The Wave

This Desert Wave is a rock formation located in the Arizona desert, which has been shaped to perfection by the wind and which, because of its shape, looks like a real sea wave that has been petrified. Getting to the Wave is really difficult, as there is no signposting to the site so there are no mass visits. Some people arrive in the Desert and end up frustrated because they can't find the exact spot. The Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in northern Arizona. The area is further divided into two parts: North Coyote Buttes and South Coyote Buttes.

To reach this curious formation you have to hike for about 5 kilometres and cross numerous steep landscapes and difficult access roads. Although, as we have said, there are no man-made signs, there is a natural one. It is a formation called The Black Crack or Vertical Crack. It is a very visible crack in the Coyote Buttes region; the Desert Wave we are looking for is located just below this crack.

Once there, in the Desert Wave, we will be in a totally unreal landscape.Next to the area of this first and main wave, we can continue our way to another formation known as the second wave. This is a wave with less intense colours, but of equal interest to visitors. In general, when walking in these areas, we have to be especially careful when walking, as the soft sandstone is fragile and we could break the ridges.

There are some natural pools in the area, where you can swim. These pools are not always there, depending on whether there have been recent storms in the area.It is best to visit this wonderful place in the morning because of the high temperatures here.