In 2022 more people will be allowed to visit Coyote Buttes North or ‘The Wave’. The Wave is one of the most exclusive and beautiful places to hike in the USA. The rock formation is so unique that daily only a few people are allowed in the region.
The waving landscape of ‘The Wave’ is one of the most photographed places in the US, eventhough only a restricted number of people are allowed to visit it each day. The restriction has been put in place to preserve the delicate rocks. Previously only 20 people could hike to the location daily. This number will now be raised to give more people the opportunity to visit this magnificent wonder of nature.
Maximum daily number of visitors
In 2022 a maximum of 64 people will be allowed to hike to The Wave. Permits are distributed via a lottery.
- 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 walk-in 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.
Do you have to pay for a permit?
Application Fee: A non-refundable $9.00 lottery fee is required for each lottery application.
Recreation Fee: If selected in the lottery, a recreation fee of $7.00 per person or dog is required. Everyone, regardless of age, must be included in the permit. This includes infants that are not walking. Payment of recreation fees is only required if a permit is awarded through the lottery.
When do you have to participate in the lottery?
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.
The list below shows the most important dates for the next months.
| January 1, 2022 – January 31, 2022 | Lottery open to applications for permits during May |
| February 1, 2022 | Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during May |
| February 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022 | Lottery open to applications for permits during June |
| March 1, 2022 | Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during June |
| March 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022 | Lottery open to applications for permits during July |
| April 1, 2022 | Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during July |
| April 1, 2022 – April 30, 2022 | Lottery open to applications for permits during August |
| May 1, 2022 | Lottery runs at 9am MT for permits during August |
You can participate in the lottery on this website: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/274309
If you would like to know more about The Wave, we can recommend Beyond The “Waves”.
