The Journey to The Wave... in Snow!
Recently, I had the opportunity to hike to and photograph the famous Wave formation in Northern Arizona during a snowstorm. I had wanted to visit this place for a very long time and had tried numerous times online and a few times in person to get permits and I was stoked when I finally got accepted for a next day permit while visiting the area.
The Wave Arizona Photos
Getting to The Wave in Arizona
First things first, if you're planning on visiting the Wave, you'll need a permit. Only 64 people are allowed to visit each day, and the permits are given out through a lottery system. You can apply for a permit up to four months in advance or in the next-day lottery within the geofence. Applying for the permit costs $9 per person, and the experience is well worth it. If you win a permit there is an additional $7 fee. I got lucky enough to win a permit and was super excited! Online you have about a 1% chance to win and in person, it is about a 5%-10% chance to win.
The good news is that I got a permit! The bad news was that there had been a ton of recent snow and snowmelt and the road was supposedly impassable even for vehicles that were capable. This sent me spiraling into worry. Was my one chance ruined?! Taking a tour was suggested as a possible option so I called around the area but a lot of companies weren’t even going out due to the weather. Thankfully I found Action Photo Tours who were going to try and go out the next day. It was an extra cost for the tour but I figured it would be worth it if we made it out and if my own car didn’t get stuck.
I woke up the next morning with a few inches of new snowfall on the ground and low visibility outside, I was eager to make the adventure to the Wave. Getting to the trailhead was an adventure in itself. It had been snowing heavily in the area, and the road was nearly impassable.
I met up with some folks Action Photo Tours early in the morning to head out. Our group was small, our instructor Nikolas and a younger couple were the only people in the group. Everyone was really friendly and kind so it was fun to experience The Wave and the conditions with them. The drive there was pretty slippery even in the big car we had taken out there, but we made it to the trailhead safely.
Hiking to The Wave in Arizona
Once we arrived at the trailhead, I bundled up in warm layers and we began the hike. The trail to the Wave is about three miles round trip and is considered moderately strenuous. The trail is well-marked, but I recommend bringing a map or GPS device just in case. The trail itself is stunning, with red rock formations and stunning desert landscapes. Hiking in the snow added an extra level of challenge, but it also made the scenery even more beautiful. It was hard not to stop for pictures along the way with the conditions and rock formations around but I knew that The Wave was the main goal and I could always take photos on the way back.
The hike didn’t seem to take too long and wasn’t super strenuous. When we arrived at the Wave, I was in awe. The snow had blanketed the sandstone formation, making it look like a winter wonderland. The Wave is known for its unique shape and patterns, and seeing it in person was a dream come true. I’m usually not a huge fan of photographing things that have already been photographed many times but because of the snowy conditions this was different.
Photographing the Wave in Arizona
If you're planning on taking photographs at the Wave, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be respectful of the area and don't disturb the sandstone. The Wave is a delicate formation, and we want to preserve it for future generations. There had been some recent damage at the wave due to someone wearing spikes on their shoes which is prohibited, don’t be a stupid person… Second, be mindful of other visitors and give them space to explore and take photos. Finally, take your time and experiment with different camera settings and angles. The lighting can be tricky, especially if it's cloudy or snowy, so be patient and persistent. We got to explore the area around The Wave and I would recomend doing the same as there are some really cool things in the area.
I mainly used a wide-angle lens (18mm) but would also recommend bringing a telephoto lens to capture some of the textures in the sandstone. A tripod can also be helpful but isn’t necessary. Filters can help on a sunny day but since it was so gloomy out I took mine off my camera and still got some awesome colors!
Recap - Hiking and Photographing The Wave in Arizona
Overall, hiking to and photographing the Wave during a snowstorm was an unforgettable experience. The combination of stunning natural beauty and challenging conditions made for a truly unique adventure. If you prefer not to drive yourself, consider booking a guided trip with a tour company like Action Photo Tours because not only will they get you there, they will also provide some great tips. I highly recommend adding the Wave to your travel and photography bucket list especially if you can see it in unique conditions. I hope to go back one day for some sunrise, sunset, or astrophotography.
Photograph taken at The Wave, Arizona
