The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency tasked with managing and conserving public lands in the United States. One of their top priorities is to provide the public with access to the most amazingly unspoiled open spaces in the country. There are excellent and affordable Bureau of Land Management campgrounds throughout the country, and some BLM campsites are free. To find BLM sites, search for "BLM camping near me."
The Wave (Coyote Buttes North) is a part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area in Northern Arizona near the Utah border. Wind, water, temperature changes, and erosion are believed to have shaped this spectacular site located 152 miles north of Grand Canyon National Park and 272 miles northwest of Petrified Forest National Park. Permits are required for all hikes to The Wave and can be obtained on the Recreation.gov website.
The Wave is a spectacular site accessible from the Wire Pass Trailhead at the Coyote Buttes North Permit Area. The hike to The Wave is a physically demanding 6.4-mile round trip — hikers must be in good physical health and possess reasonable fitness ability. The trail is often covered with loose sand and red rock, so wearing proper footwear is essential. Hikers here should carry maps and have a basic understanding of navigation skills because although this is a bucket-list hike for many, there are no established trails.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate to strenuous
The Wire Pass Trail is a 3.7-mile moderately challenging trail running through the Paria-Canyon Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. This route requires an average of one hour and 15 minutes to complete. It is a popular area for hiking from April through October. You need a permit to hike this trail, which you can obtain at the Recreation.gov website.
Length: 3.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate to strenuous
There are several fishing and boating sites near The Wave. Visitors can fish at Paria Beach, located 51 miles from The Wave. This is a popular location for boating and camping. The Paria River runs from Marble Canyon at the Utah border to the Colorado River. On this stretch of the river, you can fish for trout, bass, and catfish.
One of the unique wildlife creatures visitors can observe in The Wave is the desert bighorn sheep. Other wild animals in this BLM area include mule deer, coyotes, squirrels, collared lizards, ferruginous hawks, and red-tailed hawks.
There are various picnic areas near The Wave that offer good views of the area and access to water. Located 17 miles away, White House Trailhead and Campground offers a beautiful picnic area and clean restroom facilities. This campground has picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite.
The Wave provides an excellent stargazing opportunity for visitors looking to get away from city lights and enjoy an unobstructed view of the galaxy. The best time to stargaze is during the new moon when there is no moon in the sky.
If you're looking to spend a few nights in the area, there are a few RV camping options nearby. Dark Sky RV & Campground is located 50 miles away and offers full hook-ups, pull-through sites, and back-in sites. This campground has 30/50-amp service and phone, cable TV, Wi-Fi, an outdoor kitchen, a refill station, private bath suites, and laundry services for campers. It also has an enclosed leash-free dog park, a kids' playground, hiking trails, and barbecue sites.
J&J RV Park is an RV park with level parking pads, back-in sites, and pull-through sites. Some amenities offered at this site are hot showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, 30/50-amp electrical hookups, water, and sewer hookups. One great Bureau of Land Management campground is the previously mentioned White House Campground.
There are various Bureau of Land Management free camping sites in the area, such as Stateline Campground, which is located 22 miles from The Wave. This campground has pit toilets, shade structures, and picnic tables. However, there is no water or electricity available at this campground.
When planning your Coyote Buttes North trip, make sure you scout the weather and road conditions. This area's temperature reaches over 100 degrees in the summer months. When hiking, pack plenty of food and water and wear a hat and sunscreen. You should also pack your cell phone or satellite phone in case of emergencies. Visitors must bring the proper permits required for this hike — permits for The Wave are given out using a lottery system, so apply for yours as early as possible. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM's Leave No Trace policy is a code of outdoor ethics that must be adhered to when exploring this area. You are required to leave all natural resources as you found them. Resist any urge to take home rocks or sand as souvenirs. Clean up all your trash, pack it out, and always be respectful of wildlife and other hikers. The aim of Leave No Trace is to keep the country's natural riches in the best condition possible for present and future generations to enjoy.
To reach The Wave from Page, Arizona, drive west on Highway 89 for 72 miles. After reaching Kanab, turn right onto Fairway Drive and immediately turn right again. The destination will be on the right.
Ready to visit The Wave? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
