Posted in Arizona February 13, 2017 by

The One Place In Arizona That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

Arizona is a non-stop viewing pleasure. It’s home to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and plenty of other iconic landscapes that most people would only be able to see in the movies or in their dreams. We’re fortunate to have those right in our backyard!

I think all of these places are gorgeous but if there’s any place that is dreamy and a rare find, it would have to be The Wave at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

The Wave is located just a few hundred feet short of the Arizona-Utah border in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Pretty in pictures, it is even more stunning in person, appearing as though a long, textured ribbon unfurled across the desert landscape.
Stacy Egan/Flickr
If you’ve ever visited Antelope Canyon, you’ll probably notice some striking similarities. That’s not a coincidence.
Michael Wilson/Flickr
Slot canyons like Antelope Canyon are formed through water erosion, creating the soft, curvy lines and smooth surface. The Wave was formed through wind erosion to the sandstone, which created a grainy, more textured surface.
Henrik Johansson/Flickr
Michael Wilson/Flickr
Because of the delicate nature of the sandstone, visitors to the formation are limited and advised to tread lightly to avoid damage.
Dirk Van de Velde/Flickr
To reduce human impact to the area, visitation numbers are kept low through a lottery system that chooses a handful of people to visit daily.
Henrik Johansson/Flickr
A visit here is absolutely unforgettable, though, and makes for some of the most stunning landscape photos you will ever see!
Henrik Johansson/Flickr
Tip: Most photographers like to visit midday when there are fewer shadows. Also be sure to use a wide angle lens to best capture the views.
Another great time to visit: the days following a storm. Pools like this can create a mirror-like effect and you'll often find little tadpoles come to life inside.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
All in all, this is one incredible rock formation that deserves a spot on your bucket list!
Dirk Van de Velde/Flickr

For more information about visiting Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, visit the Bureau of Land Management website. You can also check out their website about obtaining a permit for Coyote Buttes North to enter the lottery to visit The Wave.

Have you had a chance to visit this incredible wonder? What was your experience like?

If you want to check out some more incredible rock formations that are a little more accessible, you may want to read up on Chiricahua National Monument in This Jaw Dropping Place In Arizona Will Blow You Away. The views you’ll find here definitely will!