Controversy about Permit
Process for Coyote Buttes North and The Wave
Getting a permit to go to
the Wave, located in Coyote Buttes North, has become one of the most
frustrating travel difficulties in Utah or the southwest for that matter. It
can ruin your vacation if you plan it around this sought-after adventure and
don’t get a permit. It is not unusual to find over 150 people queuing at 8am
for the 10 spots. Imagine how many unhappy people leave there each day. It
doesn’t do any good to get mad at the staff at the BLM office. They don’t make
the rules or design the lottery.
The wave is an amazing
rock formation. But, decide how much time, energy and psychic pain you want to
go through to get there given the many, many other great places in the area. If
you want to go through the process, be sure to read the website before
you go (call (435) 688-3200 for questions). Times, rules, expectations change regularly. There is significant discussion
going on right now about changing the process, so don’t be surprised if the
lottery has changed or is no longer used by 2020.
Alternatives to the Wave
Coyote Buttes South permits
tend to be much easier to get and White Pocket requires no permit. So, are they
a worthy substitution? Yes! Coyote Buttes South has much more to see. Granted,
you won’t see “The Wave”, but you’ll see a lot more. And, you’ll feel like you
have the place to yourself. If you are pressed for time, get a tour so they can
take you to all the best places. But, if you have time, it’s a beautiful place
to wander. You never know what you’ll discover.
White Pocket offers
stunning rock formations as well, many with the swirling color formations that
resemble the wave as well as a variety of diverse formations. The drive is long
and can be incredibly sandy and is really not recommended for those who are not
comfortable with driving a 4X4 in extreme sand, but half of it is over paved
road. The hiking around White Pockets is generally easy. Camping is allowed.
The popularity of White Pocket is also rising, so get there fast!
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