New Mobile Permit Process for The Wave in Arizona

Applying for one of the coveted daily permits to hike the sandstone rock formations of The Wave in northern Arizona is about to become more convenient, however, there is a requirement. You will still need to be in the general area to apply.

Starting March 15, the Bureau of Land Management will transition from in-person lottery applications at the Kanab visitor center to a mobile-based system utilizing geofence technology. This new method ensures that applicants are physically present in the designated area when submitting their applications for the limited daily permits available.

What is The Wave?

Coyote Buttes North, located in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument just south of the Utah border, is known for its unique, flowing rock formations. To preserve this delicate environment from excessive use, the Bureau of Land Management mandates that a permit is required to experience this incredible geological feature formed by years of erosion.

Securing a permit, however, presents challenges that are almost as strenuous as the 6.4-mile round-trip hike itself, which traverses a rugged wilderness area devoid of cell phone service.

The Bureau of Land Management allocates only 48 permits through its advanced lottery system, alongside an additional 16 daily permits. Although these figures represent an increase from previous years—where only 20 advance and 10 daily permits were issued—the demand continues to be substantial. Since the late 1980s, applications for permits have soared; in 2018 alone, over 200,000 individuals vied for the slightly more than 7,300 permits issued annually.

How the New Mobile Lottery Works

The new mobile-based lottery enhances accessibility; therefore, if you are traveling through Southern Utah or Northern Arizona, you can easily apply for a permit without needing to physically visit the office. One member of your group can apply from within the geofence and collect the permit from the designated offices in Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona during the specified times.

It is important to note that the mobile geofence lottery exclusively pertains to the daily lottery system. The advanced lottery, which occurs four months ahead of the desired hiking date, will still operate as usual via recreation.gov.

Steps to Secure a Daily Permit

Prior to applying for the permit, ensure you are physically prepared for the demanding terrain and can navigate in a wilderness setting without cellular service.

Your first requirement is a mobile device; desktop or laptop computers will not be accepted for this application. Applications must be submitted two days before your planned hiking date, between 6 AM and 6 PM Utah time, from within the geofenced area using the designated mobile application.

The geofence includes locations such as Page, Greenhaven, Marble Canyon, and Kanab in Utah, as well as several spots in Arizona including Jacob Lake and the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation.

Winners of the lottery are notified by 7:15 PM Utah time. If selected, you will need to collect the permit at 8 AM the following day and attend a mandatory safety briefing at 8:30 AM to prepare for the hike.

The cost to enter the lottery is $9, with an additional fee of $7 per person or dog if awarded a permit.

Alternative Hiking Spot: The New Wave

If you are in Northern Arizona, consider exploring “The New Wave,” a nearby location offering similar rock formations on a shorter and less demanding hike that does not require offline navigation.

The 1.25-mile trail begins at the Beehives Campground Trailhead in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, near Page, Arizona. While it may not boast the same recognition as its famed counterpart, it does not require a permit, offers an “easy” hiking rating, and presents an opportunity to admire stunning geological formations.

Remember, the sandstone formations are delicate, so make sure to adhere to staying on the designated paths and abide by Leave No Trace principles.

You might also explore Horseshoe Bend or tour Antelope Canyon located on nearby Navajo land for a more comprehensive outdoor adventure.