One of the most mysterious hiking permits in the world, known as “The Wave” will be friendlier toward hikers, within the next month. Recently, the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) stated that they are going to let 64 people per day hike the popular rock formation in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness near the Utah-Arizona border.
Before, only 20 hikers per day were permitted onto the path. This limit had been on for more than two decades.
The Wave is a sandstone formation that is well-known amongst nature photographers and hikers for its rare features. One of the main reasons for its popularity is because The Wave is tremendously hard to access.
The Wave is one of the world’s most wonderful, mythical-like, and visually magnificent natural wonders. The BML is very pleased to be able to expand its options for public viewing of this landscape while that’s consistent with its preservation.
The decision for expanding the visitation limit has been on the BML’s table for more than a year. They were considering to add up more people but also having in mind to keep The Wave out of harm.
However, some conservationists are regretting BML’s decision, mentioning that their footsteps will wear down the natural sandstone.
A senior campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity, Taylor McKinnon says that “this, is going to damage the exclusive geology of The Wave. There are going to be larger crowds. It’s going to be much more difficult to get a picture without somebody else in it.” And the Center for Biological Diversity is considering a lawsuit to reverse the decision.
The Wave is about half the size of a football field and located in the Coyote Buttes North section of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. It is only accessible by foot and there is no trail. Visitors must walk six miles round-trip to visit.