The best photographic destination in the USA, The Wave, can be visited by the truly privileged. Only 20 people get permission to enter the Park per day. Can you be one of them? We explain how here
O The Wave Arizona shelters a scenery that seems to only exist in a postcard, with unique rock formations and exuberant scenery. They appear in the form of waves – hence the name – of a reddish tone, formed by the action of water and wind. A spectacle that seems from another planet.
The place is so preserved that only 20 lucky people can visit it daily. How do they get this privilege? Through a draw held every day online and also on site. Anyone can sign up for the draw, but it's not easy. Still, I wanted to give it a try – and you should too if you're heading to the area.
for those who read our post about Bryce Canyon you will understand why I stayed in Kanab. There is the perfect location for participate in the draw to visit The Wave. Interested? So let's start from the beginning… ?
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How to get to The Wave Arizona
The Wave is located approximately 320 km from Las Vegas and approximately 290 km from the Grand Canyon. The tour to get to know “The Waves” can be combined with other Mighty 5® parks, such as Bryce Canyon which is just over 1 hour (130 Km) away or Zion National Park which is 40 minutes away by car.
Read more:
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah – The Complete Guide
Zion National Park: Everything you need to know before you go
So, my tip is this: try to find a space in your script to participate in The Wave lottery. Unfortunately it wasn't this time, I tried it for two days, but that's ok, there's a good reason to come back! Maybe you're luckier than me.
How the Lottery Works for The Wave in Arizona
Just to explain better, there are two ways to be chosen to visit The Wave: online or “live” draw.
The Online Sweepstakes
The first, the online lottery – is done through a registration directly on the website of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Registration must be done 4 months in advance of your visit. Up to 3 different dates can be chosen, however, if selected, the visit is only for 1 day. After registering, just wait anxiously for the email with the information if you were drawn or not. It will be sent on the first day of the month following the application. The registration fee through the website is US$ 5,00 per registration – only with a credit card. For more information and to register online click here on the official website of BLM
In person lottery
The second way is face-to-face lottery that happens directly in BLM Kanab Visitor Center. There you register in person and then just wait for the bingo, which takes place promptly at 9 am every day. Groups can have a maximum of 6 people with a single registration.
Once the draw is made, the lucky ones can visit The Wave the next day. In-person registration is free. Only winners must pay a fee of $7,00 (cash) per person to access The Wave.
#Tip: Keep an eye on the clock if you are in a city in the state of Arizona. Due to the time difference, Kanab is one hour ahead of Arizona. You won't miss the trip huh!
When to go to The Wave in Arizona
The best time to visit The Wave, when temperatures are milder, is between the months of april to june and September to November. However, it is worth remembering that during the months of April, May, September and October the competition for the draw is much greater, and there may be more than 150 people competing for a vacancy. According to the BLM website, the best day of the week to apply is Sunday. In the two draws I participated in, there were over 100 people (107 people on the first and 104 people on the second attempt).
The best months to “win the lottery” are from December to February. However, this is the period of snow in the region, and the trail can become very difficult and in some places impassable. Another point is that you will not be able to see the famous reddish rocks.
Important tips for visiting The Wave in Arizona:
Even though I wasn't drawn, I ended up finding a lot of really cool tips during my travel planning. I have selected some for you:
- The trail is relatively quiet, totaling 10 km round trip. However, due to the dry climate and depending on the time of year with intense heat (in summer the average temperature is 38ºC), it can be quite tiring.
- Be prepared – take it a lot of water (at least 4 liters per person), snacks (remembering that during the trail there is no food infrastructure and almost no shade). Wear suitable and comfortable clothes and shoes for walking, sunscreen, glasses, cap, coat, GPS, hiking poles, among other items.
- Before starting the trail go to the Visitor Center to check new information about the route or the weather forecast
- Start the trail very early, as recommended by the Visitor Center. This time is also the best for photographs.
- Oh sure, bring your camera – the place is surreal – The Wave is the top US photography destination
- The trail is not marked, you will receive instructions and a map at the beginning of the trail. Stay tuned for all recommendations and tips.
- Use a GPS to guide yourself along the trail. Avoid going alone, if you are not very skilled with maps and GPS look for a friend or try to join the other winners
- Last but not least, respect the location. Bring your trash back, always have a bag in your backpack and of course, don't interfere with or remove anything from the local nature. She thanks ?
Try to explore Coyote Buttes North to the fullest as the draw is so competitive. Save energy to spend all day there, and enjoy other places besides The Wave. Also take advantage of each time of day so that they will yield you photos with spectacular memories.
- Address: 745 E. – North side of Highway 89
- Telephone: (435) 644-1300.
- Opening hours: 8:00 am to 16:30 pm, seven days a week.
- Site: https://www.thewave.info/
Take a look at this video for you to understand what this place is like.
Where to stay at The Wave Arizona
As I said at the beginning of the post, I stayed in Kanab city – which is the place of the draw. But another option is the town of Page, which is approximately 1 hour from Kanab.
We have selected for you some hotel options in the region:
3 star hotel. Daily for a couple around U$ 70,00
SEE AVAILABILITY OF DATES AND MAKE YOUR RESERVATION HERE
4 star hotel. Daily for a couple around U$ 89,00
KNOW MORE ABOUT THE HOTEL AND MAKE YOUR RESERVATION HERE
2 star hotel. Daily for a couple around U$ 75,00
FIND GREAT SLEEP IN PRICES HERE AND BOOK YOUR RESERVATION HERE
4 star hotel. Daily for a couple around U$ 130,00
SEE AVAILABILITY OF DATES FOR HYATT AND MAKE YOUR RESERVATION HERE
If you are luckier than me and manage to visit this unique place, leave your tips and comments here!
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Write it down: The company sends an international Chip to your home in Spain. When you're on the plane, just change your Brazilian SIM card for this international one. You will arrive in the United States with unlimited internet, using your cell phone at will, as you use in España.
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- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah: The Complete Guide
- Zion National Park: Everything you need to know before you go
- https://www.fortravelovers.com/seguro-viagem-para-os-estados-unidos/
- Is it mandatory to take out travel insurance for the United States?
