"Wave" in December

I just received the great news that my lottery date was selected for the opportunity to walk into the Wave in mid December.

I live in Oregon and would appreciate any information on what I should prepare myself for in hiking to the Wave.

Weather conditions, difficulty of the hike, do you need a GPS for this hike, or any other helpful suggestions will be very appreciated in planning for this trip.

Larry Geddis

I havent hiked The Wave in December but I have in November and April. From my experience the fall/winter time frame is more enjoyable. The only thing I would prepare for is cold, when it gets windy out there (which it does) it can get pretty cold. The hike its self is pretty easy, no need for a GPS. The documentation the BLM gives you is sufficient. Just take your camera and have a good time. Enjoy!

andy

If you can spend an extra day there, I'd highly recommend a hike into Buckskin Gulch, which starts at the same trail head. Just go as far as time (or mudholes) permit. A day-use fee is required, but no permit needed.

It's not too difficult a hike if you're in relatively good shape. Rated as 'moderate', I believe. Leaving at sunrise or shortly afterward is recommended. Average high temp. in December is around 40°-50° with lows in the teens. On a sunny day with the near zero humidity, this can be pleasantly warm. Dress/layer accordingly. You'll need at least a high clearance vehicle for the long drive to the trailhead. Make sure it's in tip-top condition. A professional tow will be very expensive!
Always prepare for a worst case scenario. You'll be close to the middle of nowhere with no cell phone access at all and no help for dozens of miles. Bring enough water and food for a full day out there (esp. water in this ultra dry environment), a small first aid kit, a lightweight 'bivy' type shelter (e.g. ultra light 'space' blanket), a hiking staff and a flashlight/headlight of some type. A lot of folks stay out there 'til late afternoon, so hiking back in the early evening is common. You may not 'need' a GPS unit, but the BLM provides coordinates for key landmarks along the route, and if it gets dark on you during your return, it may be helpful.
Best of luck and light!

Too get to the Wire Pass trailhead you do not need a high clearance vehicle as John states, I have done it a few times in a car no problem.

There is one sandy spot coming from the north near Buckskin Gulch that has captured a few 2WD vehicles, but a 2wd can make it through. Likely, wet sand or being frozen on a winter morning will make it an easy passage. The BLM office should be able to give you a conditions report about the time of your trip. Have a great trip.

From the BLM site:
"Road Conditions on BLM Road 1065-House Rock Valley from Highway 89 to Stateline Campground is not maintained. High clearance 4-wheel drive or AWD vehicles are highly suggested to navigate rough, rocky and sandy roads. Impassable when wet."

Yeah, it can be done with a passenger car under ideal conditions, but I've also seen folks stuck out there with those cars. Agree that 4WD is unnecessary. The BLM office in Kanab will give you accurate info. on current conditions. That's an awful long way to drive to find out that you can't even make it into the trailhead.

I'll second Johns recommendation of a GPS. Also, when I visited there I was able to easily navigate the road to the trailhead in a sedan, but the road conditions were ideal (dry) at the time.