Coyote Buttes is part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, established by Congress in 1984. Coyote Buttes' outstanding scenery, desert wildlife, colorful history, and opportunities for primitive recreation are protected for future generations. Its 112,500 acres beckon adventurers who yearn for solitude, scenic splendor, and the chance to explore one of the most beautiful geologic formations in the world.

Visiting Coyote Buttes

Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and Coyote Buttes South are a small part of the 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and have some of the most visually striking geologic sandstone formations in the world.

Coyote Buttes permit areas are within a backcountry, undeveloped wilderness area and do not contain any developed trails or facilities. In order to preserve wilderness character and limit damage to the fragile area, the Bureau of Land Management limits visitation to Coyote Buttes through a permit system. You must have a permit to visit Coyote Buttes North and Coyote Buttes South.

Permits

You must have an advance permit for day use. There is no overnight camping allowed in the Coyote Buttes permit area.

There is no overnight camping allowed in the Coyote Buttes permit area. You can get day-use permits online, or at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah, the day before you wish to hike.

day-use permits online, or at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah, the day before you wish to hike. We issue permits every day of the year, but changing conditions mean that getting to Coyote Buttes is not always safe or possible. Consider likely road conditions and weather before applying.

Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Coyote Buttes North (The Wave)

The suggested route to The Wave is a strenuous 6.4 mile round-trip hike. Consider the physical abilities and fitness level of all group members.

Due to high demand, you can only get a Coyote Buttes North permit through a lottery. Half of each day's permits are available through an online lottery four months in advance. The other half is available at an in-person lottery at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah, one day in advance. Check more details about the in-person lottery in the FAQ section below. Learn about the walk-in lottery in response to COVID-19.

Along with your permit, we'll give you a map with photo points directing you to The Wave. There is no trail, and only a few signs, so you'll need to follow the landmarks on the map.

Coyote Buttes South

You can enjoy exploring and discovering your own routes in Coyote Buttes South. This remote area offers opportunity for solitude where you will very likely see no one or have only occasional contact with other visitors. This area requires hiking in deep sand. There are no designated hiking trails or specific destinations in Coyote Buttes South. You should be in good physical condition and have good backcountry hiking and navigation skills.

Half of each day's permits to Coyote Buttes South are available on an online calendar up to four months in advance. The other half is available in person, as a walk-in permit at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah, one day before you want to hike. See times below in the FAQ section.

Roads leading to the permit area have deep sand and sharp rock. Two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles are not sufficient for getting to the access points. You must have a four-wheel-drive high-clearance vehicle. Experience driving in deep sand is also important. Every year, groups get stuck and stranded after attempting the drive without adequate experience or vehicles.

Regulations

Campfires are prohibited.

Dogs are allowed, but you must include them in the permit and keep them under control at all times. You must pack out their waste.

If your group exceeds the group size limit, you may be cited. Joining with people on a separate permit to exceed 6 people is prohibited.

Pack out all your trash, including toilet paper.

Use of public land for business or financial gain requires a special permit.

Wilderness is closed to motor vehicles, mechanical transport, and motorized equipment.

Launching or landing drones is prohibited in wilderness areas. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones are aircraft as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration, and are therefore not allowed to take off or land in BLM wilderness areas. 43 CFR 6302.20

If BLM staff ask to see your permit during your hike, your may need to show government identification for permit verification.

Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The permit website can only process transactions that use a credit card for payment. For more information, for answers to permit questions, you can call 435-688-3200 or email us. We cannot return calls from international phone numbers.

Road Conditions

The road to reach the permit area is unpaved and minimally maintained. Most of the time, two-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles can get to the trailhead. However, four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles may be required when the road is wet. During the rainy season and the winter months, the road may become impassable for all vehicles, even those with four-wheel-drive.

House Rock Valley Road: House Rock Valley Road in Utah from U.S. Highway 89 to Stateline Campground is not maintained. We recommend high clearance four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate rough, rocky and sandy roads. The road is impassable when wet.

Safety

Expect the wild! There are few route markers, no drinking water sources, and only occasional contact with other visitors and BLM employees. To protect yourself and the wilderness experience, please take the following precautions: