The Wave and Melody Arch

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, AZ Grand Canyon North + Lake Powell

Trip stats

Distance
7.4 mi
Net Gain
1,700 ft
Time
3-5 hrs
YDS Rating
Class 2
Route
Out/Back

Ratings out of 10

Effort
3.4/10
Personality
6/10
Beauty
10/10
Solitude
3.9/10
What do these mean? →

Route map + Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates

37.019355, -112.024909

The directions link below drops a pin on the trailhead coordinates and lets Google Maps pick the route. If the drive has rough roads or access issues that GPS nav might get wrong, I cover that in my trip report.

Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Trip report

Mar 4, 2017 — The Wave and Melody Arch, as well as countless other interesting spots, are located in Coyote Buttes North. This BLM area requires a permit to access, and the lottery system can be brutal. We were lucky to score permits and happily started out into the desert. The Wave was our final destination, making sure to save it for last, and explore the various spots of interest along the way. Refer to the attached map for our little excursions. There are more things than are listed on there, but it should help get you started. I'd say the route up to Melody Arch and Top Rocks was a highlight, especially because the view down toward The Wave from above was outstanding.

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Photos

52 photos

  1. From the Wire Pass Trailhead, follow the wash until a sign points you onto an obvious trail.
  3. The trail eventually leads you into wide-open desert slickrock.
  8. The Water Hole.
  9. Looking down into the Water Hole from above.
  13. Crazy formations.
  15. The Hooters.
  16. Heading farther into the Coyote Buttes.
  17. The Fins.
  18. Entering the Sand Hollow narrows.
  20. Shawn helping his dog Chief through.
  22. The narrows open up into more gorgeous desert.
  23. Sand Hollow.
  25. We decided to save The Wave for last, but passed by 'The Second Wave'.
  27. The second Wave.
  28. We wanted to go up there (cliff in the middle) to check out a few things, including Melody Arch.
  29. This photo is heading toward the Wave, but instead, we went up the side of the mountain to hit a few cool destinations.
  30. Getting higher, looking down into where the Wave is.
  33. At the top, greeted by The Alcove.
  35. And after some route-finding, we got to Melody Arch (below).
  36. Melody Arch.
  37. David under Melody Arch.
  38. A little farther past Melody Arch, some cool rock formations.
  41. Back at the bottom, approaching The Wave.
  42. I approached from the top. Here it is!
  43. My friends below.
  44. Wow.
  45. The photo everyone takes.
  49. Josh toward the end of The Wave.
  50. A section of narrows on the side.
  52. Leaving The Wave to head back.

Photo 1 of 1

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Hire or refer me as a web developer, or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so it's funded by yours truly. It also takes a ton of work to edit photos and write these reports. I really appreciate it!

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