No permit · Near Page, AZ · 15 minutes
The New Wave
Page's own permit-free slickrock — the same molten-rock swirls, fifteen minutes from your hotel. No lottery. No reservation. Walk in any day.
Permit
None required
Lottery
None
From Page
~15 min
From Kanab
~1 hr 15 min
Fee
Free
Vehicle
Any vehicle
What is The New Wave?
The New Wave is the local name for a slickrock area on the edge of Page, Arizona, where exposed Navajo sandstone has been sculpted by wind and water into flowing, cross-bedded patterns with a character similar to The Wave. The rock here shows the same ancient dune structures that make The Wave extraordinary — visible in the curves, layering, and smooth-worn surfaces of the stone.
The scale is smaller than The Wave — this is not a geological twin, and visitors expecting an identical experience will be disappointed. But as a no-effort, no-permit, no-cost way to experience Navajo sandstone up close — on the same afternoon you found out you didn't win the lottery — it's a genuinely worthwhile stop.
It's also a good spot for photography in golden hour light, when the rock picks up orange and amber tones that highlight the cross-bedded texture.
Who Should Visit
Visitors staying in Page who didn't win the Wave permit
If you're in Page and entered the walk-in lottery and didn't win, The New Wave is a short drive away and requires zero additional planning.
Families with young children
The terrain is open and relatively flat slickrock. There's no strenuous hiking required. Easier than The Wave's 6-mile day hike.
Photographers looking for golden hour locations near Page
Good light on exposed Navajo sandstone, without driving two hours on an unpaved road.
Visitors expecting the same experience as The Wave
The New Wave is smaller and less dramatic. It's a consolation and a curiosity — not a substitute. If you want something closer to The Wave's scale, consider White Pocket (guided tour, 4WD) or South Coyote Buttes (permit via Recreation.gov).
What to Bring
- Water: Bring at least 1 liter per person, even for a short visit. The Page area is high desert and temperatures rise quickly.
- Sun protection: No shade on slickrock terrain. Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential.
- Sturdy shoes: Slickrock requires good grip. Do not visit in flip-flops or sandals.
- Camera: Early morning and late afternoon light make the cross-bedded patterns pop.
Note on navigation: Verify current trailhead access and any local conditions before visiting — contact the BLM Arizona Strip Field Office in St. George (435-688-3200) or ask locals in Page for the current best access point. Like all BLM areas, access details can shift.
Frequently asked questions
What is The New Wave near Page, AZ?+
The New Wave is a slickrock area near Page, AZ with cross-bedded Navajo sandstone patterns similar in character to The Wave. No permit required, no lottery, free to visit, and approximately 15 minutes from downtown Page.
Is The New Wave as good as The Wave?+
No — The Wave is a singular, world-class geological formation. The New Wave is smaller and less dramatic. It's a genuine free alternative for visitors who didn't win a permit and are in Page — but visitors expecting the same experience will be disappointed. For something closer to The Wave's scale, consider White Pocket or South Coyote Buttes.
Do you need a permit to visit The New Wave?+
No permit or reservation is required. The New Wave is on open BLM land accessible to the public at no charge. You can visit any day without advance planning.
How do I get to The New Wave from Page?+
The New Wave is accessible via paved and unpaved roads from Page, approximately 15 minutes. Ask locally or check with the Page tourism bureau for current directions — BLM access points on the edge of town can change with development.