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2.1 miles
Distance
577 ft
Climb
-208 ft
Descent
01:44:16
Avg time
369 ft
Altitude change
4,837 ft
Altitude min
5,206 ft
Altitude max
4,837 ft
Altitude start
5,207 ft
Altitude end
3.3%
Grade
-18.2%
Grade max
47.8%
Grade min
1 mile
Distance climb
4,009 ft
Distance down
728 ft
Distance flat
01:44:16
Avg time
The Wave Details
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Activities
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaVermilion Cliffs National Monument
Kanab, Arizona -
Difficulty Rating
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Local Popularity100 in Hiking [+]
- 75 in Trail Running
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Global Ranking
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Hiking SAC ScaleT2 Mountain Hiking
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Trail TypePrimitive
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Climb DifficultyBlue
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Physical RatingModerate
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Trail VisibilitySometimes hard to follow
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eBike Allowed
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Land OwnerBLM
This is an iconic hike that takes you out to strange alternating light and red striped slickrock that has the appearance of a wave. The trail starts out with a easy sandy walk to a wash. Once you cross the wash then the slickrock climbing begins and the trail path is not clear. It is easy to navigate, there are just lots of ways as you head south
Access Info Restricted Access
Access is limited to 20 people per day, through a permit lottery system. See the official trail page for more information.
Disclaimer
Several people have died recently on this trail, due to lack of preparation for this remote desert hike. Be prepared!
Trail Supporters
BLMLand Manager
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 15 rides
- 7 miles avg distance
All
- 71 rides
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
The Wave Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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Directions to the-wave-177643 trailhead
(37.019940, -112.018090)
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Nearby Trails
- Wire Pass 3,222 ft
- The Loop 3 miles
- Top Rock Loop 3 miles
- South Loop 3 miles
- Edmaier's Secret Trail 4 miles
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
- By todd
Trailforks & contributors - #177643 - 2,544 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Wave
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Where is The Wave located?
The Wave is located in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Kanab, Arizona, United States. It is part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 37.01994, -112.01809.
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How hard is The Wave?
The Wave is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 3.3%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
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What is the elevation gain for The Wave?
The Wave has 577 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 208 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 4,837 ft to 5,206 ft.
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Is The Wave a point to point trail?
The Wave is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is primitive.
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