A Great Alternative to The Wave - Coyote Buttes South

A Great Alternative to The Wave - Coyote Buttes South
You've probably heard of The Wave before. It first became popular after being used as a PC background by Windows 7 in 2009. If not, let's just say there's this rock formation that is really popular. So popular, in fact, that there is a lottery just to get permits to visit it. People for all over the world enter into the Wave Lottery every month. So it's hard to get.
Everybody knows that.
What a lot of people don't know is that just south of The Wave is a place called Coyote Buttes South. And Coyote Buttes South is every bit as amazing as the Wave. There really isn't a lot out there that tells people this. I've ignored Coyote Buttes South for years now. I even had permits once and just blew them off and hiked something else.
Well, Tina and I finally went to Coyote Buttes South. And it blew our minds. And I know I should probably type a bunch of stuff about it, but I'm kinda tired and hate writing. I think I'll let the video do the talking. OK, that's enough writing. Watch the video and stuff I guess. I dunno. But I'm going to go watch TV.
GPS coordinates
The Hydra 36.95490,-111.98766
The Olympic Torch 36.95422,-111.98811
Chocolate Swirl 36.95576,-112.00155
Not the Southern Wave 36.96508,-111.99066
Southern Wave 36.96512,-111.98994
Dinosaur Tracks 36.96407,-111.99008
Control Tower 36.96367,-111.98947
Witch's Hat 36.96387,-111.98960
Music by Epidemic Sound
- We Are Giants - Silver Maple
Music by Artlist:
- Ode to My Grandmother - Alon Peretz
- Secret No. 1 - DaniHaDani
- Passion - Veaceslav Draganov
- A Soaring Swan - Ardi Son
- Get Out of Here - Benjamin Adair Murphy

[@dixielambrecht7009]

So wonderful to have you back🎉

[@JerryArizona]

Nice to be back, even if I'm a little gimpy still.

[@henrikm4657]

As a 4Runner owner, I laughed at your Jeep comment 🤣

[@Don-md6wn]

I took a long trip last September-October to Utah and Arizona, mostly camping, to the national parks, national monuments and Monument Valley. I have a 4WD 4Runner equipped with skid plates and rock sliders and got around to a lot of out of the way places, including the Toroweap Overlook of the Grand Canyon (camped overnight with a permit) plus a good bit of the Grand Staircase Escalante (including Yellow Rock) and Vermillion Cliffs. I did not get a permit to the Wave but did get one to South Coyote Buttes. I was a little nervous about making the drive and doing the hike on my own so hired a local outfitter, ending up with a private tour because they couldn't fill any other spots. It cost about $500, but it was worth it to see such a spectacular place without the stress of doing it on my own. The woman with the outfitter who took me said just about all of their staff prefers South Coyote Buttes to the Wave because there's more to see and you don't have to hike a pretty uneventful hour on the way in and back out. Have you and Tina ever done the White Rim Trail at Canyonlands? I did that on my own on that trip. It takes advance planning to get campsites along the trail for one or two nights but it's a great trip. I did it in mid September and the temperatures had just dropped to reasonable. I reserved campsites for 2 nights, but I got to the second campground mid afternoon with only 15-20 miles left and was starting to choke on dust, so I finished and got a room in Moab.

[@steveogle3679]

Thanks for the beauty. Sometimes I wonder how the Indians must have felt. Such sacred places.

[@JerryArizona]

I think about that all the time. Places like Delicate Arch or Salt Creek....no wonder they loved the land so much.

[@sedalia9356]

They probably felt cold, hot, hungry, and scared for their short lives.

[@aprilgarnett55]

​@@sedalia9356nah, they lived healthy lives.

[@FarginIceholeful]

These places were protected by spirits

[@johnnypark3729]

Glad you’re on the mend…do your THERAPY! Tina is the BEST, I always crack up when she speaks to you in sign language!!!😂. Love the channel!

[@oliviaheinz4397]

Ah the memories of a broken down Jeep in Coyote Buttes. Heading up to Page in a few weeks! Not in a Jeep this time😂

[@JerryArizona]

Haha! This reminded me of you guys. But it wasn't directed at you. We've saved a few Jeep owners out there. One of these days I'll break down and probably have a Jeep come bail me out, so I should watch what I say.

[@jfarestad1]

I was devastated when I didn’t get wave permit but scored SCB instead and it was fabulous. 20 permits daily and don’t forget the MICROWAVE

[@JerryArizona]

CBS did not disappoint. Keep trying for the Wave. Eventually you'll get it.

[@moretoliving2236]

Considering that both of you have been to the wave and white pocket a few times... for both of you to say "wow"... this place must truly be special. It is marked on my GPS for exploration if and when I travel to Utah again. Awesome scenery indeed.

[@JerryArizona]

This is another of those places I've seen pictures of and just thought it didn't look that interesting so we didn't go for years. I even had permits before and we ended up not going. The pictures don't do it justice. It is definitely worth it.

[@primarytrainer1]

an additional note about the fragility of coyote buttes, people should also use rubber tipped trekking poles when they go out there. i saw people banging their metal tips at the wave. also please be careful about the fossil trackways. nothing should touch them or go in them. i know that some photogs like to pour water into them to see them better, but it isn't ok.

[@JerryArizona]

And microspikes! I saw some tracks on the way to the wave. Luckily I didn't see any damage in the Wave or Coyote Buttes South.

[@JoyfulTripsRK]

Welcome back Mr. & Ms. Arizona! My wife and I have been following your adventures and enjoying your amazing videos. Thanks for sharing these beautiful places. We wish you a speedy recovery. Keep on traveling 🥾

[@Aptster1939]

Superb photography, twisted geology, scrumptious mexollogy You are the only one who shows the Mexican plates.! The close-ups are exceptional. Thanks from old man far away..

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

One can never get enough of natures beauty. Thanks for the visual treats. Years ago a friend and I did some helicopter camping in that area mostly looking for Slot canyons that were unknown. Pretty sure we put down footsteps where none or a rare few had been before.

[@JerryArizona]

Helicopter camping? Wow. That sounds amazing!

[@curleyscrewzin5622]

Glad you are healing and continuing to get out. Always enjoy your videos, very inspiring to get out into nature. Thanks for sharing.

[@baldophil1386]

Superbes,bon rétablissement Jerry.

[@robertterrell3065]

Just now got this video in my feed, June 15th. Well, I'm a long time subscriber. But I am subscribed to many channels. I guess the software does the best it can. I'm glad to see yours as usual. What an awesome place, Coyote Buttes. Thank you guys for all your videos!!! And so glad your shoulder is on the mend :)

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks for watching, man. YT is strange that I guess it'll randomly stop notifying people sometimes, even when we have all notifications on. Does it to me too. Good thing about it is, when it finally pops up or I remember, I have a backlog to watch.

[@carolineludwig789]

Glad to have you back and see you out exploring again, Jerry and Tina! Thanks for sharing!

[@nexthorizoneyewear1190]

Great video Jerry! On Superbowl Sunday, 2024, I did a tour of Coyote Buttes South (CBS). I could not get a permit for The Wave, but I was not disappointed as CBS had jaw-dropping scenery. I went with a tour company and I'm glad. My 2wd vehicle would not have made it and the guide was great. Regards, Andy

[@WJr_88]

Wow... So beautiful

[@debraherring-fallert5784]

Beautiful place. Thanks for sharing. Glad to see the shoulder is coming along. My husband used to be in PT. He says, "Keep up the good work."

[@JustSay_Yes]

Thank you Jerry glad you're back.. Love your channel! We'll be inside the geofence for 8 days in October. Hope to do 1 or all 3 of Coyote Buttes North, South, and White pockets.

[@JerryArizona]

Best of luck to you! Hopefully you get them all, but if you miss out on the wave, check out Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch. One of my favorites and it's even off the same trailhead as the wave.

[@sounddesignmix3002]

@@JerryArizona Thank you. It's on my alternates list. BTW, we like El Tapatio in Page too.

[@Raul_WD40]

I LOVE all your videos! Please continúe! All my BEST wishes from spain, i LOVE the natural places of north América, i have been there , and i LOVE It.

[@HikingRocks]

Glad you are on the mend Jerry! Shoulder injuries are the worst, just remember to do everything the PT says and you will be back to 100% in no time!

[@just_joc]

CBS just blew me away.. I was there a few days ago. Still trying for CBN!

[@JerryArizona]

Keep trying and good luck!

[@Desert2snowoffwego]

Excellent example of Aeolian cross-cutting sandstone beds! Beautiful photography as usual. Thanks Jerry and Tina!

[@mikesimonson7860]

We’re all collectively doing “the wave” cheering on your recovery!

[@robhebbs7960]

love that area all along rock house road. Went into white pockets last fall after watching your trip there. Spent the night . Now you got me wanting to see this area. for this one i probley will go in the southern end of rock house. Comming up from phoenix.

[@JerryArizona]

I've been meaning to get back there and camp at White Pocket for years. Eventually. This area is just as incredible. Love that entire area.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Bummer - the dreaded, “need high clearance 4wd ….”. That kills the deal. Thanks for the warning on that.

[@JerryArizona]

It isn't as bad as White Pocket. And you can always look into a tour. It's worth it.

[@patdewald9516]

WOW!! Great choice for your come back video, Jerry. Congrats on your recovery. Happy to have your channel active again. Looking forward to seeing more of you and Tina. Living adventures vicariously thru you. 🙂

[@ruthchild857]

Great video. Nice to see you two back at it. I had rotator cuff surgery a couple of years ago, so I feel for you.

[@JerryArizona]

It's not fun. Only like 10 more months until I'm 100%, or so they say.

[@MooreToLifeOutdoors]

Glad you are out and about again. Hopefully, you will be back to full speed soon. We loved the hike. We are going to have to check it out.

[@macimages4215]

He lives!!! Great to see you two out and about. These are special places but lets hope not too many people get lost trying to find them

[@justinshin4420]

Glad to see y'all back. Makes Mondays worth it

[@stevewright2241]

Glad to have you back

[@BackcountryExposure]

Dang man! This was awesome!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks, man. Just waiting for that Cosmic Ashtray vid. Didn't realize you went with Eric. Bumped into him and his wife out in the wild once. Good people.

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@JerryArizona Oh nice! Ashtray video will be after my Paria video.

[@CleanAirOutsideFamily]

Yay!!!! So excited to watch this after you’ve been recovering. We hope everything is going well with physical therapy and life in general. Can’t even imagine how many times Tina has flipped you off in recent weeks… Coyote Buttes South looks amazing, and also so incredibly fragile. Hopefully there’s an age limit to keep inadvertently destructive little ones like ours out of this treasure.

[@JerryArizona]

Tina is remarkably reserved at flying the bird until we get out hiking. Which is even more impressive as grumpy as I've been through recovery.

[@CastroN9ne]

good to have you and T money back!!!

[@DyanEsoap]

Beautiful area! Good to see the both of you, glad you are healing up!

[@mattfroeming640]

WOW...those rock formations...incredible! I need a truck in the worst way! Thanks for making this video.

[@JerryArizona]

Our 4Runners were a great investment. It definitely opens a whole other world. You can look into the tours though. They'll drive you there.

[@deemelton6925]

Amazing! Love it❤

[@johnchedsey1306]

I think I'd much rather explore this area than hope the best for the Wave lottery.

[@tomlauritzen9522]

I was waiting and waiting..... yep, you got the bird hahahahahaha

[@TheJoshSeattle]

Had a great time here last week. Thanks for the beta. We ended up doing a 15 mile adventure from lone pine through the entire southern buttes. So worth it.

[@JerryArizona]

Great place to explore, for sure.

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

A wonderful video! And all by a one armed videographer. I love that area which together with White Pocket is better than the wave. You captured some great shots in this one. Glad to see you out there again! Thanks for sharing as not sure I’ll back there this year. 😀👍

[@sedalia9356]

This is awesome! Long time follower❤

[@zbutler111]

Good to see you guys back!

[@rogerjensen6537]

Good to see you back

[@DebbieHumphries-jm9ig]

Good to see y'all back!

[@thewanderingtraveler8984]

Wow!! !What a beautiful area. Stunning!!!Glad to see you back

[@kellybaker6353]

Absolutely stunning scenery. Hope you’re progressing well in PT.

[@brettbarr4811]

Another awesome video! It’s been a minute since we have heard from you. Was starting to worry. Glad to see you back in the saddle!

[@JZhang-np6uw]

Good to see you again ❤

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing and glad that you are back.

[@the_pov_channel]

Your video captured a beautiful and complex place amazingly well. Bravo 👏👏👏

[@heathday7360]

Welcome back Jerry!!! Glad to see you making videos again!!!

[@jnellis84]

Happy to see you out and exploring again! I hope you continue to heal well!

[@vincedavis5326]

Great video! Makes me want to head out there and see it. Also, go project t-rex! Glad you are recovering.

[@k1k2lee]

Good to see you back Jerry 👍

[@ricbrady]

Missed you Jerry!! Great to see some Jerry Arizona content again!! Love it!

[@SummitSeeker546]

Nicely shot video!

[@jakemartin1999]

This place looks sweet! Keep up the exploring 🤙

[@janetturner6745]

Beautiful!! Have missed your videos. Happy healing!

[@rogerblack6270]

Good call indeed Good to see you back at it

[@danielkwood]

Great to see you back! All the best with the recovery from surgery.

[@teresadvorak6145]

Thanks 🌞 its so beautiful! Looks like someone took a giant Zen rake through it❤

[@janefromthecountry1820]

Welcome back!! Will you create a video on your recovery? I been rewatching your prior videos on the Grand Canyon. 😍😍

[@JerryArizona]

I've actually been recording bits here and there. I have an idea, but we'll have to see how everything plays out.

[@jclemens67]

Glad you’re back! Another hike to add to the list. 😊

[@jrlong3490]

Great to see you back on the trail Jerry. And of course Tina! Glad the shoulder rehab is going well and on schedule. Beautiful area at Coyote Buttes that reminded me of my White Pocket trip in Jan. 2020. Great videography as usual. All the best!

[@krigsgaldr5619]

Hi Jerry, good to see you and Tina out and about. Thanks for sharing these amazing places and vistas with us. Hope the healing is going well, and wishing you two the very best. Cheers...

[@garlandcampbell7994]

Looks like you "shouldered" on through the physical part quite well. . That camera work was some of your best ever. Wow! Thanks

[@michelle_ajema]

Good to see you're recovering well. And those rock formations-wow! Look like layers of a flaky pastry. 🤯

[@arizjones]

Nice video. Well done. 25 years ago I backpacked into that area. There were no permits needed then. They did have permits for the wave but it was a different permit system and not as hard to get. Always loved this whole area. Again, your video is very nice. Thanks for sharing, hope your shoulder gets better soon.

[@CactusAtlas]

BEAUTIFUL. Haven't made it out there yet, but your video definitely does the speaking and convincing. I swear, nature is absolutely astonishing sometimes. Hope you're doing well in your recovery!

[@pattihathaway9495]

Yay...you're back!!

[@mikegrier2829]

Fantastic video of a beautiful place. Very happy to see both out exploring. Best of luck with the PT.

[@GeorgeYoung-tb7lp]

Welcome back! I hope all is well, or at least improving.

[@oldboater]

You made my morning seeing a new video from you two. If I had to choose 1 utuber it would be you. Hope all is better and more to come.

[@westzonal]

Unbelievable beautiful, would love to be there! Great video, thanks for sharing, Martin from Germany

[@TheGibby722]

Nice to see a new video. Glad that Jerry is mending and Tina retains her signature move.

[@jeffMinnesota952]

thanks Jerry and Tina, good to see you out there, thanks for sharing, it'll be better one of these days...

[@joeshmoe1739]

Welcome back, Jerry!

[@debrabalawajder2617]

Yes! It is a great alternative. Went there several years ago! It sure was a beautiful day for you!

[@russward2612]

Good to have you two back. You bring us to such magical places. Your chemistry together is enchanting. Your life together must be so much fun. What you do when the camera is off is none of my business. Have fun. Treasure each moment. They are finite. Several of my other favorite KZbinrs are having health crisis situations now as well. One is a Canadian gentleman, Crazy Neighbor who, with his friend Steve, camps in unusual places with unconventional equipment. His leukemia is doing a number on him. He, like you, is an adventurer and genuinely decent person. He, like you, is the kind of friend we should all aspire to be. Live your best life and thanks for sharing your travels with us. 🏜️✌️🖖

[@michaelyates3424]

Wow, got to add it to the list. Just got back from our South West trip where we got to hike in Death Valley, Snow Canyon, Red Rock, Arches and Canyonlands. Already talking about our next trip back. There is so much to see and experience in your neck of the woods. Glad surgery went well. Take care and do the physical therapy, it may seem like torture, but it works. Also glad to see Tina hasn't lost her quick finger flash. Cheers

[@timkellysr1102]

I cant waite to check this out. Just found your channel, I'm impressed. So I subbed. 🏜🌮❤️✌️

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you!

[@nathannutter3424]

My #1 favorite place in AZ. Also, welcome back! There are so many hidden pockets and other formations that I know you didn’t find based on your route!!! Amazing place!!!

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely could spend days out there. We didn't even get to Paw Hole!

[@juliedo5243]

Thank you for yet another amazing video Jerry & Tina. We have grown to love adventuring in the SW due in part to your videos. We are fans of your work and would be fan girling if we ever see you out there on the trails!

[@JerryArizona]

We're out there. If you ever run into us, don't hesitate to say hi.

[@professorron2667]

I hit the thumbs up at about the 0:10 mark, not even caring what was to come in the next 12 minutes. Nice to see you back and easing into things.

[@professorron2667]

What an ending... being a 4Runner guy myself. Not sure I articulated that properly...

[@r1a1p1AllenPogue]

El Tapatio! We have one in Flagstaff. It's my current favorite. It seems to draw gun violence though, haha. There have been a couple of shootings there since it opened. It's on the edge of the Sunnyside neighborhood which is one of the few neighborhoods in Flag that are known for crime. My friend and I have been applying for Wave permits off and on for several years with no luck. Guess I'll add Coyote Buttes South to the process.

[@JerryArizona]

It was OK. Can't imagine getting shot for it though. Keep trying on the wave. You'll get lucky eventually. In the meantime, CBS and White Pocket are great alternatives.

[@VipulDK]

Wow! This place is stunning! Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed video with various places that you explored. I have a Subaru Forester as my SUV but I’m not sure if I can take it here.

[@JerryArizona]

Maybe to the Paw Hole side, but we didn't drive that way so not 100% sure. I think you could hike from there to where we were too. Maybe look into those roads.

[@VipulDK]

@@JerryArizona thank you! I will look into the roads.

[@user-kb6my1hz5k]

Thanks for sharing this one Jerry. I’m one week post op from my rotator cuff surgery so I can relate to your challenges. Can’t wait to try this adventure when I’m back out there later this year.

[@JerryArizona]

It's no fun. I cannot wait to be able to stretch my arm above my head again, sleep on my side...so long to go until I can do that. Best of luck on your recovery. You'll be in T-rex mode in no time.

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

On the trail again..Yippeeeee!

[@martinforrester8249]

Great to see you both back again, with the humour I enjoy between you both. Love Mexican Food, unfortunately non available where I live 😢

[@JerryArizona]

What! Man, I'd move if I were you! Or at least look up some recipes. I don't know what I'd do if there wasn't Mexican Food available.

[@chrisgerritsen2376]

Hah, you make me laugh about the Jeep comment! So good to hear that your shoulder is healing well too, thanks,for the update. Chris.

[@JerryArizona]

I actually owned a Jeep at one point. I just love poking at Jeep owners, but honestly don't have anything against them. I mean, lots of people like off roading. Some people also like working on their vehicles, so Jeeps have their place.

[@walkingwithawookie1097]

Lovely😄👍

[@JerryArizona]

Only like 6 more months and maybe my arm will be in decent enough shape to go climbing with you guys.

[@walkingwithawookie1097]

Climbing, hiking, canyoneering, what ever👍👍👍👍👍

[@arunphillips6977]

Great to see you back Jerry, and Tina of course. This place looks super nice, kind of The Wave light edition! How was the mexican, as good as El Patio?

[@JerryArizona]

It hit the spot. Not as good as El Patio, but most places aren't.

[@Zaitz17]

Glad to see you back on the trails!!! and shots fired at Jeep owners! lol (i got rid of mine last year so now gonna look at 4runner and the gx460). Thanks buddy and welcome back!

[@JerryArizona]

I couldn't help myself. (Also a former Jeep owner.)

[@CindyT.-yy1ik]

Great to see you both out, about and sharing! Question..re-watched your and Tina's GC rim to rim, planning to do, what would Tina recommend to prepare?

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Thanks - heading to the Page area in two days. Probably won’t win the lottery for a pass to The Wave, so I’ll try for this one too.

[@JerryArizona]

Getting back to normal sloooooooowly. It'll take several more months before I can fully extend my arm and put any weight on it. But I can use it from the elbow down, so at least I can hike mellow stuff and finally edit again.

[@WildernessExcursions]

A couple years ago we managed to find a way to get in there with only a 2wd Mazda5 that only had 5.5" of ground clearance.

[@WildernessExcursions]

Just to clarify, the 2wd access that we discovered is actually a completely different route than the standard 4x4 road that people normally take. I thought I should mention that before someone attempts to drive their 2wd vehicle on the sandy 4x4 road.

[@JerryArizona]

We didn't think the roads were actually that bad. Not nearly as bad as Parunuweap or White Pocket. But I agree. I don't want to encourage people to try it with their 2WD sedan.

[@WildernessExcursions]

@@JerryArizona So you found the road to White Pocket to be pretty bad? We've now got a stock L400 Delica and we're planning to drive in there next month sometime. I sure hope our van will be able to get us there.

[@odelloutside]

Glad you are back out there. This video is just what I was curious about as we are planning July 4th week out that way. It may be too hot tho? Looking forward to the next video.

[@JerryArizona]

Oh man, that would be brutal in July. Full sun exposure. Definitely wouldn't recommend it around then. Maybe kayak the Colorado from Glen Canyon or hike part of Buckskin Gulch. At least there's shade in Buckskin.

[@odelloutside]

i figured so we plan to be higher elevation in Bryce etc but had a few days to hit wave geofence to give that permit a try and hike early am if we get lucky- thanks for the alternate ideas with shade.@@JerryArizona

[@petergomez6991]

Way too hot!

[@robhebbs7960]

I hike the wave in early july last year. No problem . Just started at day break and was out by noon. The people giving the permitts out will try and talk you out of it even. but i loved it and it was the only time i could get drawn. less people will go that time of year.

[@odelloutside]

@@robhebbs7960 thank you

[@climbjt]

Very nice. Heading to Powell next month. Gonna work this in. That’s a bitchen looking rock in the thumbnail

[@JerryArizona]

It showed up as "Chocolate Swirl" on our Gaia. Not sure what the actual name is, but it was a highlight.