3 Awesome Alternatives for Hiking The Wave in Arizona

Affiliate Links

Scoring a permit for The Wave in Arizona is easier said than done. You can either join the general lottery which is held 4 months in advance and allows up to 48 people per day. Or you can try the daily lottery which is held 2 days in advance and 16 people per day can get this permit. If you win, you pick up your permit the next day in either Page or Kanab, and also attend a safety briefing there.

Like I said, easier said than done. Only 5% of all applicants are able to score a permit every year. That means a lot of disappointed tourists and locals.

But what if I told you there are some really cool alternatives nearby and honestly, one might even better than The Wave itself!

Got your attention? Then make sure to keep on reading and discover the best alternatives for The Wave!

The best time to visit
The best alternatives for The Wave

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Northern Arizona is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), making it perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.

Summers can be hot in the lower elevations but remain relatively comfortable at higher elevations like Flagstaff and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Winters bring snow to areas like Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, creating beautiful snowy landscapes but also causing some roads and trails to be inaccessible.

If you want the best weather and fewer tourists, stick to spring and fall for your Northern Arizona adventure.

The best alternatives for The Wave

1. White Pocket

White Pocket, located within Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, is a mesmerizing geological wonder renowned for its swirling sandstone formations, vibrant colors, and otherworldly landscapes. Unlike its more famous neighbor, The Wave, White Pocket does not require a permit to visit, making it a more “accessible” destination.

I put these hyphens because reaching White Pocket is an adventure on itself! The journey involves navigating deep sandy roads that necessitate a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle.

🛻 We rented our 4WD with high clearance from JeepBNB. Their pricing is fair and the owner gave us a ton of explanations and tips when picking up the car. A big plus with them is that for an extra fee you can choose to turn in your car after hours. Say you want to see the sunset at Alstrom Point but not pay for a full extra day, then this is the best option.

You should be prepared for a challenging drive and are advised to carry ample water, food, and emergency supplies, as the area lacks developed trails, drinking water sources, and reliable cell service.

🎫 TOUR – Not feeling like driving there yourself? You can also take a guided tour of White Pocket and leave the hassle of renting a jeep and driving those dusty roads to your tour guide.

But upon arrival, you are greeted by a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The absence of marked trails encourages exploration, allowing individuals to wander among the intricate rock formations, discover hidden pockets of water, and capture stunning photographs of the dynamic scenery. At times I honestly thought I was in some kind of Desert Candy Land!

Entrance Fee – Free to visit

Opening hours – Open 24/7

Time needed to visit – A minimum of 3 hours to really get a feel of this place and explore all its hidden nooks and crannies.

Best time to visit – As always for photography both sunrise and sunset are ideal.

Where to stay – We stayed at the Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel, located at the edge of the city of Page. I loved that our room had a view over Glen Canyon and that they provided a last minute cot for César.
Driving time from Page – 2.5 hours

2. The New Wave Trail

The New Wave Trail, located near Page, Arizona, offers you a glimpse into the region’s captivating sandstone formations reminiscent of the famed Wave in the Vermilion Cliffs. This 1.4-mile loop trail is moderately challenging, typically taking about 30 minutes to complete.

At one point I think we kinda went off the trail but you really can’t get lost here. We simply wandered around all of the cool formations and I especially loved the epic view over Lake Powel in the distance. SO I think in total we spent about 1.5 hour exploring.

To reach the trailhead, drive northwest on US-89 N from Page, crossing the Glen Canyon Dam. Approximately one mile past the dam, turn left onto a gravel road. After about 100 yards, the road splits; take the right fork and proceed 0.1 miles to the Beehive Campground turnoff. Park in the dirt area near the campground.

Entrance Fee – Free to visit

Opening hours – Open 24/7

Time needed to visit – A minimum of 1 hour to really get a feel of this place and explore all its hidden nooks and crannies.

Best time to visit – As always for photography both sunrise and sunset are ideal.

3. The Fire Wave Trail

The Fire Wave Trail, located within Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park, is an incredible hike renowned for its vibrant, swirling sandstone formations reminiscent of a wave frozen in time. This 1.5-mile round-trip trail shows off the park’s iconic red, pink, and white layered rocks! The trailhead is conveniently situated along Mouse’s Tank Road, with clear signage and parking available.

💡 TIP – I highly recommend to keep on hiking after the initial Fire Wave Trail and follow the Pastel Canyon Trail. It’s absolutely stunning, not hard and we were the only ones exploring it. This way you’ll walk along the the Seven Wonders Loop and also arrive back at the parking lot.

The route is well-marked, guiding adventurers through a landscape dotted with unique geological features. As you approach the Fire Wave formation, the undulating patterns and contrasting hues become increasingly pronounced, offering a surreal and mesmerizing vista. It’s advisable to undertake this hike during the cooler parts of the day, as the desert environment provides minimal shade and temperatures can soar, especially in the summer months. Notably, for safety reasons, the trail is closed annually from May 15 to September 30 due to extreme heat conditions.

Entrance Fee – $10.00 ($15.00 for Non-NV Vehicles)

Opening hours – Open sunrise to sunset

Time needed to visit – A minimum of 1 day so you can fully explore Valley of Fire State Park.

Best time to visit – As always for photography both sunrise and sunset are ideal.

Where to stay – If you’re traveling with a camper you can either stay at one of the 2 campsites inside Valley of Fire State Park. Or if not available there’s a ton of dispersed camping available right outside of the park.
Driving time from Las Vegas – 1 hour

If you have any questions about how to visit Arizona or if you want to share your experience, comment below!

More information about Arizona

Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
Read our full story here

Hi, I'm Charlotte

3 Awesome Alternatives for Hiking The Wave in Arizona

The best time to visit