INFO ABOUT THE WAVE PERMITS
UNDERSTANDING ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES FOR THE WORKSHOP
Cancellation policy
WEATHER AND CLOTHING
CAMERA GEAR
HOW WE APPLY FOR PERMITS TO THE WAVE
WHAT AREAS WE MAY VISIT DURING THIS WORKSHOP

INFO ABOUT THE WAVE PERMITS

The Wave is a stunning sandstone formation in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, and access is strictly limited to protect the fragile environment. Only 64 people are allowed per day, and these permits are obtained via two different lottery systems. The Advanced Permit, and the Daily Permit. Here are details on both:

Advanced Online Lottery: 48 people (or up to 12 groups, whichever fills first) per day are awarded via this method. These permits are applied for 4 months in advance.

Daily Geofenced (formerly “walk-in”) Lottery: 16 people (or up to 4 groups, whichever comes first) per day are awarded via this option.

We will be applying for the Daily Permit on the workshop.

UNDERSTANDING ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES FOR THE WORKSHOP

One participant will need to arrive 2 days before the workshop starts. Why? In order for us to have a chance to get into the Wave on day number one, and day number two of the workshop, someone will need be within near Kanab, Utah in order to enter the lottery online. I am not allowed to do this as I am the guide. Guests must obtain a permit for the Wave, and if obtained, I am allowed to guide without being part of the group numbers. Permits for the Wave are rewarded 2 DAYS AFTER applications are submitted. Whomever comes out those 2 days early will apply the next day as well. During the workshop, we will apply to the Wave every day except for the last day of the workshop because that would put us hiking 2 days after the workshop ends if awarded. With that being said, we will apply on day number 3 of this workshop and if awarded that would put us hiking a day after the workshop ends. If we are awarded the permit to be hiking to the wave on the day after the workshop ends, I will be available and will guide us to the wave even though the workshop is technically over. I will extend the workshop one extra day free of charge if it awarded. If we don’t get it for that day, the workshop will end as planned on February 12.

CANCELLATION POLICY

- 90 days out or more from the workshop start date - Full refund of the deposit minus $350

- Cancellation within 90 days to 30 days before the workshop, you will receive a $750 refund. In the event that we can fill your spot with another participant, you will receive a full refund minus $350

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

The range of conditions that we may possibly encounter during this workshop are wide-ranging. If we are getting cold snow storms in Bryce al0ng with wind, it could feel like 0 degrees. If we are lacking in snow we will likely end up down in the desert lowlands in slick rock formations under a baking sun with temperatures in the 60’s with no wind. For this area, that’s comfy t-shirt weather. We will want to prepare ourselves with a range of clothing which will work in all of those conditions.

Waterproof hiking/snow boots
Sneakers or light hiking shoes
Thick wool socks
Regular socks
Winter hat
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Balaklava
Winter Coat
Fleece top
T-shirt
Long underwear (top and bottom)
Hiking pants
Fleece pants
Rain pants
Rain jacket (that can fit over your winter coat IF that winter coat is not waterproof)
Micro spikes (For a recommended set, click HERE)

CAMERA GEAR

camera body
3 or more batteries
battery charger
wide angle lens
mid-range lens
telephoto lens
ultra-telephoto lens
memory cards
tripod
L-Bracket for tripod mount
Polarizing filters for wide angle and mid-range lenses
6-Stop filter for wide angle and mid-range lenses
laptop
drone (optional)

HOW WE APPLY TO GET A PERMIT TO THE WAVE

In recent years, the agency that manages the lottery system to the wave has changed some things from perhaps what you were aware of with the process from past years.

This is the modern version of the old walk-in lottery — now done by phone inside a set geographic area.

Here is the process:

1. Travel Into the Geofenced Zone

To participate, you must be physically located within the permitted “lottery zone.”
This area includes parts of:

Kanab, Utah
Page, Arizona
Big Water, Utah
And surrounding towns

Once your phone’s GPS shows you inside that region, you’re eligible.

2. Enter the Daily Lottery From Your Phone

The “walk-in” permit is now called the Daily Lottery, and it opens two days before the day you want to hike.

Example:
Want to hike on Friday? Enter the lottery on Wednesday.

Each morning, one person from our group will log in to: Recreation.gov app or website and will apply for the permit. Only one person in the group applies. I have a commercial permit with that land management agency so I do not need to apply, and if you or any other member of the group gets the permit for the group, I go out to guide and I do not take up a space in the number of people whom are allowed to visit the wave on a daily basis (64 people per day).

3. Submit Your Application (It Takes Only a Few Minutes)

You’ll enter:

Your name
Group size (up to 6 people)
Contact info
Vehicle info

You can apply anytime during the open window that day. Only one entry per group is allowed.

4. Wait for the Results the Next Morning

The lottery results are sent out the following morning, one day before your hike date.

If you’re selected, you’ll get a notification on your phone and by email.

5. If You Win, Pay for the Permit and Attend the Short Safety Briefing

Winners must:

Accept the permit in the app
Pay the permit fee
Attend a required safety and orientation briefing, either in person or online depending on the season.
This briefing covers navigation, road conditions, weather hazards, and Leave No Trace guidelines.

After the briefing, you receive your official permit and parking tag.

6. You’re All Set to Hike The Wave!

Your permit is valid for the next day, and your group can head out to enjoy one of the most stunning formations in the American Southwest.

If you weren’t selected, you can simply try again the next day as long as you remain inside the geofenced zone.

AREAS THAT WE MAY VISIT DURING THIS WORKSHOP

We have a wide variety of areas that we may visit during this trip based on weather and our itinerary as it relates to a possible lottery win to the wave. Here are the areas that we may end up spending time in.