Come with one of certified guides on our team and discover the famous wave formation in Kanab, located at the Arizona-Utah border!
1 Day
All year
High
Follow us on this unique hiking day tour in Kanab and discover the famous “Wave” formation. Get ready for the most magical hiking adventure in the United States!
Located at the Arizona-Utah border, on the slopes of the North Coyote Buttes Area, the “Wave” is a sandstone rock formation that dates back to the Jurassic Period. Its formation began 190 million years ago. Today these stunning sand dunes with beautiful layers of color and texture are one of the most spectacular sights of the country.
In order to protect this geological jewel, only 20 participants obtain the necessary permit to access the wave each day. To do so, you will need to enter a lottery system four months in advance in the U.S bureau of land management. Then, if you are lucky enough to get it, it will be our honor to show you the famous ” Wave” formation!
First, we’ll head to the starting point of our hiking tour in a 4WD vehicle. Then, we’ll hike approximately 8 miles to and from the Wave structure. Along the way, one of the certified guides on our team will teach you about the area’s history, geology and the wildlife. Moreover, we’ll be able to explore new spots such as the Second Wave, Dinosaur Tracks, Fatali’s Boneyard and more!
Famous among nature lovers and hikers from all over the world for its multicolored and unique undulating dunes, this is one of the most magical hiking destinations you will ever come across. So if you are lucky enough to get a pass, send us a request and we’ll be honored to guide you!
Looking for more unforgettable experiences in Utah? You may also be interested in this Granary Canyoneering Day in Moab, UT
We’ll begin our adventure by driving to the starting point in a 4WD vehicle. From there, we’ll start a 8-mile hike to explore the Wave structure and back.
During the hike, one of our certified guides will provide insights into the area's history, geology, and wildlife. We’ll also have the opportunity to discover additional highlights such as the Second Wave, Dinosaur Tracks, Fatali’s Boneyard, and many more.
More info
To apply for permits online, you will need to do so at the U.S. Bureau land management website. Applications are entered 4 months in advance. If you enter later in the month, you will be able to see which days have the most applications entered already, thereby giving you the advantage of choosing days that have fewer applicants.
Hikers are expected to pack their own water and lunch. We suggest carrying 3/4 gallon of water, on average, to keep safe hydration levels (we adjust our suggestion depending on the time of year).
Meeting point
What is the "Wave" formation in Kanab?
The "Wave" is a sandstone rock formation located at the Arizona-Utah border, on the slopes of the North Coyote Buttes Area. It dates back to the Jurassic Period, beginning its formation 190 million years ago. Known for its stunning sand dunes with beautiful layers of color and texture, it is one of the most spectacular sights in the United States.
How can can we access the "Wave"?
To protect this geological jewel, only 20 participants are granted permits to access the Wave each day. Permits are obtained through a lottery system run by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and you need to enter the lottery four months in advance.
What will I learn during the hiking tour in Kanab?
Along the way, one of our certified guides will teach you about the area's history, geology, and wildlife. Additionally, we will explore new spots such as the Second Wave, Dinosaur Tracks, Fatali’s Boneyard, and more.
How challenging is the "Wave" hike?
The hike to the Wave is moderately challenging, covering about 8 miles round trip. Participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for a full day of hiking.
What should I bring on the Kanab hike?
Participants should bring plenty of water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
What's included in the cost of the tour?
The guiding fee is included in the price
When can this trip be taken?
This Kanab hiking tour can be taken all year long
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
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Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
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Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
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