Coyote Buttes North · AZ–UT border
Where is The Wave?
The Wave is in Coyote Buttes North Special Management Area, Paria Canyon–Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness — on the Arizona–Utah border, roughly equidistant from Page and Kanab.
From Page, AZ
~1 hr 20 min
approx. 78 miles
North on US-89, then west on House Rock Valley Road (unpaved). Page is the southern basecamp — also gateway to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
From Kanab, UT
~1 hr 15 min
approx. 60 miles
East on US-89, then south on House Rock Valley Road. Kanab is the northern basecamp — gateway to Grand Staircase-Escalante, Zion, and Bryce Canyon.
Getting there: House Rock Valley Road
From US-89 (between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT), turn south onto House Rock Valley Road — the junction is about halfway between the two towns. The trailhead is approximately 8 miles down this unpaved road.
⚠️ Check road conditions before driving
Rule: Always check current road conditions before turning onto House Rock Valley Road. Reason: The unpaved road can turn from hardpacked to impassable mud within hours of rain or snow. Consequence: Vehicles get stuck daily in bad conditions — towing fees exceed $1,000, and rental car off-road damage is not covered by standard insurance. Call the Page or Kanab permit pick-up locations for the latest status.
The road is generally passable to 2WD sedans when dry. After any precipitation — rain or snow — wait for it to dry completely before attempting it in a low-clearance or rental vehicle. High-clearance 4WD is recommended year-round for peace of mind.
The Wire Pass Trailhead
The Wire Pass Trailhead is the starting point for the hike to The Wave. From here, it's approximately 3 miles (one-way) to the main Wave formation. There is a parking area at the trailhead.
The trailhead also provides access to Wire Pass Canyon and Buckskin Gulch slot canyons — permit-free alternatives that depart from the same location. A self-pay kiosk ($6/person day-use fee) is located here for these two areas.
The only reliable directions to The Wave itself are the map issued at the permit pick-up briefing. GPS tracks are available from Gaia GPS and other apps. Do not rely solely on cairns, footprints, or signs — there are none for The Wave specifically.
Where to stay: the two basecamps
Page, Arizona
🚗 1 hr 20 min to trailhead
Full selection of hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Gateway to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell.
Antelope Canyon tours →Kanab, Utah
🚗 1 hr 15 min to trailhead
Charming town with lodging, dining, and the permit pick-up location. Gateway to Grand Staircase-Escalante, Zion, and Bryce Canyon.
Big Water, UT
🚗 ~30 min to trailhead
Closest town to the trailhead, but limited to one hotel (Rodeway Inn) and minimal services. Not recommended as a base for exploring the broader area.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive to The Wave itself?+
No. The Wave is not visible from any road and cannot be reached by vehicle. Access is only by the 6-mile round-trip hike from the Wire Pass Trailhead. Those unable to hike can charter a scenic flight over the area from Page Municipal Airport or Kanab Municipal Airport.
Is there GPS or cell service at the Wave trailhead?+
Cell service is spotty to nonexistent at and beyond the Wire Pass Trailhead. Download GPS tracks before leaving Kanab or Page. Note that 911 may connect even without visible bars — the emergency receiver in this area is surprisingly effective.
What timezone does The Wave use?+
The Wire Pass Trailhead is in Utah, which observes Mountain Time (including Daylight Savings). Page, AZ is in Arizona, which does NOT observe Daylight Savings. During Daylight Savings periods, Page is 1 hour behind Kanab. All permit times use Utah/Navajo Nation Time — double-check your local time when planning departure.