Even if you don't get a wave permit, Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch are right there and those slot canyons are worth a visit. Just make sure the forecast is VERY dry for the entire Escalante region.
I just got back from backpacking Wire Pass to Lee's Ferry. I didn't go to the wave due to injury but there was a long line at the ranger station for next day permits. If you get there really early you might be one of the lucky 10 to get it.
Good luck and email me if you have more questions.
By all means, give it a shot! No need to arrive early, as the 'lucky 10' are drawn via a lottery.
Remember that the permits are good for the next day, not on the day they're drawn.
If that doesn't pan out and you have a 4 wheel drive, score a permit for Coyote Buttes South.
Did you pick up that book I recommended? There's a lot of scenic areas near Page worth visiting if you don't score at the Buttes.
Oh, yeah! I was there only for a map of Paria Canyon so I didn't pay much attention but that's right, it is a lottery. I just remember it being very crowded. Don't mind me and trust John, he knows better
I was in Buckskin Gulch last week and stopped by the ranger station. On their door they had posted the daily number of applications for walk-in permits for the previous 2 weeks. The numbers ranged from 50 to 80 per day! Keep in mind only ONE person in a group may apply for a permit lottery, so those numbers represent a LOT of people.
But stop by and throw in your name, I met a Russian couple that got a permit on their first try.
FYI: there were a number of low clearance, 2WD cars parked at the Wire Pass trailhead , but keep in mind the road conditions can change rapidly.
Kevin,
Just to clarify. There are 2 permit areas; North and South. The Wave is in the North Unit and it is that unit that most people stand in line for. If you are interested in the South Unit (which I think is just as interesting) tell them at the BLM office and they may issue you a permit on the spot. Much easier to get permits for the South Unit than the North unit.
If you do get a permit for the South Unit and decide to go in there make sure you have a good 4WD, know how to drive in deep sand, and get good maps. Many dirt roads out there and not too hard to take a wrong turn.
John, I did order that book, should have it next week I'm hoping.
I don't think I will have a 4wd, probabaly just a standard rental car. So will I be able to get into this area at all with that?
I would like to go and check it out even if I can't get a pass to the wave, but if my vehicle won't make it I don't want to burn up my time heading there.
Kevin,
From Kanab you take Hwy 89 East and turn South on House Rock Road. House Rock Road is a dirt road but is passable with most any vehicle...unless it is wet. Part of the road is clay and if it is wet it becomes impassable.
To go to the North Unit (The Wave) you drive down HRR for 8 miles, from Hwy 89, to Wire Pass TH. No problem for a rental car. If you want to go to the South Unit you continue South on HRR for another 11 miles then turn East on one of the sand roads. This is where you will need a good 4WD vehicle. Don't even think of trying it in a 2WD.
First, yeah, count yourself lucky if you're able to score a permit on a walk-in basis for the North Coyote Buttes area.
Second, if you think that you'll be in the area multiple days, you can keep going back (if you're patient, etc.). On your second day, you'll get to put your name in the hat twice; third day, three chances; and so on. (At least, this is the way they did it a couple of years ago...)
Third, the south coyote buttes area is very nice, too (but, I haven't made it to the north coyote buttes area - yet). As someone also wrote, if you can't score a permit for North, then ask about South, and you'll likely score a permit for the very same day because just about everyone is looking to go the Wave. IF you go to South Coyote Buttes, you'll likely have to park on House Rock Road and walk the last couple of miles in. About halfway between House Rock Road and the South Coyote Buttes area, the sand gets pretty deep and soft...
Or, you could rent a 4WD and go in the "back way" (Poverty Flat road with areas of deep sand). It's a shorter hike with many other features to shoot that are out of the permit area. Just browse around and you'll see. White pocket is another great area that's now "discovered" and only several miles away from Coyote Buttes(very deep sand and hills). No permits required --- yet. If the road is wet, you can always get to the Wirepass trailhead from the south since it's mostly gravel all the way. Also,if it's wet, the sand actually packs down and makes for very easy driving (and hiking). But, as mentioned above, DO NOT attempt it from the north if it's wet with any vehicle.
Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate all the information. I'm planning to stop in that area either way and see if I get lucky. I'm sure I can find things to shoot even if I can't get into the north area...
Discussion
13 repliesI'm wondering how hard it is to get into this area?
I thought of just trying for a day permit since my trip is coming up in 3 weeks and I don't have time to apply for a permit.
Any advice/suggestions for considering this hike are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Kevin
I wasn't sure what I could do without the permit, sounds like either way it's worth stopping in and checking out the area.
Good luck and email me if you have more questions.
Remember that the permits are good for the next day, not on the day they're drawn.
If that doesn't pan out and you have a 4 wheel drive, score a permit for Coyote Buttes South.
Did you pick up that book I recommended? There's a lot of scenic areas near Page worth visiting if you don't score at the Buttes.
But stop by and throw in your name, I met a Russian couple that got a permit on their first try.
FYI: there were a number of low clearance, 2WD cars parked at the Wire Pass trailhead
Just to clarify. There are 2 permit areas; North and South. The Wave is in the North Unit and it is that unit that most people stand in line for. If you are interested in the South Unit (which I think is just as interesting) tell them at the BLM office and they may issue you a permit on the spot. Much easier to get permits for the South Unit than the North unit.
If you do get a permit for the South Unit and decide to go in there make sure you have a good 4WD, know how to drive in deep sand, and get good maps. Many dirt roads out there and not too hard to take a wrong turn.
Jim
John, I did order that book, should have it next week I'm hoping.
I don't think I will have a 4wd, probabaly just a standard rental car. So will I be able to get into this area at all with that?
I would like to go and check it out even if I can't get a pass to the wave, but if my vehicle won't make it I don't want to burn up my time heading there.
From Kanab you take Hwy 89 East and turn South on House Rock Road. House Rock Road is a dirt road but is passable with most any vehicle...unless it is wet. Part of the road is clay and if it is wet it becomes impassable.
To go to the North Unit (The Wave) you drive down HRR for 8 miles, from Hwy 89, to Wire Pass TH. No problem for a rental car. If you want to go to the South Unit you continue South on HRR for another 11 miles then turn East on one of the sand roads. This is where you will need a good 4WD vehicle. Don't even think of trying it in a 2WD.
Jim
Thanks Jim, I definitely appreciate the information!!
I want to echo and amplify some of the comments.
First, yeah, count yourself lucky if you're able to score a permit on a walk-in basis for the North Coyote Buttes area.
Second, if you think that you'll be in the area multiple days, you can keep going back (if you're patient, etc.). On your second day, you'll get to put your name in the hat twice; third day, three chances; and so on. (At least, this is the way they did it a couple of years ago...)
Third, the south coyote buttes area is very nice, too (but, I haven't made it to the north coyote buttes area - yet). As someone also wrote, if you can't score a permit for North, then ask about South, and you'll likely score a permit for the very same day because just about everyone is looking to go the Wave. IF you go to South Coyote Buttes, you'll likely have to park on House Rock Road and walk the last couple of miles in. About halfway between House Rock Road and the South Coyote Buttes area, the sand gets pretty deep and soft...
Good luck,
Tim!
Kevin