To beach vacationers, the rhythmic the sound of the waves coming to shore provides peace and relaxation. To water skiers, waves are the peaks and troughs created by the boat pulling them along the aquatic surface … yet the surfer eagerly awaits the ultimate ride.
To physicists, waves are disturbances transferring energy; then again, different types of waves exist. To sports fans, the wave is the standup-sit down ritual to create a rolling motion across a mass of people. Yet with hair, it refers to a curve or curl.
As a verb, wave is associated with a variety of hand actions including a common gesture. Wave can indicate a sudden surge in emotions or numbers, but it can also be a persistent condition. This post is not about any of these or any definitions not included, but a place known as The Wave.
Steve and I met as college freshmen on the windy plains of northwest Ohio. Through those college years, we shared a dorm room, had many of the same friends, and shared many memories. We were each other’s best man at weddings and though many states apart, we have stayed in contact and visited each other.
Several years ago, I saw his photos of a land I had never seen or knew it existed. Figuring that many readers may not know this place, enjoy the Q&A and pictures about The Wave at Coyote Buttes in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. If available, Steve will also try to answer comments and questions.
You have visited your share of national parks. Why did this one take so long?
The Wave was supposedly ‘discovered’ sometime in the 90’s, and I saw pictures of it sometime in the early 2000’s. Once I figured out where it was, I was determined to see it. As it turns out, by then many others had discovered it too; and there was in place a 20-person per day limit into the area. I managed to acquire two passes for July 4th (2007) coinciding with a mountain bike trip that a group of us had planned for the same week. One of my friends and I hiked there on a very hot (near 100 degrees) day.
As a geologist, what impresses you about The Wave?
The Wave is formed from mainly wind-worn Navajo Sandstone, one of the most photogenic formations in the West. The layers of sandstone were originally laid down by wind in a huge sand dune field, and looking at the layers one can see the dune patterns. The really cool thing is that the formation was created by wind, and now the wind has created this beautiful formation.
As a photographer, how does The Wave differ from other locations?
It is a unique blend of colors, textures, and rock shapes. I have never seen another place like it, either in pictures or in person. There are similar rock layers in some of the nearby areas, but none approach the perfect combination of features seen in The Wave.
How difficult was the climbing within The Wave?
It is a 3-plus mile one-way hike across sand and sandstone to get to The Wave. Generally, it is not a difficult hike for somebody in pretty-good shape, but the temperatures in the summer are brutally hot, there is very little shade, and no water. Carrying a camera, extra lenses, and tripod limited the amount of water that I could carry, and on the day we were there, I ran out of water by the end of the day.
Tell us anything else about The Wave that you have not already mentioned.
Now, it is nearly impossible to get a pass into The Wave, as so many people want to go there, and there is a lottery set up to get passes. Most days have a hundred or more applicants. I have applied a couple of other times, unfortunately unsuccessfully.
wow, this is so impressive!!
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Thanks!
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Steve … Mimo is a photographer, so I encourage you to visit her sites.
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Mimo,
Glad you enjoyed these images by Steve of a unique place. Thanks for visiting.
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Amazing.
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SKEdazzles,
Welcome first time commenter. Thanks for visiting and hope you return.
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How ironic is it that the ‘wallpaper’ on my phone is a picture of The Wave-yet I didn’t know what it was called until now!
Thanks for solving the mystery, neighbor!
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Snaap,
Very ironic. Now I wonder if it’s on my phone. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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Hi,
Very intriguing place, I love all the different colours in the rock, just spectacular, and very good information to go with the pictures, a fantastic post, I enjoyed reading about this beautiful place. 😀
We have a place in Australia as well called the Wave Rock. I did a post awhile ago on it, but the colors are not as spectacular as these. 🙂
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Australia…high on my list of places to visit
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Mags,
I too like the colors, but to me, the shapes are what puts it over the top. Thanks for the note about Wave Rock. Interesting formation. For others, the link is below. Thanks for sharing.
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=681&q=wave+rock+australia&gbv=2&oq=wave+rock&aq=1&aqi=g3g-s1g6&aql=&gs_sm=1&gs_upl=1088l2727l0l7231l9l9l0l0l0l0l132l595l8.1l9l0&gs_l=img.1.1.0l3j0i10j0l6.1088l2727l0l7231l9l9l0l0l0l0l132l595l8j1l9l0.llsin
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Regardless of what you had to go through to get there, it HAD to be worth it. WOW!!
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It was worth it for sure and I’d do it again!
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Arriving just had to be one of those ‘life is so freaking good I can hardly stand it!’ moments!!
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Alex,
As one with photographic skills, I’m sure you appreciated these about a very interesting place. Thanks for commenting.
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There is photographic skill, then there is photographic mastery…and I think we both know where Steve falls between the two.
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Interesting perspective … and I think he has been trying to improve his skills since taking these pics. Hmmmm … maybe I should collaborate with him on another post!
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Thanks, working on the mastery thing, Not sure that can ever be achieved, but it sure is fun trying.
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See this post for fab pics and workshop info. http://munchow.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/photo-workshop-in-gorgeous-fjords/
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This is just beautiful. I learned so much from this post! Here AZ is a neighboring state and I’ve never even heard of these waves! I’d love to visit. Debra
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Debra,
It seems that being close will help because it seems passes to the area are hard to get. Good luck and I hope you get the chance. Thanks for stopping by.
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$5 per lottery application. Good luck!
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I assume – nonrefundable.
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Link to lottery info: http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/coyote_buttes/permits.html
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Yes no refund, but you do get to pick 3 different days.
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Wow – those photos are simply stunning! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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LastSong,
Welcome first-time commenter. Glad you enjoyed these and hope you return. Thanks for visiting.
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Off to the seaside soon for a couple of days – amazing images. Thanks!
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Ginger,
Thanks for the visit and comment … and enjoy the time away!
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Great photos and info to go along with it… go on…
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Thanks, glad to share.
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Wow. those images are a perfect way to start the day.
Can’t imagine how beautiful it must have been to be there in person.
Thanks, Steve and Frank!
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Guapo,
You are very welcome … being an outdoorsman, put this place on your list of places to visit. Good luck with the lottery for the pass. Thanks for visiting.
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Truly amazing place!
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Looks like these images are so worth the effort it takes. Great stuff. Thanks for sharing Frank.
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And there is so much more in that area. But, alas, Frank only let me provide 5 pictures!
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Sounds like a reason for a sequel!
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OK, I’m up for a sequel…maybe in a month or two? We can show Coyote Buttes South (similar rock, new formations)
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Steve … Visit Mobius’ blog as he is a photographer in Akron.
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AMAZING! Beautiful pictures, I felt like I could almost feel the smooth sandstone under my hands as I looked at the photos. Such layers and colors. I can’t wait to show Navar the photos and interview. Thank You for sharing the pictures and doing the interview. Great Post!
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Starla,
Glad you enjoyed this and please share Navar’s reaction with us. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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Thanks! Navajo Sandstone is the best!
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Just Beautiful I’m sure I will have these images in my head all day! Thanks for doing the interview and sharing your photos. :+)
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really impressing Frank, excellent!!
have a nice day,
xandi
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Xandi,
Glad you enjoyed this and thanks for visiting.
PS: To Steve – Xandi has a very interesting music site.
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Cool misuse page!
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Wow! What an incredible place. The images are stunning. I would love to visit (although it’s pretty far out of my reach right now even if I did manage to win the lottery — any lottery).
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I hope you get to go there someday, but if not then enjoy the pictures.
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Steve … visit Robins site as she is a photographer in NE Ohio.
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AZ eh? I thought it was in Utah.
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The hike actually starts in UT then south across the border into AZ
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My words just left my body and I haven’t really nothing to say other than.. this is so freakin cool and beautiful. I am just… wow
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Kay,
Ha ha … see, I knew you would like this! Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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Wow! A words out of body experience! Thanks, glad you enjoyed.
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Awesome…Got to add it to my bucket list 🙂
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Hansi,
Glad you liked it … so start planning! Thanks for commenting.
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This one is still on my bucket list even tho’ I’ve laready been there…want to go back for some sunrise and sunset pictures.
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Wow! That is amazing. Great post Frank. What a beautiful formation. I just love the colour of the wave – it’s very similar to our red dessert areas here in Australia. What a privilege for your friend to go there. He photographed it and captured it so well. xx
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Spiced,
Glad you enjoyed this. The idea came to me last week, so I proposed it to Steve, and here it is. Mags (another Aussie) told us of Wave Rock, so I provided a link to its images. Until he went, I had no clue it even existed! Thanks for commenting.
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I’ll need a guide when I come to Australia (gee, I hope I can get there some year!)
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I’m very happy that I stumbled upon your blog!
I’m also looking forward to the 2012 presidential election. I’m not even American and I’m drawn right into it. :p
When I look at the wave, I see something very unique. It has such an interesting color to it. I find it amazing what kind of environments exist in our world.
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Yeah, sand dunes frozen in time!
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Wes,
Welcome first-time commenter. Oh a nonAmerican interested in US politics … yeh? Just kidding. I bounce around topics, and political topics will don these pages. And yes – the world offers a lot! Thanks for visiting and hope you return.
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Holy Toledo, I am slobbering on my keyboard Frank. Great shots of a spectacular piece of real estate. Talk about a bucket list include! Thanks for posting and congrats to Steve for tenacity and skill.
Joe
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It is quite slobbericious! Thanks.
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Steve … Visit Joe’s site as he is a photographer in LA … no …. the other LA …. Lower Arkansas.
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Joe,
Cheers … I just knew you would like this. Time for you to get in the lottery so you can pack your gear for a photographic gold mine! Thanks for visiting Joe!
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Thanks for sharing that. And for adding to my already long list of “places to see before I die.” 🙂
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My list gets longer every day, at this rate I’m going to have to live for about 200 years!
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Spinny,
Glad you enjoyed this, but given the lottery situation for passes, better start planning. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
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This place is on my bucket list. I’ve seen photography from here before but this is outstanding!
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Lorri,
I’m glad you liked this. (Well, I thought you might!) Hope someday you get to visit … thanks for visiting and commenting.
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Exactly what I thought when i first saw it…”gotta go there!”
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….and all created by wind. It’s hard to come up with an adjective to describe my feelings. I can only say “Wow” because my mouth’s still hanging open. My sincere congratulations to Steve on capturing the beauty of the place.
I’ve been to the painted desert in Arizona. Is this near by?
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West of Page, AZ…not really near the Painted Desert. Glad you enjoyed.
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Rosie,
Glad you enjoyed this … but I haven’t been fortunate to visit this wonderland. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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Great pics and blog, Frank. We just went to Natural Bridges in Calaveras County Northern CA today. Very cool cave with lots of stalactites and calcium and basalt. Nothing like the waves, but still intense.
Thanks!
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Oooh, that sounds like a cool place (pun intended). Glad you liked the pics.
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Les,
Glad you this pics and thanks for the tip as I just saw some images via Google. Very nice! Thanks for sharing.
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Pingback: …things I LOVED! Week March 5th through March 11th « …things I LOVE!
I’m enjoying “strolling” through your travels. I, for one, enjoy driving more than cruising (despite the comfort and the lack of packing and unpacking), as it gives us more time in each destination. However this place The Wave is spectacular, and obviously there’s no ship there (my husband fell in love with cruising, not I), and it is a place I have not been to. Next on my list!
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Rachel,
Ah ha … The Wave … a hard to get to place and one that requires a pass … so planning and timing are important. Good luck … and hope you get to see it!
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Glad you like my “Wave” pics. Tough to get a pass (I’ve tried a couple times to go back, but so far no luck with a pass).
Steve
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Steve, I’m absolutely determined to go there. The pictures are amazing. The whole area between Arizona and Utah is other worldly. Do you blog?
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I don’t blog…I don’t have enough worthy of saying. Saying it in pictures. Guess I need a photographic blog eh?
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Yo Steve … blogs are how many photographers promote their work … and thanks for communicating with Rachel about this park. Two tidbits for you: I haven’t forgotten the next theme, and hope you have been seeing the pics from our trip … actually a few good ones. 😉
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Yep, saw the pics…really looks like a nice place to visit. Where else did you go?
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The whole trip was Amsterdam, northern Germany, Tallinn (Estonia), St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam. As soon as I link all the posts of the trip, I’ll send you an email.
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And I absolutely love the northern Arizona/southern Utah area!
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Just made a book of my best stuff from 2012: The Best of 2012 Photos by Steve Ancik By Book Preview
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Well done Steve. Thanks for the link and I will mention it in a future post!
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Frank I cannot believe what I’m seeing… this must be unique to that spot and found nowhere else in the world… it is absolutely Gob Smacking… I would love to see that in real life but by the sounds of it very little chance exists… thanks for pointing me over here … this is outstanding….
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Bulldog,
Cheers for me recognizing that you would love these photos. I too was stunned when I saw the pics – which actually sparked the idea for this post … which then to our collaboration about time.
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Stunning place for sure, probably the most amazing spot I’ve photographed!
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more at http://www.lightwavesimages.com
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Yeah, unfortunately it’s almost impossible to go there anymore. I’ve tried several times via the lottery….no joy.
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What a gorgeous place… Though it is a bummer that it has been restricted, I can totally understand as it would erode much too quickly otherwise… Gorgeous shots, Steve!
What a great friendship you two have, Frank & Steve!
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Dale,
The first time I saw one of his pics from here, I was simply blown away that this place even existed … thus what actually sparked the post.
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I have tried to get another pass for another trip several times….so far no luck. And I do agree with the restricted access – too many people would spoil the place.
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Hey there …. readers also love your Connection pics!
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I love all these, Frank! I love the products of creative fusion, they are so exciting.
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Thanks! I want to go back again some day.
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What an amazing place! But more than that, your photos had great composition and texture.
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Brenda,
Hooray … you took my suggestion!. I think this was my first collaboration … and this place is so unique, so I’m thankful that Steve captured it.
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Very cool, all your collaborations. Perhaps you want to do one on magic. 🙂
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Thanks … I will consider it.
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No pressure. 🙂
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