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Explore The Wave: Arizona's Breathtaking Sandstone Formation

1. Location: The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in the Coyote Buttes area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in Arizona, near the border with Utah.

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2. Permit System: A daily lottery system provides permits to visit The Wave, with up to 16 people and/or 4 groups allowed per day from a geofenced daily lottery two days before a planned hike.

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3. Geology: The Wave features intersecting U-shaped troughs eroded from Navajo Sandstone of Jurassic age. These formations are created by wind and infrequent runoff.

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4. Distinctive Features: The Wave is known for its colorful, undulating rock formations with thin ridges and ribbing created by differential erosion.

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5. Artistic Significance: The Wave's dramatic appearance and unique geological features make it a popular destination for landscape photographers and hikers.

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6. Challenges for Hikers: The hike to The Wave is approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) round-trip across open desert with temperatures often reaching 100°F (38°C) in summer.

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7. Access Trails: The Wire Pass Trailhead offers the shortest hike to The Wave, starting 8.3 miles (13.4 km) south of U.S. Route 89 along House Rock Valley Road.

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8. Navigation Guidance: BLM provides a formal guide sheet for navigating to The Wave with color photos, azimuth, latitude, longitude, and UTM coordinates for checkpoints.

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9. Seasonal Popularity: Spring and autumn are the most popular times to visit The Wave, and obtaining a permit can be difficult from March through November.

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10. Visitor Caution: Visitors must be careful to avoid damaging the fragile sandstone formations and should prepare for harsh desert conditions, such as fierce winds and little shade.

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