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Discover the stunning rock formations and remote beauty of The Wave on a guided tour in North Coyote Buttes. With strict permit access, this adventure is a must-do for geology buffs and photographers alike.
Discover the stunning rock formations and remote beauty of The Wave on a guided tour in North Coyote Buttes. With strict permit access, this adventure is a must-do for geology buffs and photographers alike.
Book with Grand Circle Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Grand Circle Tours · Page, Arizona
North Coyote Buttes, located within the renowned Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in northern Arizona, offers one of the Southwest’s most iconic landscapes. Famed for the swirling, crimson-hued rock formations of The Wave, this site draws avid photographers and adventurers alike. Access to North Coyote Buttes is strictly limited; visitors must secure a permit through a lottery system, making each journey a special privilege.
The tour guides lead small groups through a rugged, sunbaked terrain, where miles of winding pathways reveal surreal rock sculptures that seem to defy gravity. The 6-12 mile hike traverses a mix of sandy washes, slickrock, and boulder fields, challenging hikers with its unpredictable terrain. The highlight, of course, is The Wave—a breathtaking ripple-patterned sandstone formation carved by eons of wind and water into mesmerizing undulations. This geological masterpiece showcases the unique Navajo Sandstone, with vivid reds and oranges that glow under the desert sun.
Distinctive features include natural arches, narrow slot canyons, and brilliantly layered rock layers revealing Earth's ancient history. The area's geology is not only a visual feast but also a window into geological processes over millions of years. Along the way, guides share insights into the area's cultural history, including its significance to Native tribes and conservation efforts that help preserve this fragile wilderness.
Because permits are limited, planning your trip well in advance is essential. The region’s remote location means travelers should prepare for the heat in summer, enjoy the wildflower blooms in spring, and navigate the cooler, crisper winter months carefully. This guided tour offers more than just a scenic hike: it’s a chance to witness a geological wonder and connect with the wilderness in one of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.
Moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with outdoor activity.
Yes, permits are required and can be obtained through a lottery system or via the online permit process for day use.
The hike is moderate with some challenging sections, including uneven terrain and significant elevation change, suitable for hikers with good fitness.
Spring and fall offer the most favorable weather, while summer requires early starts to avoid the heat, and winter permits should be checked for conditions.
Permits are strictly managed for day use; guided tours can be booked for a more informative and easier experience.
Solo hiking is possible with proper preparation and permits, but guided tours are recommended for safety and local insight.
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy footwear, and a camera to capture the scenery.
The area is deeply significant to Native tribes, with petroglyphs dating back centuries and stories of ancestral use.
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this delicate landscape and reduce human impact.
Grand Circle Tours is a Page, Arizona-based tour operator that offers guided hiking and scenic day tours across the Colorado Plateau. From half-day excursions to full-day adventures, Grand Circle Tours runs guided outings to destinations including Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and nearby landmarks. Trip options listed include Vortex Hike of St George, Cedar Mountain Fall Colors Tour, White Rocks, Smith's Mesa & Lambs Knoll, Yellow Rock, White Pocket, Tee Pees, North and South Coyote Buttes, Zion Narrows, Buckskin Gulch routes, Yant Flat, and additional Grand Staircase and Zion area tours. Several itineraries note guided hikes of specific durations—examples include 3–6 hour hikes for White Rocks and 7-hour adventures for Yellow Rock and White Pocket—with some departures listed at 8:30 AM for daily departures on select routes. Guides lead participants on routes that pass through Entrada Sandstone, Navajo sandstone, unique hoodoos, and colorful aspen and maple groves during fall color windows. Grand Circle Tours is presented as a provider of outdoor experiences from Page, Arizona, connecting visitors to iconic Southwest landscapes. The company is featured on The Adventure Collective and lists a variety of guided hiking options and scenic tours suited to photographers, families, and experienced hikers. Descriptions emphasize location-specific highlights, on-trail experiences, and seasonal highlights such as fall color viewing in Cedar Breaks and specialized guided access to areas like White Pocket and Coyote Buttes.
Book with Grand Circle Tours