The Wave: What They Don't Tell You

[@cheeseborger2]

Three years ago I was headed to Buckskin Gulch which shares the initial trailhead with the wave. I was by myself when I was asked by a group of five if I would like to join them to the wave. They had a 6 person permit and only 5 showed up. I promptly said hell yes. Turns out they where from about 20 miles from my home town which was 1500 miles away. After the initial hike thru the wash there are some kind of steep hills to go over nothing too bad but 2 of the group dropped out at that point. I really think they thought it would be flatter terrain. Once you get over the last rise you will see a marker at which point you head to your left. Always keep an eye in the distant hill/mountain for a vertical crevice. We called it the butt crack, at the base of this is were you begin to hike up to the wave. The hike up is kind of difficult in deep sand but doable. Everyone in the group was mid fifty to mid sixty. Well worth the hike unbelievable scenery. I still cant believe how I was exactly in the right place at the right time to meet these wonderful people

[@sherigraham3873]

I don't believe in coincidences ❤️.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

I am 67 years young, I restrict my hiking in the deserts east of San Diego, CA. With only a 1% chance of seeing this amazing natural formation is slim, I am so glad y'all gave me this opportunity to see this, great video, thank you so much!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome! Thanks for commenting.

[@GlennSSmith]

I too am 67 and, although it was a bit challenging at points, I made it to and from The Wave with relative effort.

[@arunphillips6977]

This is literally the best video and information packed upload I have ever seen on this magical area...just perfect job guys!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks a bunch for the kudos and thanks for the feedback!

[@linsun6650]

Absolutely agree

[@kevindavis5310]

Great adventure. I tried for a permit for 2 1/2 years. I won and got to hike the Wave in July 2019. Well worth the wait.

[@sherigraham3873]

Was it roasting hot 🥵? Just wondering.

[@frankstark3036]

Yes, it’s beautiful but what I consider outstanding is all the information you’ve given. Soooo much more than any other site out there and it’s extremely useful. Can’t wait to go and I’ll be certain to bring this video with me. It’s like having my own private guided tour.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for the kudos and thanks for commenting!

[@elli003]

Absolutely the most comprehensive visual guide on this subject, complete with all the options available. Bravo ! Quite a production !

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mandycleezehappyhour4238]

At minute 34:00 I burst into tears, I could no longer bear the breathtaking magnificence and beauty of this special, special place that I'll likely never get to see with my own eyes (I'm not sure I have 22 years left to wait for a permit...) I would never want to leave...

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad you enjoyed the tour. If this kind of scenery moves you, you may wish to watch our other videos, such as nearby Buckskin Gulch kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIbIYZyofauIqpY flying over the Grand Canyon kzbin.info/www/bejne/emebpIaFgbB2l8U or a walk thru St. George's Snow Canyon kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4PUlJ6ubpJkmrM Enjoy!

[@maryannwolf-redmond6236]

There’s no stores there

[@davidkaplan2745]

You keep out-doing yourself! Your videos are getting better and better. Thanks for this most informative and beautiful guide.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for the positive feedback!

[@bayer54]

So amazing ! My hike is at 6 am and now I am just watching your video ! I did get a guide ! Thank you !! The hike of my lifetime is finally gonna happen !!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome. Hope your tour went well.

[@susannahhunt2735]

This was so wonderful to revisit the whole process from planning, lottery, getting there, parking and hiking there to exploring it. We have been lucky enough to visit The Wave twice, in 2009 and 2010 being daily lottery winners both times. It was a hike and dream of a life time. We hiked it in August in crazy heat but we didn't see a soul both times and have the most incredible photographs of Wave and Wave 2 and surrounding areas and buttes. I agree it is far too accessible now-64 people a day will certainly damage it. We took our boots off and walked around the delicate sandstone in our socks! Thank you for sharing your joy. We were on vacation from the UK and fulfilled the dream of a lifetime!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for commenting!

[@sarahlouise7163]

so, you are concerned there are too many visitors? why did you visit twice? why not let someone else go?

[@stephenhall5694]

You are so concerned about damage, yet you personally go two years in a row?? I guess your golden feet don’t cause damage as you float across the landscape. While everyone else’s feet are terrible. Horribly selfish and short-sighted.

[@heatlifer65]

Wow, what a great video. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Just amazing! The wave is now on the top of my bucket list.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for commenting!

[@fredbenjamin7072]

We are very fortunate to have won a lottery spot for our group of 6 friends and will be at the Wave hike in a few days. I’ve watched MANY You Tube videos in preparation and yours was by far the most useful, with excellent production values, very comprehensive, including information that helped me understand GAIA GPS-Wave map now successfully downloaded to my phone. Thank you so much!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're very welcome and thanks for commenting!

[@tglass0000]

This is my fave BRW video and the most definitive on The Wave I’ve ever seen. The graphics are so on point that even aliens from another Galaxy would be able to find their way to The Wave. I did win the on-site lottery for this hike many years ago, but wifey didn’t, so I gave my ticket to someone else. Hope we can both make this trip soon!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks a bunch for the kudos! The Wave will be there for a while, so I'm sure you'll make it there some day. There's also plenty of other fantastic things to see in that neck of the woods.

[@markusschmied2237]

I'm speechless in the face of this meticulous account! I'm certain this is the best, most accurate, and most detailed rendering of a Wave hike I've ever come across! Thanks a bunch! Do you happen to know about the chances to win a permit for Coyote Buttes South as an alternative to the Wave? I hear the odds are significantly better... like how much?

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you much! I'm lucky to be close friends with a tour guide that goes there often, as well as Coyote Buttes South, so I have a lot of info. Our plans is to create a similar tour of South soon. One of us has a knee injury, so that has to mend first. I checked for permits last month on South and there seemed to be plenty. You have have to look at recreation.gov and see. Hopefully you've seen our tour of nearby Buckskin Gulch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIbIYZyofauIqpY

[@MrRiffraf]

You deserve an award for that video. Fantastic!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks a bunch! Your comment is award enough ;-)

[@raymondmorentin9556]

Great video!!!! I just entered the lottery last month and won a permit for September!! First time trying it!!! I am pumped!! A lot of information In this video.. can’t wait to go hike it!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you! Enjoy the hike and thanks for commenting.

[@reneekroyer5104]

The beauty and color is spectacular; how anybody can think there is no God who created such beauty is deceiving themselves. Thank you so much for posting this video as we are no longer able to do such hikes. I wish I knew about this place 30 years ago. Scenery is just other worldly beautiful. Just wondering if you've ever run into a rattlesnake on hikes like these? We have done a lot of hiking in Utah and Arizona but have never once seen a rattlesnake. (Very happy about that, too. lol)

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for the kind comments! Part of our inspiration for creating videos like this are for people that can't go here and is the reason why we call them "virtual" video tours. There are many places in the Southwest that God and Mother Nature did their best work and we plan on visiting and hopefully creating video tours of many of them. Enjoy!

[@reneekroyer5104]

@@BackRoadsWest1 Thank you, I will watch all I can find. I watched 4 today so far. lol Love them and sharing with other friends and family. God bless you guys.

[@LaMarAzura]

Wow! Wow! and Thanks!!!!! for such a detailed wonderful guided tour of this WAVE!!! My husband has been nagging me to go to see Zion National Park this year. I have been saying no, no, & no! He was geologist in his younger times. He is now senior but his younger heart still wants to explore this fascinating nature's formation. I spot this journey clip today brought him to watch together with me. He is emotionally overwhelmed in enjoyments. I think your video is superior than any other professionally made movie guide for such. Your view of the angle, clear narrative, And caution with matching background music that comes with are nothing but big 5 ***** and more. And I think your video quenched my husband's desire to go Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand hopefully no more nagging me to go to see Zion National Park this year!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad you found the video useful. Make sure you see Zion's eastern entrance too as there is lots of similar sandstone features found there too. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5C9dYqpec2be6M Thanks for commenting!

[@Michael-fr3xc]

Another incredible and detailed guide. You're doing a great service, even for those who can't physically do the hike. Thank you!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're very welcome and I'm glad I was able to take you there virtually. Thanks for commenting.

[@justlookin3]

What a remarkable and informative video. Thanks for sharing your insights and information for downloading the maps I have watched several wave adventures and all have different colors and times of the year. Rain seems to be awesome and uncomfortable with remarkable colors. Obviously, you can’t predict the conditions you will have. I appreciate that you included us on your trip. Thanks, I subscribed to see where you’re going and where you have been.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for the kudos! Glad you enjoyed the tour.

[@adassociates8235]

You are the best of showing detail of whatever you go, love all of your videos, keep up good works🇺🇸👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸👍

[@TheLadyinNavy]

Wow, the best thorough video about the Wave. Thank you for all the details. I am dreaming like others to be there one day. Hope the wonderful visuals and memories last a lifetime.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for your wonderful comment. Naturally, there's nothing like being there, but our hopes is that our video can "almost" take you there. Hopefully you can get there some day.

[@tinhtrinh3537]

Unbelievable detail and concise instruction! This video is a MUST watch before even thinking about visiting this iconic site. THANK YOU!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the kind words. Thanks also for commenting!

[@joeoutabout2947]

I was applying for the permit and the web site has a video to watch on KZbin. When it was over, your video popped up. This is an awesome video. Very helpful in planning my trip, if I get the permit.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you for commenting. Hopefully you have a great time and able to visit most of the features when you go.

[@enrique1777]

Excellent, excellent information!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you!

[@fredbenjamin7072]

Thank you for producing this excellent video! We are going this spring. This information will be invaluable. Your pictures and video are very well done and make me even more excited about our trip!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for commenting. Glad it was helpful!

[@jnordman86]

Great video, I'll return to it before doing the wave...whenever I make it through lottery. I almost wrote the video off when it implied it could rival the real thing! Glad I watched!

[@AfterAnotherAdventure]

Excellent job on presentation. Mapping graphics well thought out. Thanks for taking the time on putting this together.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the kind comments!

[@owenphil]

Simply stunning video, thanks so much for your excellent work, it’s clearly a labor of love. If I may respectfully submit, I would have hoped for just a little bit more emphasis on the heat related dangers of this area during the warmer months. A friend of mine, a colleague at work for 20 years, died there in July 2018. A terribly tragic ending to what was to be a dream vacation in the American southwest with his wife and son. There have been other fatalities there, articles are easy to find on the web. Also, less importantly, I was hoping to hear a mention of the writings of Edward Abbey. His descriptions of the Utah and Arizona back country in books like Desert Solitaire and Black Sun, are truly exceptional ; and contain information which could help people survive in these environments. Sincere thanks again for your wonderful camera work and commentary here, it was a real pleasure to vicariously visit the Wave and nearby rabbit holes with you.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for commenting Owen and I'm glad you enjoyed the tour. I'd like to cover a whole lot more, but this has been my longest video to date. I try to keep them in the 10-20 minute range. This was 46. We almost left out the section covering the best time to hike. I'm sorry to hear about your friend's tragic death. It is easy to underestimate Mother Nature's wrath, both the weather and the landscape. I'll bet more deaths per capita occur at The Wave as compared to nearby Angels Landing in Zion. As mentioned in the video, visiting places like The Wave and other open areas are not recommended in the summer months.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

So sad for your loss, but as I say in my desert adventures, one MUST know the dangers.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

@@BackRoadsWest1 ALL of my desert adventures come with a warning, one MUST know what they are getting into.

[@owenphil]

@@ridealongwithrandy Wholeheartedly agree with you. It’s fairly clear that my friend underestimated the risks of heat danger. He paid the ultimate price. He was from Europe, and no doubt was not adequately familiar with the environment he was entering there in July. RIP…..

[@nesst122]

Thank you for this video and thank you for sharing helpful tips! This is the best informational wave video i’ve seen so far

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting.

[@barbaradvojatzki2852]

Outstanding educational video! thank you so much for the effort! hopefully I`ll get to see this marvelous place and follow your tips in October!!!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for commenting! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@sukanyaramakrishna668]

Such a great video and directions. We were lucky to hike to The Wave in 2021 but couldn’t explore the additional surrounding highlights as we couldn’t find the way to the top. Wish I had watched this video at that time. Thank you!

[@diegoaduriz9433]

Most useful, detailed, informative and wonderful video ever. I was hesitant to start the video since it is long in comparison to most videos out there. I'm glad I pushed the Play button. Actually I ended wanting the video not to finish! ...and it seemed like a 5 minute one. Best regards, from Argentina

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for taking the time to comment. Best regards back from Utah!

[@tbonejones1427]

Thank You Has To Be One Of The Best Videos Out There , Love The " Rabbit Holes" A Very Informative Video!!!!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for commenting!

[@he132]

Thank you, I love this video. So pleased to see the cowboy hat! Amazing footage and great music to accompany it.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The hat is standard equipment ;-)

[@tquist61]

I don't know if I'll ever be able to visit this place, but if I do, your guide will be invaluable! Excellent video... thanks for sharing!

[@zavdav8170]

Thank you very much for the incredible video!!!! So impressed with every detail you showed. Some day I will visit and this video will be with me. Thank you so much again! Hi from Canada!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're very welcome and thank you for commenting. Greetings from Hurricane, Utah!

[@bB-mn5wu]

This is absolutely amazing. We love your video and instruction.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Excellent! Thanks for commenting.

[@isaacaverbuch6255]

Simply fantastic! Very useful! Thank you so much!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@jeannettezinai3213]

Thank you for this beautiful video I truly loved it.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome! Thanks for commenting.

[@rlaw7548]

Thank you. This is the most helpful travel video

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Excellent! Thanks for commenting.

[@Nvr2old2tri]

What an awesome video....the beauty is endless!!! And I HIGHLY recommend if at all possible to attend the daily briefing even if you got your permit online. They are held immediately after the in-person lottery and last about 15-20 min. They are EXTREMELY helpful with road and weather conditions and navigation. You'll have to go the day before your permit day (unless you want to leave Kanab about 9:30 or so for your hike which eats up a lot of extremely valuable time!)

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for the additional info Lori

[@brendasnow7363]

You video was amazing. Thank you doing this!!!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for commenting!

[@rodmayo888]

Awesome video, I was there 6 years ago in early September. I brought my Garmin E-Trex along which helped for tracking. Your video brought back memories, as I followed your tracks.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.

[@bobbyh76]

Amazing video and information. I am definitely subscribing to your channel.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@christopherbuckley94]

A great guide. Certainly, there are limitless photographic opportunities. The features resemble stretched taffy!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Stretched taffy...now there's a new description. Thanks for commenting!

[@cherihaws]

We won the online lottery for the end of March. We are so excited and a little bit scared. We are 63 and determined. We did hire a guide because I don’t want to miss anything on the chance of a lifetime. Thank you for the video. It reminds me I need to train harder. Any suggestions for two older adults (notice I didn’t say old ) but we are lol

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Hiring a guide is well worth the money. Those folks know more than the rangers that often have limited jobs there anyways. Glad you enjoyed your trip and our video.

[@addicted2nomad]

Great video! Got a permit for February, so we are excited! Curious on your opinion of the road and what was your timeframe for the hike?

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you! House Rock Valley Road is difficult to drive for even 4WDs after a good rain and/or snow, which we just had this morning. Very muddy. I'd strongly suggest checking with the BLM visitor center in Kanab before going. As for hiking, simply plan on spending all day. The longer you're out there, the more you'll see.

[@mcalvin6128]

Thank you very much for making the best video for the Wave! I doubt that I will ever be able to get a permit, so this is probably the next best thing to actually go there!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you for your kind word! If you ever get out there, there are alternatives to going to the Wave. South Coyote Buttes and even north of Buckskin Gulch has similar, if not more spectacular, sandstone formations. We'll be producing videos soon showcasing those areas. There are plenty of guides in Kanab that also know the area and can offer suggestions as to where to go.

[@cfrtravel7734]

Excellent video! I’m ready - now, wish me luck getting a permit 😅.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you. Good luck! My buddy that is a tour guide here has 2 trips booked for the next 2 days, but he's been there 100s of times.

[@BerniceWonderdog]

best vids of this sort on the tube. love your channel and esp the map download tutorial. cant tell you the # of times i've been mapless for want of a cell signal. also the gaia gps looks fantastic.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for commenting. Yes, after purchasing and experimenting with different mapping software, Gaia GPS is a dream come true!

[@merivanedemelo9650]

thank you for sharing and sending so fine detail of this park !! Not so easy !!!I hope if ever go there we can get a guide !!!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for commenting!

[@scottgordon1721]

Great information thank you. America the Beautiful let's keep it that way!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you. You bet!

[@blackdogslivesmatter1568]

Ive been there and seen it and its beautiful. I did this all from my bed while eating pizza and drinking cold grape juice with my dogs sleeping next to me. Their paws dont hurt and they are not dying of thirst from being forced to hike in the desert. I can always say I went there if I so felt the need, which I do not. But I have the experience of seeing it and have enough time to go visit France and NYC all on the same day. Im from NY so visiting NYC online smells so much better and the only thing I will truly miss is the greatest greaziest pizza on earth.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

LOL - I hope the pizza was tasty. One reason we like creating those videos is for just that - armchair tourism. Just think of all the wear and tear on those trails you in the tour see that isn't occurring.

[@rachaelb9164]

Very helpful info. I have wanted to go to this feature for years. I wish I would have gone when I lived in CA. I was much closer than I am now. I’ve found that Gaia is much better for off-road adventures.

[@slyguyd]

Excellent video, well put together and captioned! Hopefully one day we win that lottery. Until then, we thought White Pocket had all these elements to it, including a sketchy sand ride to it!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you! Keep trying the on-line lottery, then you'll have 3 months to plan a trip there. Did you find our video on White Pocket? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp7YiGl9d9qCq6M

[@slyguyd]

@@BackRoadsWest1 I did, good stuff as well. We took the hardest way there by mistake. Very tough sand roads but 100% worth it. Wish we would have stopped down at Marble Canyon but had to get the rental Jeep back.

[@Raptorman0909]

I've been there 3 times but didn't consider it to be a particularly difficult hike. It is about 3 miles each way and it is a bit up and down but nothing like mountain hiking. It can be a bit of a navigation problem so having a GPS receiver and programing some waypoints should make it a piece of cake to navigate. The key waypoint is the saddle area of a ridge you have to cross and while the trail to it from the Wire Pass parking area is reasonably clear the return route is not so having a waypoint of that location will largely eliminate the navigation challenge. Once you cross that ridge you just following along the ridge south for a couple miles. About midway along this southern leg is the Twin Buttes which are easy to see and make visual navigation a no-brainer. The biggest problem for non-experienced hikers is the weather as it can get to 115F (46C) during the summer -- this is the reason why a gallon of water is recommended. I've never hiked this during the summer, I have no desire for that kind of abuse, so fall through spring is preferred and in mild weather conditions a couple liters of water should be enough. A hat and sunscreen is essential for a fair skinned Irish American like me but is recommended for pretty much everyone else. The final point to mention is that weather can make getting to or from the Wire Pass parking lot a challenge. Back in 2005 I rode out from Kanab on my motorcycle and about 4 miles into the dirt road (House Rock Valley Road) there was a stream that had flooded over the dirt road due to a storm that went through the day before and there was almost a foot deep of mud blocking the road. Luckily a dually had been through it recently so I was able to ride my bike across without a problem, but later that day some of the late arrivals to The Wave said that some tourists in a passenger car got stuck and had to be pulled out costing them over $1000. I returned to Kanab near sunset but had no problem getting through the drying mud on my bike.

[@Stoic180]

Very well done. Thank You.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for commenting!

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Awesome video. You set the bar. Great job. 👍

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you and thanks for commenting!

[@troybhaer]

Great video. I hope I can get to see it!!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you! Good luck...

[@2666loco]

Thank you for the beautiful video . I will never see this area but your video is great because I can see Montanny on my Fanny, if you will. I've been close but never saw this nor slot canyons. The colors and videography was sharp, still and colorful. Thank you for sharing.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for commenting. Part of the drive to create these videos is to share the scenery with those that can't make it there for some reason or another.

[@nednash8649]

What a tremendous presentation. Just sensationally beautiful and wonderfully informative. A true service. Also, music was very appropriately good. Thanks!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Our pleasure and thanks for commenting!

[@aaronlybrand]

Great video. GPS still functions when you put your phone on airplane mode. You just need to save your google map for offline viewing so it will load without cell data as you explain in the video.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you

[@visalaakso]

Great!greetings from Finland

[@murphydavis9808]

Wonderful information - thank you! Loved that you didn't talk during your video. Perhaps consider also removing the thought bubble pop-ups - they really detracted from the video for me.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for the feedback and taking the time to comment. Being the nature of our videos, being both visual and educational, the pop-up captions are meant to point out features that some people may not normally see.

[@DesertCruiser1]

That was terrific! Thank You! Well thought out! Great Detail! You should be very proud !!!

[@thewanderingtraveler8984]

WOW!!!! That was amazing!!! I would probably not have come out of the rabbit holes. So much beauty. Thank you.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

My pleasure and thank you for commeting!

[@rh3749]

excellent video. I’d add that you should probably start the hike around 7 am so you can arrive when the sun lights up the wave fully (we went in early December). arriving too late casts the Wave in too much shadow.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you. Yes, the earlier the better.

[@csk]

Bro. Why did you not hike the top rock. It was super impressive when I visited in 2007.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Next time. Not enough time. Too busy photographing everything else.

[@timlavance867]

Love your videos..hope to have time someday to go to these places

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you! Hopefully you will...

[@9255cris]

Well done Guys, cheers from Chris

[@jimhowardbatey410]

Excellent video.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you and thanks for commenting!

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Phenomenal walkthrough! Most detailed ever. 👍💪🔥 How long was your total route?

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you! One-way to Wave ~3.2 miles. Then 1-2 miles wondering around.

[@vickihubach4388]

Very helpful, I feel better about doing this now (that is, if I can score a permit!)

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Excellent! Good luck on scoring in the lottery. The process is now different than described in the video and seems to be changing every few months as the BLM figures out the best solution. The on-line method though is unchanged.

[@fadevsanjudo1222]

Great video! I have a doubt. If you get the permit online, do they send you the permit and parking tag via email, or do you have to go to a specific place to get them?

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you! There is a new process in place now that isn't detailed in the video. See: www.recreation.gov/permits/4251909

[@ursulavantongeren6653]

Fabulous job! We’ve been there and so enjoyed seeing it again! Thank You!

[@alanjohnson2613]

I am no longer physically able to hike rough terrain so thank you.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the trip virtually. That's what we are aiming for, people that can't make it out to places like The Wave for some reason or another. Thanks for commenting.

[@primarytrainer1]

I just did this hike yesterday with the geofenced daily lottery out of Kanab (with one winner out of the geofenced Page); with the buffer day for prep and safety and the third day being the hike date. Parking is twice the size and better maintained now also. This video is great but needs to be updated or a part 2. Also, I see in the comments people talking about the 64 person limit. They only do four daily permits, that could easily be very few people. In fact, I was solo and the other winners were pairs, so we weren't even 10 that day. Not sure how many people won the online monthly lottery, but again it's a permit limit & a max person limit whichever comes first, so it really isn't letting that many more people in. In regards to weather, not only is cold and heat an issue, but flash floods are a major issue.There were flash floods and t-storms all day long the day before my hike and when we got to the parking area there were people that had slept in their vehicle overnight because they couldn't get out. So the BLM isn't playing around when they say to have enough water to survive at least that day and one night out there.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for commenting with the updates. Things will probably change again. Unfortunately, updating videos isn't easy, plus KZbin doesn't allow you to update a video file. So when re-add a new video, all the previous and valuable comments are lost. When things stabilize with the BLM (when they figure out the process that works the best in their minds), I'll probably update the video.

[@williamthedriller1546]

GREAT VIDEO....

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you!

[@auntjessica]

You can put your phone on airplane mode and use the GPS locator with offline google maps and other apps. If you do not put your phone on airplane mode, you run the risk of draining the battery quickly as the phone continuously searches for a network signal (unsuccessfully). You’ll want to use your battery (and the backup battery you’ve packed) for better things: taking photos and video and making journal notes about this incredible experience! Note: the 8 mile gravel road with occasional washboard and washout areas will also drain your battery if you use the phone to navigate. Correction: The road does not end at the trailhead. But as the OP says, the trailhead/parking lot are obvious.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

All partially true (and false). It all depends on the phone and service provider. The road does not end at the trailhead but is very obvious. As explained in the video, the road runs between 89 and 89A and was very rough last week when I was there; don't use a sedan unless you want to ruin it.

[@auntjessica]

@@BackRoadsWest1 Got it. For clarity - I have AT&T and my Verizon using friends have the same experience on various phones. So I encourage users to test it out their ability to use the maps and GPD before the hike. If the devise doesn't work with GPS on airplane mode, I suggest turning the phone on airplane mode and only turning on the cell signal to confirm the location or be certain to pack good back-up battery pack to charge the phone. I was there two weeks ago and agree about the road conditions and the need for a little clearance to get through the sections that are washed out. The ranger told me that I wouldn't need to worry about having a FWD vehicle because the road was dry, but asked about the clearance on my vehicle. I drove a compact SUV (a little more clearance than a sedan) and I took it very slow - the last 8 miles took me almost 30 minutes! After checking maps, I concur: the road does continue past the parking lot for the trailhead... though when I arrived in person at the parking lot, I thought it was the end of the road. So, like you said, the good news for those looking to hike the Wave is that the trailhead and parking are very obvious.

[@patricktoohey2890]

Very good info thank you.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome, thanks for commenting.

[@spvimagery3527]

Wow amazing instructive info how to get there and back 👍🏽.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks and thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@levskib4272]

I am very fortunate to see this 4 years ago it was amazing, we just scared to go beyond wave thinking we get lost

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Well, there's lots of cool stuff to see behind the Wave and all over both North & South Coyote Buttes. If you're concerned of getting lost or simply not finding all the cool stuff, hire a guide in Kanab. I can point to some guides that really know the area and it's well worth the money.

[@chrispierce9699]

If you don't allow people to see this beautiful place, then what is it for? I understand trying to preserve it, but if no one can see it, what are we preserving for?

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You ought to have that conversation with the BLM. It's the Kanab Field Office that manages it.

[@rayvalenzuela4581]

Absolutely AMAZING. My first time learning about the wave. Thank you. Bravo. Well done.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you.

[@TattooedGranny]

Thank you so much for the gaia gps app tip.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Hope you found it useful. Thanks for commenting.

[@wildwoodskier]

great video

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks!

[@sunnyangel4521]

I missed the lotery twice long time ago so only one word : " Amazing " tanks a lot "

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome. Sometimes watching videos like ours is the next best way. However, visitation in the area here as been way down, increasing the lottery odds. Have you tried the on-line lottery as described in the video?

[@sunnyangel4521]

@@BackRoadsWest1 No cause I live now in the East Canada and some problems with our leaders no vaccin no travel even in Canada. 2010 was the last time I was there I used to get down from BC Canada.

[@IndianBeauty02]

I really would love to visit, but I'm afraid I might get lost alone in the canyon

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Consider hiring a tour guide! I can recommend a few. But the challenge is getting the permit. However, there are so many other beautiful places to see nearby.

[@ecka4x4]

I've watched several clips of this amazing area & yours is the best one yet for information about all the most relevant aspects form getting the permit to where to go & so on. Thanks for all the effort involved. BLM should pay you for such good intel. LOL! Not sure I'll ever get to go there since I live in Australia. I'd love to come to this part of the USA in particular as it's got such amazing contrasts of climate & natural features. In Australia we have some very wide weather ranges too, but not high desert areas where it's snowing in winter & scorching heat in summer.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thanks for your kind comments Eric. It's an honor to hear that the BLM actually recommends to people to watch our video. Payment not necessary! Hopefully we'll get over to your beautiful area too. Been wanting to get to various places around Australia for some time; just waiting for the COVID stuff to settle down. Just like in your land, there's a lot more to see here than what you see on social media and we live within a 2 hour drive of it all :-)

[@rachaelb9164]

I wonder what early explorers thought when they came through this area. It all looks like something from another planet. So unreal!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Like so many beautiful landscapes the pioneers saw for the first time: they probably thought it was the work of the devil.

[@tomthatcher7757]

WOW! Thanks 😊

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome

[@thomasgeremia2173]

Thanks for the fantastic video of The Wave. I'm wondering how many miles you ended up hiking that day and how long it took you from beginning to getting back to the parking lot? I'm hoping to visit there in October of 2022 if I'm so fortunate to get a permit.

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for commenting! Probably 7-8 miles. With all the random walking I did, it is hard to guestimate. To the Wave it's around 6.2 miles roundtrip, but as our video says, don't turn around there! Good luck on the permit.

[@felixthecat2786]

If you don't get picked? What is this system? Why not just have a reservation system so that you don't have to waste your time applying for something you may never get?

[@BackRoadsWest1]

I would contact the BLM and provide them with your ideas. There are certainly many ways to perform this function, but you know how gov't is. There is a new process in place now that requires you to have a cell phone and be in the area. This process is not explained in the video.

[@FatYokel]

It's a system designed to make money for the local officials. I doubt I'll ever make my way to see it in this vast world of wonders, but if I do I certainly won't be paying any permit money to see the land we all share.

[@juliasulu4377]

Thank you so much for info

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thanks for commenting!

[@peterringier]

We managed to get a permit back in April 2011. Arriving at The Wave we felt like 'entering a cathedral' - a true highlight of life length of travel. The green permit and the picture guided trail info were, I guess, the same as they are today. I fully agree to remember 'the way back' is somewhat a challenge. Great video!

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you!

[@hdanna823]

Did you use a GoPro? Great video!! I just put in for the May lottery

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you. 3 cameras were at work on this video and the smooth walking video was taken with a GoPro HERO 6 on a Karma gimbal. Good luck!

[@donnaw9040]

Excellent video, thank you for your contribution of beauty and information

[@BackRoadsWest1]

You're welcome and thank you for commenting.

[@yparker1041]

I love to travel with you. You take me to incredible places: I wan to tell you Gad keep you safe happy and with good energy for you to keep taking us with you. I wan to know what is this wave,!please.

[@kevin91965]

Seen the wave and it was very-beautiful but a little discouraged from the hype . I have been an off-road enthusiast for 60 yrs and have seen and rode a dirt bike to wave formations just as nice if not even more impressive than the one in this video . Just a heads up to the beauty of this area it’s in your own back yard so to speak . You just Google earth sand stone areas and literally drive and walk a short distance to the beauty of sand stone waves in every state and most of them are free and accessible to everyone no permits . Great video !😊

[@BackRoadsWest1]

Thank you! We live in the area so we've explored the area extensively. Yes, there are plenty of fantastic places to see, each a little different than the rest, all with their own unique beauty. Of those places, there's nothing quite like North or South Coyote Buttes and White Pocket. You can roam all over the Paria Plateau and get bounced around on your side-by-side until your teeth fall out, but there isn't that much that tops the previous sites.