My screen saver came up yesterday with photos of the Vermillion Cliffs in Utah, a.k.a. “The Wave”. I’m sure all of you have seen photos of it, since it’s an iconic geological phenom.
It is on the bucket list of every world class photographer. John and I went there in September of 2005, mainly because it was on John’s bucket list. We stayed in a charming B&B in Big Water, Utah near the shores of Lake Powell. The Wave is in a desert area with hike-in only access of about 5 miles. The hike is across desert, rocks and sand dunes. It is managed by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) as a protected area. Only 20 people per day gain access through a lottery system. John and I showed up at the BLM at 7:00 a.m. to enter the lottery along with at least 50 photographers from around the world. Many come day after day, never getting selected in the lottery, going home disappointed. My intuition kicked in, and I looked at him, saying “we’ll get selected first “. Damn, if we didn’t! We received a packet, containing restrictions, and guidance that consisted of pictures of “look at this… head in this direction.” Remember, this was before wide use of cell phones and GPS. We began our hike the next morning at 6:00 a.m. at 62 degrees and finished hike in the 90s. We each wore backpacks with camera equipment, ½ gallon water and snacks (and toilet paper). You can leave nothing behind, including your toilet paper. This is considered “an expert hike”. Do we strike you as “expert hikers”? The final climb-in was a sand dune that rivalled Jockey’s Ridge along the Carolina coast. I collapsed at the top on the cool sandstone of the Wave.
Needless to say, this was equally the most challenging, as well as the most rewarding trip I have ever made on Planet Earth. It is also the quietest and most spiritual journey I have witnessed. So glad I went there with my soul mate… who just happens to be a photographer. Such a powerful reminder of the awe inspiring destinations that we have in this country… some on the bucket lists of world class photographers. So glad I travelled to this moonscape!
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see photos from our trip.
You must have a permit. Get one here.
Drive to the Wirepass trailhead take Highway 89 to House Rock Road. The House Rock Road turnoff is between mile posts 25 and 26 on Highway 89 in Utah between Big Water and Kanab UT. House Rock Road is normally passable by passenger cars. When dry take House Rock Road for 8.4 miles to the Wirepass parking area on the right.
Click to aerial view of the hike from Wirepass to the Wave.
