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The Wave

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Besides running a half-marathon, the other goal for my birthday this year was to see the Wave in Arizona.  The Wave was made popular when Microsoft included an image of it in their desktop wallpaper options in 2009, after which hikers, photographers, and the curious have been going en masse to see this wonderful formation.

Getting to the Wave

The suggested route to The Wave is a strenuous 6.4-mile round-trip hike in a wilderness area with very few markers.  I read that 25% of the people get lost and never see it.  Since there are so many visitors, you must have a permit to see the Wave.  

There are two ways to get a permit; through the online lottery or the walk-in lottery.  I tried the online lottery but was unsuccessful.  After we arrived, Scott got up early in the morning and applied for the walk-in lottery. They only allow 10 people per day and you have to apply everyday in person.  We were prepared to stay a week and go every morning for our chance to see the Wave.  Scott won the first time.  This is incredible, because the chances of winning a permit is about 3.5%.  The chances that day of winning were about 7%.  Scott is so lucky.

Starburst in the ground
Can you see the fossils of an ancient animal footprint?
Orion (our guide) and I
The puddles are like windows to the sky
Entrance to The Wave

At The Wave

This is the Wave. It was formed by wind and water over millions of year. The geologic processes that formed The Wave are, ironically, the same that will destroy it. The best time to photograph the Wave are the hours around noon to limit the shadows from the sun.

Scott hangin’ 10
Feel the sense of motion

Leaving the Wave

The hike back was hotter and seemed longer than the hike to the Wave. We didn’t want to go as this is one of the most amazing places we have ever seen.

A puddle in the desert containing life – a tadpole
Looking out across the desert

On our drive back we stopped at the Paria Townsite, a ghost town nestled along the Paria River in the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument in Utah. Paria was inhabited from 1870 until 1929 and was later used as a filming location for many western movies. You can see the unusual blue, maroon, and purple colors in the rock.

Paria Townsite
Paria Townsite
Paria Townsite

The Wave was one of the most beautiful and amazing places we have ever been too. I hope we can go back to enjoy this wonderful place again.


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