Fernweh

The Wave is a sandstone rock foundation in northern Arizona just south of the border with Utah. It is part of the Coyote Buttes North section of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and has some of the most incredible and unusual shapes and colors of sandstone to be found anywhere. Permits are required and very difficult to get.

While the “classic view” shown above gets top billing, and rightfully so, there are many other formations worth seeing. We spent about 6 hours hiking around the area once we arrived at The Wave. Be sure to bring plenty of water, a map, a GPS, etc., as this is a true wilderness; there are no facilities of any sort, and almost no signposts or other directions. It’s easy to get lost! From leaving our vehicle to returning, it was about 12 hours.

Although it’s tempting, especially after the long, dry hike in, to take a few pictures of the classic view of The Wave, check the box, and head home, don’t do it. Take a look around, pull out a different lens, and you’ll see amazing things in every direction.

Down a channel in the rocks from The Wave’s main bowl is this interesting and colorful view.

As the sun bounces off the rocks, the differing minerals and angles of the light create dramatically different colors in the rock. And everywhere you look are forms and shapes created by eons of wind and sand.

Second Wave

A short walk to the west is a formation referred to as Second Wave. It’s an especially beautiful image at sunset. Just note that if you do stay to take sunset images here, it’s a long walk back in the dark to where you parked your car. Be sure to bring a headlamp!