International Travel Adventure

I wanted to share a little something special this time: a unique experience that can be considered “international” by all but U.S. residents. The circumstances and remote location for this adventure make it rather unusual. While it is “off the beaten path” for most tourists, it is still in the south Utah/north Arizona scenic area that fascinates and thrills thousands monthly, usually in any season but winter. (Hardier souls do venture winter explorations, but we can’t say the numbers are as many.)

Either side of the border between Utah and Arizona are some of the most beautiful and unusual landscapes and stunning natural visuals to be found anywhere. Most people are familiar with the existence of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, even if they’ve never visited it. In the vast (mostly) wilderness area north and east of “that big ditch” are found such treasures as the five major national parks in southern Utah: (1)Zion, (2)Bryce Canyon, (3)Capitol Reef, (4)Arches, and (5)Canyonlands; and in Arizona: Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Navajo National Monument; and such spectacular areas as are found surrounding the huge Lake Powell, with its Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, mostly in Utah.

Somewhat lesser known, because of what some might consider “extreme” hiking required to reach them, are areas of interest here - along the state border area in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 89, roughly halfway between Kanab and Page. This is the area of Vermillion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes, Buckskin Gulch, and more. What Readers Digest calls the “Best Curves” are the sometimes elusive formations known commonly as “The Wave”, and “Wave 2″. Driving to the area, and parking, is in Utah; the destinations are in Arizona, roughly a 1-1/2 hour (3 mile [4.8 km]) trek from the parking area. You’ll cross the state border when you step over a barbed wire fence well into the hike.

In this area, managed by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), access is by permit only; 20 visitors per day (10 pre-scheduled through a lottery system, and 10 “walk-ins”). Here is the BLM permit site for The Wave and other area “goodies”. Since the formations are sandstone, and therefore delicate, extra care is needed to walk amongst them. Of interest in the immediate vicinity of The Wave are “brain rocks” and “Wave 2″. Considering the hiking time to and from the area (approximately 3 hours), and finding and hiking to other nearby sites, one should allow a good part of the day - perhaps 6 hours. An early morning start is recommended.

A great time to capture the multitude of colors and their variations in photographs is the middle of the day, when there are no shadows. (Many have repeatedly described the colors as psychedelic.) However, quality photos for textures and dramatic lines can be better shot in early morning or late afternoon; given this consideration, photographers - amateur and professional - may decide to make a day of it.

Good hiking shoes, comfortable clothing for the prevailing weather (often very hot in summer - 100+° F [38+° C]), at least a gallon of water per person, and a hand-held GPS receiver are all equally important. It is a sad truth that many hikers take the time, make the effort, and never find The Wave, and some have needed assistance finding their way back out of the area; this is one hike devoid of any markers - or even a trail most of the way - so it is a good idea to keep looking back while hiking in - to have landmarks for finding your way out. The rangers allowing access will give exact GPS coordinates and a “crudimentary” (I love that “word”!) map. However, you will find the primary destination at 36^o59.77′N 112^o0.40′W, and at an elevation of approximately 5,200 feet (1,585 m). On the trek going in, you’ll gain approximately 350 feet (107 m) in elevation!

For more photos that are fine art quality, visit this link to Terra Galleria to see the work of Q.T. Luong. Check out each of the photos in the bottom row of the page, showing hikers in the midst of “wave heaven”. Skateboards? Not hardly - even if you could manage to carry one in on your hike. (Sandstone - delicate, remember?) But can you imagine someone constructing a duplicate of even part of “The Wave” just for boarding?

If you’re still unsure of anything about your next international travel - and you want it to be cheaper, safer, and more adventurous, get my free “Smart Tips Handbook” available exclusively to Registered Readers! Click the link below.

International Travel Adventure