The Wave and Melody Arch in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, AZ

Hike The Wave and Melody Arch Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, AZ

Class 2 7.4 miles 1700 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Mar 4, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

The Wave and Melody Arch GPX Track

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

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!