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Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · AZ, UT

Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area

Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area is renowned for its stunning wave-like rock formations and vibrant geologic colors, offering a unique desert hiking experience.

Wilderness Area112,5002+ Trails

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

112,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area

Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area is renowned for its stunning wave-like rock formations and vibrant geologic colors, offering a unique desert hiking experience.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area spans across northern Arizona and southern Utah, covering parts of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. It is home to some of the most striking geological formations in the U.S., including the famous 'Wave' in Coyote Buttes North. The area's sandstone formations feature vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion. The ecology of Coyote Buttes includes desert-adapted vegetation such as sagebrush and juniper, along with wildlife like lizards, raptors, and occasional desert bighorn sheep. Recreational opportunities are centered around hiking, photography, and exploration of the rock formations. Due to its fragile environment and popularity, access to certain parts like the Wave is limited by permits to preserve its natural beauty and ecological integrity. Visitors are drawn by the area's surreal landscape, making it a top destination for photographers and adventure seekers.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Top Rock Arch: Marvels of Marble Canyon★ 8.7⌖ 1 miPhotography
Top Rock Arch

Top Rock Arch: Marvels of Marble Canyon

Top Rock Arch in Marble Canyon, AZ, offers stunning desert views and geological formations. Perfect for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset. The remote arch is accessible by a 20-minute drive from Marble Canyon and is quiet year-round.

PhotographyView Details→
Majestic Melody Arch in Marble Canyon★ 8.8⌖ 1 miHiking
Melody Arch

Majestic Melody Arch in Marble Canyon

Explore the stunning Melody Arch in Marble Canyon, AZ. A challenging hike-in requires permits but offers unique vistas for photography and wildlife observation. Visit in cooler months for the best experience.

Slot Canyon Wonders at Wire Pass, Utah★ 8.2⌖ 2 miHiking
Wire Pass

Slot Canyon Wonders at Wire Pass, Utah

Explore the 4.7-mile moderate hike into Wire Pass Slot Canyon near Kanab, Utah. This striking slot canyon offers vivid red sandstone walls, photography opportunities, and access to Buckskin Gulch. Best visited in spring and fall; bring water and watch for flash floods.

Discover the Mystique of Wire Pass Trailhead★ 8.7⌖ 2 miHiking
Wire Pass Trailhead

Discover the Mystique of Wire Pass Trailhead

Explore Wire Pass Trailhead near Kanab, UT, a gateway to Vermilion Cliffs. Known for stunning slot canyons like Buckskin Gulch, it offers moderate hikes with vibrant sandstone formations. Ideal in spring and fall, it promises solitude and scenic beauty.

Spectacular Rock Formations at Coyote Buttes, Arizona★ 8.8⌖ 3 miHiking
Coyote Buttes

Spectacular Rock Formations at Coyote Buttes, Arizona

Explore Coyote Buttes in northern Arizona, known for its stunning sandstone formations including The Wave. This challenging hike through a remote desert area requires a permit and is best visited in spring or fall. Ideal for hikers and photographers seeking unique geological landscapes.

Rock Formations of White Pocket, Arizona★ 9.2⌖ 6 miHiking
White Pocket

Rock Formations of White Pocket, Arizona

White Pocket in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument offers captivating rock formations with vibrant colors. Best accessed with a 4WD vehicle, this remote location is ideal for hiking and photography. Visit in spring or fall for comfortable weather.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Wave - renowned sandstone rock formation with undulating lines✦ South Coyote Buttes - features unique rock formations like 'Control Tower'✦ Paw Hole - known for striking hoodoos and colorful rock structures✦ White Pocket - offers mesmerizing swirls of white and orange sandstone
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Permits required for Coyote Buttes North and South with lottery system in place for the Wave.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Marble Canyon
⌖ 23.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marble Canyon, Arizona

A remote and rugged setting that beckons adventurers to explore its dramatic landscapes and the Colorado River.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Big Water
⌖ 24.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Big Water, Utah

A rugged desert gateway that offers access to iconic red rock landscapes, water adventures, and remote backcountry trails.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Kanab
⌖ 29.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kanab, Utah

A gateway to spectacular National Parks and opportunities for outdoor exploration in southern Utah’s red rock country.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Page
⌖ 30.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Page, AZ

A desert town providing a gateway to iconic landscapes and thrilling water-based adventures in the American Southwest.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Page
⌖ 30.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Page, Arizona

A vibrant desert hub for exploring iconic landscapes and water-based adventures nestled in the majestic terrain of Northern Arizona.

Spring and FallExplore Town
LeChee
⌖ 32.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

LeChee, Arizona

A quiet desert community on Navajo Nation lands, offering rugged landscapes and access to iconic red rock canyons and remote Navajo cultural sites.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Secret Canyons and Timeless Horizons with Deer Spring Canyon ToursOgden, Utah · 28.86 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Deer Spring Canyon Tours

Secret Canyons and Timeless Horizons with Deer Spring Canyon Tours

Step beyond the crowded trails and into the quiet beauty of Secret Antelope Canyon with Deer Spring Canyon Tours. Led by Navajo guides from Page, Arizona, these small-group adventures offer private access to stunning slot canyons and a secluded Horseshoe Bend overlook—blending breathtaking scenery with the stories and traditions of the land.

4–6 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.