How to See and Photograph The Wave / Plus...Is it All Hype?

'The Wave' in Northern Arizona is one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth. Despite its fame, however, relatively few have seen The Wave in person. In this video, I share my journey getting there, winning one of the most sought-after golden tickets in landscape photography, and answer the question of whether The Wave is worth all the hype and effort.
The Wave - Online Lottery
www.recreation.gov/permits/27...
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[@markrund6292]

Had I known what this video was about, I would have skipped it. I am so glad I watched it! This is exactly what I tell my wife all the time. It's almost never the actual destination, it's the journey. (Or the adversity) All of my fondest memories are of how we got there, or the trouble we had when we arrived. Thank you for re-enforcing this concept to me. As I begin my retirement, I hope to go on journeys like this often. Perhaps even go to The Wave.

[@davidj.7906]

Todd, an EXTRA special round of applause for this episode.....THIS is unique content....THIS is what separates you from all the others, and i encourage you to sprinkle your excellent episodes with things like this. This is the kind of thing that you don't see anywhere else....I have never been to the Wave, although I am VERY familiar with that area....I had planned on seeing it next month, but I had NO idea how difficult it is to get access....so I am very grateful for the info....keep giving us this terrific content!

[@tonymckeage1028]

Thanks Todd, on point as usual, good advice and well thought out perspective on an interesting area. thanks again

[@trentb4631]

Thanks for the video Todd, a new subscriber as a result.

[@AdventureMuse]

Great story! I'm going there this weekend, a friend had an extra spot on their permit. I'm feeling even more lucky now after hearing your story. So so excited to see this area IRL.

[@LeoMakes]

Fantastic video and storytelling. I spent 10 days hiking around Utah and Arizona and it was absolutely a feast for the eyes. I would love to do that trip over again as there's so much to see and do in the area.

[@dominey]

100% agree. I love it there.

[@dougnelson423]

Another awesome video, the story was great. Well worth the hike if you are fortunate to win the lottery.

[@rosalieb7909]

Just found your channel! Really enjoyed your video. I was jonesing for a permit to the Wave...going out there for three weeks this September. Finally, reality hit me, and I booked an all day photo tour to White Pockets!

[@dantheman1624]

I’ve done this twice and is one if the photo experiences one can have…you’re spot on regarding the feeling when you get there…is this the spot to shoot from…am I really here…is there a secret spot I’m missing…it wasn’t until I got home after the first opportunity that I realized I barely got a photo with sky in it…lucky to have won a second trip and fill my shots with sky😂…however now they allow up to 64 persons per day and I always wondering if that’s impacting photo opportunities…thanks for the video

[@pabloblanco8351]

I just saw a couple of videos of yours and I have to say... why dont you have more subs and/ or visits? I mean you have awesome content and you also have the words. I'm definitely subscribing 🤙

[@dominey]

Thanks Pablo. All good things take time, I guess!

[@gottago9824]

ever tried to photograph antelope valley? Talk about a hassle.. and that was my experience from 8 years ago, can't imagine what it is like now especially since they nixed tripods inside the canyon.

[@dominey]

I’ve stayed away from Antelope for that very reason. Just doesn’t sound like something I’d enjoy or feel inspired by.

[@cyndibemel4768]

You didn't mention the picture trail map that they provided and that the pictures were shot from the way going in and not going out. The most unusual trail map that I have ever seen.

[@primarytrainer1]

Awesome video!! Do they still show how many people have entered the lottery for a particular day when you're choosing dates? Do you think it's worth trying to get a permit for winter or would it be slippery (and dangerous)? I am a former geologist and I have a lot of experience hiking the desert (high temps, not a lot of elevation gain), but I've never hiked in snowy areas, so a bit concerned. Thanks!!

[@airship9637]

Just curious, in regards to White Pocket and South Coyote Buttes, what vehicle did you use to get there? Some sites indicate 4WD and some say 2WD is fine. I'm hoping to get out to the Grand Canyon North Rim in the next year or two and would love to explore these sites.

[@dominey]

Great question. I've driven out there four times, and actually had the pleasure of getting stuck once (yeah...not fun). I wouldn't drive it without 4WD and deflating the tires a bit so they grip the sand better. You can pick up a tire deflator gauge to do it evenly and safely. The problem is the sand. There are patches of it here and there along the "road", but the sand gets especially deep just outside White Pocket. If in doubt, there are tour companies which drive people back/forth from there. Personally, I think the best way to do it is camp overnight there so you can catch sunset and sunrise. Driving back through sand in the dark sucks. Hope that helps!

[@dantheman1624]

And ps…to your point there are so many things around that sans permit it would be worth the experience…and even if the wave wasn’t at th end of the hike, the surrounding environment blew me away…

[@kevinkostolo6949]

I imagine rain days are rare so I'm guessing that might not be a problem. But how does this work? Twenty people go out there in a day. Do they all go whenever they want during that day? Or are the starts staggered?

[@tsizzle]

Congrats on being lucky enough to get a permit! I’ve been trying for years whenever I visit that area and haven’t had luck. Decided to forget it and go for Wp instead. (Rumor is eventually they’ll institute permits/limits there as well). When you went out there, did you see other permit winners also hiking there? Do you recommend going during early morning (sunrise), late afternoon (sunset) or midday? Finally, while I agree with you that $5000 is a steep fine, I bet there are some individuals (perhaps a few dentists) that wouldn’t mind the fine. Also, I wonder how the ticket/fine is enforced? For example, say that visitor from Japan gets the ticket/fine, if it’s a once in a lifetime trip for him, couldn’t he just go back to Japan without actually paying the fine? I’m not saying I would condone that but just curious how it’s enforced.

[@dominey]

The same thoughts went through my mind. I don’t know where the man from Japan was staying, but the cost of being there would quickly eclipse the fine if he broke the rules. But obviously he’s doing the right thing. As for White Pocket, I heard the same from BLM folks. Said it may go to permit based like South Coyote Buttes which is first come first served (not a lottery). As for other people, yes I saw the other lottery winners out there, including a handful of online winners. There was never more than 12 people there, so I assume some online winners didn’t show up. I didn’t see anyone who didn’t have a permit.

[@danielwcheng6381]

Grreat video Todd, And it brings up a great point. The web and technology has democratized the hobby of photography,. There are no more "secret places" given enough time and resources anyone can get to any place and get a decent picture. And alas we are just loving places to death...stories abound how photographers are ruining locations. I can't help become somewhat elitist and very guarded about where and what I shoot. Because if I let it out and it ends up on the web the place that I love will quickly become loved to death. So I'm very particular about my image locations. Am I being selfish , yup I guess I am. But by being selfish maybe I'm protecting that landscape/scene against those who aren't as careful or as concerned as I am.

[@thomastuorto9929]

When you said you were about a mile or so into your return trip(just before the BLM personal stopped you) , I was thinking I would never make it back with all the scenery out there. Were you allowed to leave early to be there for sunrise? By the way, Great vid.

[@ianbiggs9930]

That guy from Japan should have just gone to the wave at the start, the fine would have been much cheaper..!

[@shzammpatapon9865]

this video will cause my chances to get to there lower hhahahaha

[@dominey]

Lol - hope not!

[@smokey267]

So basically, wait for chance or pay $5,000 to see the wave. Might be worth it for some.