Coyote Buttes North · Recreation.gov permit #274309
The Wave Permit: Every Question Answered
The Wave permit process is notoriously confusing. Here are answers to every question we're asked — sourced from BLM and Recreation.gov. When in doubt, always verify at Recreation.gov.
Total permits/day
64
Advance permits/day
48
Walk-in permits/day
16
Application fee
$9
Permit fee
$7/person
Max group size
6
Important: Permit mechanics change. The numbers above reflect the most recent publicly available BLM data. Always confirm fees, permit counts, and deadlines directly at Recreation.gov before your trip. Sourced from legacy site (June 2025). Always verify current fees, times, and mechanics at Recreation.gov before your trip.
Applying for the Permit
How do I apply for a Wave permit?+
Two ways. (1) Advance lottery: Apply at Recreation.gov (permit #274309) up to 4–6 months before your desired date. The $9 application fee is non-refundable. Winners pay an additional $7/person. (2) Walk-in lottery: Apply the day before your hike via the Recreation.gov app or in person at the BLM Kanab or Page office by 6:00 PM. Results at 7:15 PM. Pick up by 8:30 AM.
How far in advance can I apply?+
The advance lottery opens approximately 4–6 months before the target date. Applications typically open at the start of each calendar month for dates 4–6 months out. Check Recreation.gov directly for the current application window — it has changed in the past.
Is the Wave permit per person or per group?+
Per group. One application covers up to 6 people. The application fee is per application; the permit fee is $7 per person paid when you win.
Can I apply for multiple dates at once?+
Yes — you can have multiple advance lottery applications active simultaneously, for different dates. However, if you win one, you should withdraw others (or will not be refunded for overlapping applications). Check Recreation.gov's current policy on simultaneous applications.
What happens to my $9 application fee if I don't win?+
The $9 application fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. It is a processing fee, not a deposit. This applies to both advance and walk-in lottery applications.
Odds and Strategy
What are the odds of winning the Wave permit?+
Odds vary dramatically by season. Peak season (March–May and September–November): the advance lottery can see hundreds of applicants for 48 spots. Winter (December–February): fewest applicants, best odds. Summer (July–August): hot and crowded at the trailhead but better lottery odds than spring/fall. Walk-in lottery (16 spots/day) gives residents and persistent visitors a daily second chance.
Is the walk-in lottery or advance lottery easier to win?+
The walk-in lottery typically has better per-application odds because fewer people apply for each day's 16 spots. But the advance lottery lets you plan months ahead and target lower-competition dates. Both are legitimate strategies. Many successful visitors do both: book advance lottery dates AND enter walk-in for nearby dates when they're in the area.
What months have the best Wave permit odds?+
December through February consistently draws the fewest lottery applicants, giving the best per-application odds. The tradeoff: cold temperatures, shorter days, and possible snow at the trailhead. July and August are hot (110°F+ possible) but see somewhat better odds than spring/fall peaks. March–May and September–November have the best weather and the worst odds.
Does applying as a larger group reduce odds?+
No — each application is one lottery entry regardless of group size (up to the maximum of 6). A solo applicant and a group of 6 have equal odds. Larger groups do not have worse odds.
Is there a way to improve my odds?+
Yes. (1) Target low-competition months (December–February). (2) Enter the walk-in lottery for multiple consecutive days while in the area. (3) Apply for advance lottery dates well ahead of time. (4) Try the South Coyote Buttes (CBS) permit if you can't win CBN — the CBS lottery is much less competitive.
If You Win
Where do I pick up my permit?+
Pick-up locations are in Kanab, UT and Page, AZ. Your Recreation.gov confirmation will specify the address and hours. For advance permits: pick up the afternoon before your hike. For walk-in permits: pick up by 8:30 AM (day before hike). Confirm current addresses as pick-up locations have changed in past years.
Can I transfer my permit to someone else?+
No. Wave permits are non-transferable. Every person on the permit must present a valid government-issued photo ID at the trailhead. If a group member can't attend, the permit holder must contact BLM — unmatched names at the trailhead risk forfeiture.
What time do I need to be at the trailhead?+
There is no mandatory start time, but plan to start hiking no later than 9:00 AM to allow full time at The Wave before afternoon heat and potential storm risk (particularly in summer). The round-trip is approximately 6 miles over sandy and rocky terrain — give yourself 4–6 hours.
Can I camp overnight at The Wave?+
No. The Wave permit is a day-use permit only. Camping in Coyote Buttes North requires a separate overnight permit. Day permits do not permit camping, and the area is patrolled.
Rules and Consequences
What happens if I enter The Wave without a permit?+
Entering Coyote Buttes North without a valid permit is illegal under federal law and carries a fine of $1,000 or more. Rangers patrol the area actively. The permit system exists to protect the fragile Navajo sandstone — the formation is irreplaceable, and off-permit visitation causes lasting damage.
Can I go beyond The Wave formation without a permit?+
No. The entire Coyote Buttes North permit zone requires a valid permit. This includes the approach trail and all formations within the zone, not just the specific Wave formation. The permit boundary is clearly defined in your permit documentation.
Are there rules about what I can do at The Wave?+
Yes. Leave No Trace principles apply strictly: pack out all trash, do not pick up rocks or remove any natural material, stay on the designated trail approach (the permit includes a map), do not use drones, and do not build cairns. The sandstone is extremely fragile — walking on the formation itself is only permitted in the designated areas shown in the permit materials.