The Wave, Coyote Buttes, Arizona

Hidden in the desolate area known as the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness area near the Utah/Arizona border, you will find one of the most spectacular rock formations in the entire southwest “The Wave” Set in the distant Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in northern Arizona, this amazing rock formation, which looks similar to a cresting wave frozen in time, isn’t easy to access: you’ll need a permit from the Bureau of Land Management, which allows only 20 people per day to visit the fragile landform.

But getting to see this fiery swirl of Jurassic-age sandstone, carved by the wind more than 190 million years ago, is well worth a little advance planning. From the Wire Pass Trailhead, it’s a three-mile hike out to the Wave over sandy terrain. Summer temperatures soar to more than 100 degrees, so bring plenty of water. This remarkable sculptured sandstone sits in the shadow of the Coyote Buttes and is reached, not by trail, but by navigation using landmarks or GPS coordinates. A permit is required to hike to this natural wonder, and only a lucky few are privileged enough to possess one on any given day.