The Wave

February 8th, 2026. Wave Day! 

It's a long drive out to the Wire Pass Trailhead to access the Coyote Buttes North wilderness area. We've driven out several times in the past to hike the areas that are accessible to all. This time we felt "special" as we signed the register. Like we'd won the lottery!

According to the blog, the first time we tried to get a permit was all in 2012. Back in the day, there was no online reservation system. You had to drive to Kanab and sit in a giant room with all the other applicants, hoping that your number would match that drawn on the Bingo ball. It took more than a decade, but our number finally came up! The green tag was our proof.

Hiking in. While not terribly strenuous, we logged 8.5 miles over the day.  Despite it being February, there were a few moments when we actually felt a little too hot. I can't imagine doing it in the heat of summer, especially with no shade.

Here's our gorgeous Talia, looking a bit perplexed.

Brooklyn, Talia and Eli sang the first forty minutes of Hamilton during the first part of our hike. It was epic!

You can see the joy all over Jason's face.

Also, when did Annika get so tall?

Here's Talia coming through. You can tell we are getting close as the beautiful patterns start to emerge in the rocks.

I spy a smile and a spring in Brooklyn's step.

Eli was mighty excited too. Camera's at the ready!

At last, the Wave! I'll let the photos do the talking.

Ha ha! Talia loves picking at Eli's face. This is definitely the most scenic place she's done it.

I kind of want to sent this picture to Annika's cardiology team to show them all the beautiful places her heart brings her. I wish her donor family could see the miracle too.

Quite possibly my favorite of the photos I took.

And now for the same line-up of the Wave, but this time they are Jason's pics. Aka, better! I thought about trying to integrate them but it's too much work. Enjoy the journey the second time around. And who knows? If Eli curates a batch off of his camera, they may eventually get added here as well. So check back for more Wavy wonder.

Just have to say, our daughters are so gorgeous. Their light on the inside shines all the way through.

And Eli, you are exceptionally handsome!

Phenomenal.

Photo shoot time.

When you can't choose a pic, share 'em all.

If you ever get a permit for the Wave, make sure to check out the other incredible geographical landmarks in the area. This one was called the "Second Wave," AllTrails has some pretty good maps to give you ideas of where to go. By the way, it's interesting to note that you cross the border from Utah to Arizona as you hike into the Wave.

It's a steep climb up from there to the next landmarks.

But gosh, it's fun to see the Wave from way up high.

Plus, you can pretend you are the Little Mermaid.

Or Captain Jack.

Annika found a dead scorpion at the landmark Dune. Naturally she wanted to keep it. Naturally I told her no.

Next up we have The Alcove.

There's a ridiculously sheer drop-off on the other side of this rock window. I definitely do not recommend sitting in the window frame like Annika. This girl flirts with death too often...

But hey, at least it would be a scenic way to go.

Talia wanted the adrenaline rush too.

Our joyful Brooklyn with feet on flat ground. She always was a smart cookie.

Our next area to explore? The Boneyard. It really did look like the place was littered with dinosaur vertebrae.

A glance back at the teepees, then a heart full of gratitude for this wonderful opportunity.

You know, waiting so long to visit the Wave was difficult and frustrating at times. However, the challenge made me value the experience even more. So many remarkable areas have been spoiled by hoardes of people descending to get the perfect InstaGram pic. It's hard to imagine a more photogenic backdrop than the Wave. Without heavy restrictions, the landscape could so quickly be destroyed.  Even if physical damage weren't done, the experience simply wouldn't be the same. While getting to the Wave may require persistence and patience, I'm grateful that we are protecting the space for generations to come.