Okay, so I finally have an opportunity to photograph The Wave. I'm going to be travelling from Salt Lake to Phoenix in September and have 1 day to kill. A situation comes up here at work that precludes me from getting onto the BLM site until 7 minutes after they open the permits for September and they're all #$#^%%^^## sold out!
Anyone out there have any tips on how to beat the system? Other than getting a job that's less restrictive, I mean.
Failing that, how bout some data on Coyote Buttes south.
Last I heard you can't get walk-in permits for Coyote Buttes South anymore. You may want to reserve them online. I haven't explored there much but in my opinion and based on others' insight it is as good if not better than the north unit, just not as well known.
You will need a 4wd vehicle and be prepared to negotiate some sandy roads (bring a shovel in case you need to dig out).
Here's the somewhat intimidating description on the BLM site:
"The South Unit is accessible from 4WD jeep roads around its south and east edges on the Paria Plateau, of which Coyote Buttes is a part. These roads are difficult at best and definitely require four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles--the main difficulty being deep sand. There are hardly any direction or location signs so visitors need to have maps and be able to navigate with them. The South Unit includes the Paw Hole and Cottonwood Cove areas all below and to the south of Top Rock. There are many rock outcrops here with textures and erosional features similar to those found in the North Unit, and with as delicate a character."
Bill,
Jackson Bridges ((928) 691-0595), a Page, AZ, photographer takes other photogs to some of the more remote areas in Coyote Buttes South (as well as other areas). He is a great guy, affordable, and if you go with him he will drive and you wont' need to worry about getting stuck. If you go to South he will probably suggest "The Place".
Also, re The Wave, I have hiked there many times and on most occasions have gone into the BLM office the morning before to get one of their "Walk-In" permits. Have scored every time (although I usually go Nov - Mar)! If you do by chance miss the permit for Coyote Buttes North, you can still park at the Wire Pass TH then hike down the wash for a couple miles for some great canyon shooting. (Be sure to check for the possibility of flash floods prior to venturing out).
If you need more info, please feel free to call my cell 303 591-2232.
Just called the Kanab BLM office. The system remains as it has been for years. They still issue up to 10 walk-in permits per day on the day before. If more than 10 people show up they do a lottery. Also, if they do not issue all 10 pemits for the following day you can actually get permits same day if available.
Thanks folks for the input. Sadly, I won't be able to be there the morning before but I may take a chance and show up the day of. In the meantime I sprang for a permit for the South area and have managed to come upon some pretty neat images of that part of the Buttes so whatever happens it won't be a total loss.
Jim, I think this is true for the north unit, but no longer the case for the south unit. I haven't seen this announced anywhere but just relaying information from others who tried.
I talked to the ranger last week at the Paria station who said there has never been walk-in permits for CB South as there wasn't enough demand. Now that more people are going to CB South, walk-in permits may be starting soon. Check with the Kanab BLM office (435--644-4600) for the most up-to-date info.
The walk-in permits are for the following day. You show up by 9:00 a.m. to be part of the lottery for the following day's permits. If there are openings on the day you're there for the lottery, you could get a permit for that day also.
September can still be really hot for Coyote Buttes. October, November, and even December might be a better time.
I'm thinking of doing CB South on Columbus Day weekend. Permits won't be available till July 1. If anyone is interested in joining me, please let me know.
Discussion
8 repliesAnyone out there have any tips on how to beat the system? Other than getting a job that's less restrictive, I mean.
Failing that, how bout some data on Coyote Buttes south.
Bill,
Last I heard you can't get walk-in permits for Coyote Buttes South anymore. You may want to reserve them online. I haven't explored there much but in my opinion and based on others' insight it is as good if not better than the north unit, just not as well known.
You will need a 4wd vehicle and be prepared to negotiate some sandy roads (bring a shovel in case you need to dig out).
Guy
"The South Unit is accessible from 4WD jeep roads around its south and east edges on the Paria Plateau, of which Coyote Buttes is a part. These roads are difficult at best and definitely require four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles--the main difficulty being deep sand. There are hardly any direction or location signs so visitors need to have maps and be able to navigate with them. The South Unit includes the Paw Hole and Cottonwood Cove areas all below and to the south of Top Rock. There are many rock outcrops here with textures and erosional features similar to those found in the North Unit, and with as delicate a character."
Guy
Jackson Bridges ((928) 691-0595), a Page, AZ, photographer takes other photogs to some of the more remote areas in Coyote Buttes South (as well as other areas). He is a great guy, affordable, and if you go with him he will drive and you wont' need to worry about getting stuck. If you go to South he will probably suggest "The Place".
Also, re The Wave, I have hiked there many times and on most occasions have gone into the BLM office the morning before to get one of their "Walk-In" permits. Have scored every time (although I usually go Nov - Mar)! If you do by chance miss the permit for Coyote Buttes North, you can still park at the Wire Pass TH then hike down the wash for a couple miles for some great canyon shooting. (Be sure to check for the possibility of flash floods prior to venturing out).
If you need more info, please feel free to call my cell 303 591-2232.
Jim
Jim
Guy
The walk-in permits are for the following day. You show up by 9:00 a.m. to be part of the lottery for the following day's permits. If there are openings on the day you're there for the lottery, you could get a permit for that day also.
September can still be really hot for Coyote Buttes. October, November, and even December might be a better time.
I'm thinking of doing CB South on Columbus Day weekend. Permits won't be available till July 1. If anyone is interested in joining me, please let me know.
Th
I stand corrected. Thanks for the correction. I was just thinking of the North unit not the South. Live and learn.
Jim