No Substitutes｜The Wave in Arizona is Worth Every Lottery Attempt

Arizona’s The Wave is absolutely worth the lottery grind—I entered over ten times, but nature’s masterpiece made it all worthwhile!😊 I scored a permit in February for Memorial Day weekend. Late May temps ranged from 16-29°C (60-85°F), but with intense sun, it felt like 35°C+ (95°F)—probably the latest comfortable time to visit. We stayed in Page, a 1-hour drive to Coyote Buttes North parking (note the 1-hour time zone change!).👍 After check-in, the trailhead is behind the restroom. Few markers exist, so rely on the paper map or pre-downloaded GPS tracks. The route passes: Small Sandle → Teepees → Twin Buttes → Sand Dunes → Mini Wave 😉 ...before reaching The Wave’s iconic spot . Pro tip: Walk through the small water pool and shoot from inside out for the best angle. Beyond the main attraction, climbing higher leads to stunning overlooks Adventurers can loop around to hidden gems like:❤️ The Alcove Melody Arch Second Wave This detour is gentler than the steep direct descent —not recommended! The full loop totals 9.9 mi (15.9 km) with 1,823 ft (556 m) elevation gain. Grippy shoes, sunscreen, and 4L+ water per person are mandatory. Every frame here is breathtaking—no "gas station alternatives" compare! Lottery tips: Everyone in your group can enter the Recreation.gov lottery. One winning permit covers 6 people, 2 cars, and even dogs! #HiddenGems #HikingTheWorld #OutdoorAdventures #USNationalParks #TheWaveGuide #ArizonaTravel #WeekendGetaway #OffTheBeatenPath #CaptureTheMoment