Coyote Buttes North Advanced Lottery (The Wave)

Overview

Coyote Buttes North is just a small part of the 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, but has some of the most visually striking geologic sandstone formations in the world, including The Wave.

Coyote Buttes North Permit Area is within a backcountry, undeveloped wilderness area and does not contain any developed trails or facilities. Permit-holders are given a route description, which includes a route map, photo guide and GPS coordinates along the suggested route to the Wave. The hike to the Wave is a physically demanding 6.4 mile round-trip hike. Permit-holders should be in good physical condition and be comfortable navigating in undeveloped areas.

The road that accesses the permit area is unpaved and minimally maintained. Most of the time, it is possible to reach the trailhead in a two-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle. However, four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles may be required when the road is wet. During the rainy season and the winter, the road may become impassable for all vehicles, even those with four-wheel drive.

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Permit & Season Information

This permit is required to visit the Coyote Buttes North permit area, which features “The Wave.” The area permits day-use only (no overnight). Wishful permit holders may enter the lottery at any time during a calendar month. Although they are entering that calendar month, they are applying for a permit for the calendar month four months ahead. Application fees for all applicants will be charged at time of application. Following the application process two email confirmations will be sent. The first will be the application receipt of payment. The second will confirm permit application information. The lottery is run on the first of the next month at 9:00am and applicants are notified (immediately following the lottery) via email, whether they were selected or not. Permit winners must log back in to confirm the winning permit, complete any remaining information and submit payment by the 15th of the month or forfeit the permit. Each individual may submit only one application per lottery.

Lottery Information

You may enter the lottery at any time during a calendar month for a permit during the fourth month ahead. You apply for up to three trip dates per application and will be authorized one if you are successful. Each individual may submit only one application per lottery. Applicants must apply using their legal name and may be required to show a government issued identification card that matches the lottery application. There is no age limit to apply, but there must be adult accompaniment for the hike. Multiple applications to the lottery by the same individual will be cancelled without refund. Individuals cannot concurrently hold more than one permit per permit area. The lottery runs on the first day of the next month at 9 am MDT and applicants are notified of their outcome via email. The permit will be mailed out 4 to 6 weeks following the lottery by Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Selling or transferring permits is prohibited, will invalidate the permit, and may result in citation

How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?

The quota for this permit is measured in persons and/or groups visiting the area per day. A daily maximum of 64 people are permitted to visit Coyote Buttes North.

• 48 people and/or 12 groups (whichever comes first) are awarded through the online lottery system.
• The other 16 people and/or 4 groups (whichever comes first) are awarded through the Daily Lottery, a separate process than this online lottery. 
• The maximum group size is 6 people.
• Everyone, regardless of age, must be included in the permit. This includes infants that are not walking.
• Dogs do not count against the quota, but must be included on the permit and also require a fee. This process occurs during the confirmation of a successful lottery application.

Need to Know

Permit Information

• Permits are non-refundable. No Rainchecks.
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