The Wave, The Hidden Secret, December, 2016

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What adventure brings us.

The first day we were in Kanab, Utah, Sunil visited to the local National Park office and noticed a rather enticing picture that he thought it had to be photo-shopped.  What is it?  How do we go there?  He learned it was a rock formation rediscovered only twenty years ago, but visitation was limited to 20 people a day.  Typically, it would be impossible to visit and the only way to get a permit is to enroll in a lottery the morning prior.

On Friday, Soo-Jin went back to the office to discover eighty other visitors awaiting with ticket numbers in hand (keep in mind this was the lowest tourism season).   She filled out an application, received a number, and eagerly awaited as the bingo balls were rolled and numbers were chosen.  Three days would be chosen that day (Saturday through Monday).  Given half of the slots were already filled online, there would be only 10 slots available per day. Most people had registered for parties of 2-3.  So really, only about 4-5 lucky winners would be selected per each day for the coming three days.  The call went out for Saturday – no luck.  Then, on the last number of the Sunday selection – Bingo! She won the jackpot!  On Saturday, we prepared our backpacks – a gallon of water for each of us, lunch, munchies and other supplies – for the upcoming 6 mile hike, Schatje in tow of course. We were so excited that we barely slept! Woops….!

On Sunday, we left the door at 5:30 am and hiked the trail with a new-found friend, Tyler.  The route was not overly challenging, but stunningly beautiful.  It started along a wash and sand trail for the first third and then became a route through mountains and valleys, with beautiful rock formations studded along the way.   On the journey up, we noticed some beautiful formations in the mountains and decided to hike around them and stop for lunch.  Then it was on to The Wave.

The Wave was nestled behind some teepee rock formations with Hoodoos on top.   we were greeted with round sandstone peaks with rolling stripes of yellow, golden brown, red, green and violet.  It was as if they covered in stretched rainbow colored taffy around peanut butter peaks. It appeared as if there were a colorful edible Christmas display more than a natural wilderness formation.   There were only a handful of people, the lucky winners, at the site and everyone was awestruck with smiles ear-to-ear.   Schatje had no problem making many new friends.

After about an hour of exploring the surfaces and ravines, we descended back to our origin.   The beauty, serenity, and tranquility of the hike was beyond what we had experienced and expected before.  We felt truly blessed to have experienced this natural wonder and inspired for the next great hike.

If you are ever in Southern Utah, make sure you enter for your chance to explore The Wave.  You just might be lucky enough to experience one of the Nature’s truly remarkable secret.