How Hard Is It To Get A Permit To Hike The Wave

Navigating the Permit Process for Hiking The Wave: A Comprehensive Guide

The Wave Permit in 2019: Everything You Need to Know

The Wave is a stunning sandstone rock formation located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Utah. Accessible only via a 6-mile roundtrip hike, it's one of the most sought-after hiking destinations in the U.S. But with only 20 permits issued per day, securing a permit to hike The Wave can seem daunting. Let's demystify the permit process and help you understand how hard it really is to get a permit.

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Understanding the Permit System

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages The Wave's permit system to protect the fragile environment and ensure a quality experience for hikers. Here's a breakdown of the permit types and their allocation:

Walk-in Permits: 10 permits are available daily, issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the BLM office in Kanab, Utah.
Online Permits: 10 permits are available daily, issued through an online lottery system.
Special Drawing: A limited number of permits are set aside for groups of 10 or more people, issued through a separate lottery.

How Hard is it to Get a Permit?

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The permit process is competitive, but with the right strategy and a bit of luck, it's definitely achievable. Here's a closer look at the challenges and success rates:

Walk-in Permits

Securing a walk-in permit is the most straightforward but also the most challenging option. The BLM office opens at 8:30 AM, and hopeful hikers often start lining up as early as 6:00 AM. The success rate varies, but it's not uncommon for all permits to be claimed within the first hour. Persistence and an early start are key here.

Online Permits

The online lottery system offers a more convenient and fair chance at securing a permit. Four months ahead of your desired hiking date, you can apply for up to three dates. The application fee is $6 per person, and successful applicants are notified via email. The success rate for the online lottery is around 10-15%.

Special Drawing

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If you're planning a group hike, you can apply for the special drawing. This lottery is held once a month, four months ahead of your desired hiking date. The success rate is higher than the online lottery, but the application fee is $60 per group.

Tips for Securing a Permit

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Most-liked video | 28K views · 5.6K reactions | Can’t get a Wave permit? This hike deserves a spot on your list. ✨ North & South Teepees ✨ (Not the same formation as South Coyote Buttes) I discovered this hike while researching alternatives to The Wave, and the first time, I knew it was more than we could safely navigate alone. We hired @dreamlandsafari and I can’t recommend them enough. When we returned on our own, we still relied heavily on GPS to stay on route. Do not take this hike lightly. 🥾 9–11 miles round trip ↗️ ~1,100 ft elevation gain 🧭 Requires solid route-finding skills over slickrock and deep sand 🅿️ Wire Pass Trailhead 💵 $6 per person (dogs included) via Recreation.gov 🐕 Dogs permitted ⚠️ Leave No Trace is critical here: • Stay off cryptobiotic soil • Don’t carve or mark the rock • Pack out all trash — including 💩 & 🧻 This is one of those hikes that rewards preparation, patience, and respect for the landscape. #utahhikes #hikingarizona #thewave #wirepass #southernutah | Explore.hike.teach | Facebook

Want to hike The Wave? Getting a permit is about to be a little easier: What you need to know

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Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting a permit:

Plan ahead: Apply for the online lottery or special drawing four months in advance. For walk-in permits, arrive early and be prepared to wait.
Be flexible: Apply for multiple dates to increase your chances of success.
Consider off-peak seasons: Summer is the busiest time to hike The Wave. Consider visiting in the spring or fall for a better chance at a permit.
Stay informed: Keep an eye on the BLM's website for updates and changes to the permit system.

What to Do if You Don't Get a Permit

If you don't secure a permit, don't despair. Here are a few alternatives:

Reapply: You can reapply for the online lottery or special drawing up to the day before your desired hiking date.
Hike nearby trails: The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness has many other stunning hikes to explore.
Consider a guided tour: Some tour companies offer guided hikes to The Wave. They often have permits secured in advance.

In conclusion, getting a permit to hike The Wave can be challenging, but with the right strategy and a bit of luck, it's definitely achievable. The permit process is designed to protect this fragile environment and ensure a quality experience for all hikers. So, whether you secure a permit on your first try or it takes a few attempts, the hike to The Wave is an experience you won't forget.