The Wave Tours
Full Day $299 per Person
Quick Summary
Photograph the iconic “Wave” in addition to many other hidden gems in this unique landscape (including spots where other outfitters won't take you). There is so much more to see here besides just the Wave! Take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and capture your best shots with professional photography instruction. This tour is rated Difficult for physical intensity with 7+ miles of hiking.
Highlights
- Photograph the iconic “Wave” in addition to many other hidden gems in this unique landscape (including spots where other outfitters won't take you). There is so much more here besides just the Wave!
- We will take you to different areas at the right time of day for the best photography. We know how the light changes month by month and hour by hour.
- Leave the difficult route finding to us and maximize your photography time. Professional photo instruction and critique included on all trips.
- Small group size capped at 5 people to ensure personalized instruction and individualized attention.
- If you already have permits, you'll set to go. If not, refer to the permits section below. If you're not successful at the walk-in lottery, we'll go to another destination like White Pocket.
Permits
- Permits are required to access the Wave and must be obtained via lottery. All clients must procure their own permits. Click Here to learn more about permits. As commercial guides, we have our own permits for Coyote Buttes North. Your instructor will not count against the quota on your personal permit.
- To apply for the online lottery, simply visit Recreation.Gov and fill out the required information. You will need to fill this out 3-4 months before your desired date. For example, if you wanted to visit in August, you would submit the lottery application anytime between April 1 and April 30. You would be notified on May 1 if your lottery application was successful or not.
- The other option is the Daily Lottery. You can apply for a daily permit two days in advance of your trip date via Recreation.Gov. In order to apply, you must use a mobile device and be within the geofenced perimeter of the greater Kanab, UT and Page, AZ area. Permit winners are required to pick-up their permits in-person the day before the hike in either Kanab, UT or Page, AZ.
- With the Daily Lottery having moved to Recreation.Gov, we will not be able to attend the walk-in lottery for clients.
- Please note: Permits are NOT included when you book a tour with us. You still have to acquire your own permit before the tour via the advanced lottery or last-minute lottery systems.
Trip Details
- Tour Length: 8-9 hours
- Drive Time: One hour from Kanab with 45 mins on pavement and 15 mins on rough roads. If it has been raining, we will have to go in via the southern route which will add up to 45 mins extra drive time.
- Time Spent on Location: Approx 6 hours with around 3 hours of hiking time.
- Tour Departure Time: Please see the time listed on your booking since the times vary throughout the year. Please arrive around 10 mins early to load your gear and finish the check-in process. The return time is approximately 8-9 hours after the departure time. Note that we operate on Utah time which is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. During the months of Daylight Savings (approx mid-March through early Nov), Utah is also one hour ahead of Arizona. Please take this into consideration if traveling from out of state.
- Tour Pricing: Please click on the Book Now button for the latest pricing. Note that most of our tours require a 2-person minimum. Single individuals can always go, but may need to pay the 2-person rate if nobody else decides to join.
- Tour Meetup Location: You will meet at our office in Kanab, UT. The address will be given in your confirmation email. This is a safe place to park your vehicle and you can leave any valuables inside. Once you arrive, you'll load your gear and sign a liability waiver. Las Vegas is the closest major airport to Kanab. There is no public transportation to Kanab, so you’ll need your own rental car or private vehicle. We recommend that you stay in a hotel in Kanab the evening of your tour. There are many good hotels in the area like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn & Suites, and the Canyons Botique.
- Areas: Where we go will depend on client fitness, photography goals, and current conditions. Your instructor will determine that when you meet up and we'll structure the trip accordingly. We'll get you to the best spots and ensure your safety and enjoyment.
More Trip Details....
- Tour Meetup Outside of Kanab: We occasionally get requests from folks coming from Page, AZ. Rather than meet in Kanab, we can meet you at the intersection of Highway 89 and House Rock Valley Road. Turn south onto House Rock Valley Road and park in the parking area at the bottom of the hill. Expect at least a 45min drive from Page, AZ. Google Maps Link. If you want us to pick you up here, PLEASE CONTACT US AHEAD OF TIME TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS. We will come by approx. 45-60 mins after the tour departure time (note that this is Utah Time, not Arizona Time). Look for the vehicle marked as Action Photo Tours.
- Weather Conditions: Getting to Wire Pass Trailhead can be difficult if it has been raining recently and the road is impassable. We have 4WD and can usually get out there. But occasionally the mud is too deep even for 4WD. Should that happen, we'll visit a different location like White Pocket. Safety is always our top priority. Note that we cannot offer refunds due to weather unless we cannot go out at all. Don’t despise inclement weather – that is often when you get the most dramatic photos! Just make sure you dress and prepare adequately for the weather.
- Hiking / Fitness: Even though it’s only 3.5 miles each way to the Wave, it’s still a tough hike. You’ll be going through sand and over uneven rock. Most of the hike is cross-country (i.e. no trail) and it can be hot and exposed during the summer months. Expect anywhere from 1-2 hours hiking time each way. There are many other great places around the Wave that we love to show our clients. We’ll go to some of the spots if the group is feeling up to it. The sights on Top Rock require very steep hiking and mild scrambling. We can visit these places only if the group is capable of it. If we visit some extra spots, expect a 9-10 mile round trip hike. All participants should ensure their fitness level is adequate for this trip.
More Trip Details
- Food/Water: We do not provide food on our outings. All participants should bring their own lunch for the hike. For water, you’ll need at least one gallon (4 liters) per person during the warmer months. Don’t underestimate how much water you’ll need out here! During the cooler months, 2 liters per person is adequate.
- What to Wear: You should check the weather forecast prior to coming on the trip (search for Page, AZ on Weather.com). If it’s going to be hot, wear light-colored clothing and a hat. If the temperatures are cold, bring some warm layers and long pants. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. If it’s very cold and or windy, don’t forget a warm hat and some gloves. If rain or snow is in the forecast, bring a rain jacket. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear in North Coyote Buttes due to the uneven terrain and sand.
- Restroom Facilities: There are restroom facilities at the Wire Pass Trailhead. If you need to use the restroom during the hike, we will have toilet paper and hand sanitizer available. You can dig a hole back behind a bush to do your business.
- Cell Phones: Bring your cell phone along! They are great for capturing candid images. Plus, there are a few areas where you get cell signal in North Coyote. Note that cell service is limited during the drive. There are USB ports in our vehicles so bring a charging cable if you need one.
- Group Size: Our groups will never exceed 5 people per instructor. We like to keep our photo tours small so we can give adequate individual attention. For those photographers that feel more independent, we will allow you to wander away from the group and explore on your own within reasonable limits.
- Instructors: Due to scheduling complexities, we often don't know which instructor will accompany your group until a day or two prior. If you want a specific instructor, then please Contact Us to make your request. Although we'll do our best to make it happen, please note that there are no guarantees.
- Safety: Our guides are trained in CPR/First-Aid. All 4WD vehicles are equipped with extraction equipment and a first-aid kit. We carry a satellite beacon with us in case of emergencies outside of cell range.
Camera Gear
- Camera Gear: A wide angle zoom lens is most useful at North Coyote (equivalent 16-35 on a full-frame camera or 10-22mm on a crop sensor). There are opportunities for mid-range, telephoto, and macro shots so you can bring any of those lenses if you like - just ensure your pack isn’t too heavy. It’s up to you if you want to hike with a tripod. You will get better results if you have a tripod. However, you can hand-hold almost everything out here since we’ll be there during the middle of the day. For filters, a circular polarizer can come in handy as long as it’s not a clear, blue-sky day. A neutral density filter can be nice to smooth out rough water or create long exposures for fast moving clouds. Don’t forget extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies. Please contact us if you’d like to rent any camera gear for your outing.
- Cancellation/Re-Scheduling: Please see our Terms and Conditions.
Need more information?
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions
