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.
• ​​​​​​​Each individual may submit only one application per lottery. 
• Cannot concurrently hold more than one permit for a permit area.  
• Becoming an alternate permit holder prevents one from applying for their own permit.
• Permits are valid only in the Coyote Buttes North permit area for the group size and date specified. They are not valid for other permit areas such as Coyote Buttes South or Paria Canyon Overnight.
• Violators of group size may be cited if limit is exceeded. Joining with those on a separate permit to exceed 6 is prohibited.
• If non-commercial users obtain a permit and opt to retain an authorized outfitter and guide service, the guide will not count against the group size limit or the total visitor limit for the given day. Parties limited to one guide each.
• Authorized commercial operators may also reserve permits for trips they lead. They compete equally with non-commercial users. If a guide service obtains a permit, the guide will count against the group size.

Safety is your responsibility!

• Permits are issued for every day of the year, but changing conditions mean that access is not always safe or possible. Before applying, consider what the weather and road conditions are likely to be.  
• ​​​​​​​Permits cannot be rescheduled, even when conditions are poor. If you receive a permit for a day with unsafe conditions, you must choose whether or not to use the permit. Be prepared to modify or cancel plans. Your safety is your responsibility. 
• Extreme heat and lack of shade between May and September, along with the absence of drinking water, have led to fatalities in this permit area. During the rainy season, heavy rainfall can cause extreme flash flooding. This can lead to impassable roads and dangerous hiking conditions. Winter visits may involve hiking on ice-covered sandstone and exposure to cold.
• There are no trails in the Coyote Buttes North permit area. Permit holders are offered an orientation and a route description, but the route itself is unmarked. Before applying, evaluate whether or not all group members have enough experience to navigate in this area. If you have concerns about navigation, consider hiring an authorized guide.
• The suggested route to the Wave is a strenuous 6.4 mile round-trip hike. Consider the physical abilities and fitness level of all group members before applying. 
• 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 months, the road may become impassable for all vehicles, even those with four-wheel-drive.
• Call 911 in case of a life-threatening emergency. Cell phones are unreliable in this area but may be able to reach 911 even when other numbers do not work.

Rules and Regulations

• Use of motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, and the launching and landing of drones, is prohibited in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. (eg. bicycles, skateboards, strollers)
• Visitors must register at trailheads when entering or leaving the area.
• All group members must stay together.
• Coyote Buttes North permit area is designated day use only. Overnight camping is prohibited.
• Dogs are allowed, but they must be included on the permit and kept under control at all times. Waste must be packed out.
• All natural and cultural objects are protected. 
• Defacing surfaces and cutting or trampling vegetation is prohibited. 
• Harassing or feeding wildlife is prohibited.
• Campfires and burning of trash are prohibited. All trash, including toilet paper, must be carried out.
• Recreational use of horses or pack stock is not permitted.
• A Special Recreation Permit is required in addition to the recreation permit, for all commercial uses such as outfitters or organized group guided trips where there is a fee charged.

Common Sense Hiking Tips

• There is no water at access points. Plan on carrying at least 1 gallon of water per person per day.
• Notify an emergency contact of your group’s plans before you begin your trip.
• Be aware of the weather and road conditions, and assume the risks involved. Make sure your group has the adequate experience level, physical fitness, supplies, and equipment to successfully complete this trip.
• Your safety and the safety of your group is your responsibility. Adequately plan and prepare for this trip. Take actions to ensure that your group is self-reliant and aware of the risks involved with backcountry and wilderness hiking.

Click here for more information about permits for Coyote Buttes North.