some snow on the ground then. Is snow common on the northern side of Vermillion Cliffs?

Thanks in advance!

 

[JimFox]

The road has a few rough spots, but I have seen all sorts of cars drive out there. What you have to watch out for is rain, and if it rains even much at all you might not want to go out there even in a 4x4 as the road can get really slick as part of it is clay. You can never go wrong with a 4x4, but you definitely don't need a high clearance 4x4, and old SUV would do. And as I said I have seen Outbacks, and all sorts of small sedans drive the road. If you come from the south the worst part is some wash board sections. And there is some of that too from the north. It's easier to get to it from the south in my estimation.

Now that's only in reference to getting to the parking and trailhead for the Wave.

Anything else in Coyotte Buttes needs 4x4 for sure. Sometimes needing the tires to be aired down. Though I will say I have been there in January, and as long as you have 4x4 with offroad tires it's easier to drive as long as you know how to drive in packed snow. It makes all the sandy parts easier.

As an aside, I didn't like the Wave in the winter. I thought it would be cool with the snow, as the snow contrasts so much with the red rock, like in Bryce for example. But in this case, the snow disrupted so many of the cool sweeping lines of the Wave. So personally, I wouldn't go again in the winter.

The hike in is brutal, and tough even for experienced hikers. The trail is marked so much better then it used to be. It used to be so easy to get off the trail, it required constant vigilance. Now they have better signs, and they also have a printout with gps coordinates, and photos of every turn of the trail.

For sure ask any questions you have.

 

[Kyle Jones]

I didn't think that the hike was that bad at all. I'm pretty sure it is 6.5 miles round trip (not each way).

 

[Kyle Jones]

And I agree with Jim about the road. If it is dry then any car will do.

If you need a guide for your group let me know - I'd be happy to join you

 

[ProCaliberTraveler]

The road has a few rough spots, but I have seen all sorts of cars drive out there. What you have to watch out for is rain, and if it rains even much at all you might not want to go out there even in a 4x4 as the road can get really slick as part of it is clay. You can never go wrong with a 4x4, but you definitely don't need a high clearance 4x4, and old SUV would do. And as I said I have seen Outbacks, and all sorts of small sedans drive the road. If you come from the south the worst part is some wash board sections. And there is some of that too from the north. It's easier to get to it from the south in my estimation.

Now that's only in reference to getting to the parking and trailhead for the Wave.

Anything else in Coyotte Buttes needs 4x4 for sure. Sometimes needing the tires to be aired down. Though I will say I have been there in January, and as long as you have 4x4 with offroad tires it's easier to drive as long as you know how to drive in packed snow. It makes all the sandy parts easier.

As an aside, I didn't like the Wave in the winter. I thought it would be cool with the snow, as the snow contrasts so much with the red rock, like in Bryce for example. But in this case, the snow disrupted so many of the cool sweeping lines of the Wave. So personally, I wouldn't go again in the winter.

The hike in is brutal, and tough even for experienced hikers. The trail is marked so much better then it used to be. It used to be so easy to get off the trail, it required constant vigilance. Now they have better signs, and they also have a printout with gps coordinates, and photos of every turn of the trail.

For sure ask any questions you have.

All great points, Jim. Thanks! I’ll definitely keep an eye on weather reports in the weeks leading up to the trip.

 

[ProCaliberTraveler]

And I agree with Jim about the road. If it is dry then any car will do.

If you need a guide for your group let me know - I'd be happy to join you

So you’re right. I must have misunderstood the distance on Recreation.gov. In that case, it shouldn’t be too difficult for me.

Kyle, can I take you up on your offer? That’s very kind of you.

 

[Kyle Jones]

So you’re right. I must have misunderstood the distance on Recreation.gov. In that case, it shouldn’t be too difficult for me.

Kyle, can I take you up on your offer? That’s very kind of you.

Dead serious... if you have room for another on your reservation I'd love to go back