North Coyote Buttes – The Wave – Jeff Sagar Photography

The Coyote Buttes Wilderness is a protected area managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is subject to a lottery driven permit system that only allows 64 people per day to visit the area. This may seem very restrictive, but the permit system is meant to protect and preserve the delicate formations within it. Within the North Coyote Buttes lies the crown jewel of the area, a magical formation called “The Wave.” From the first time I saw a photograph of it, I knew I wanted to see it with my own eyes. The area is a true wilderness area so it is very remote, the hike to and from The Wave is very strenuous, and there is no water, food or facilities of any kind. Cellular service is not reliable and finding The Wave requires you to navigate by looking for specific landmarks. The hike and photography was an amazing experience…Mother Nature’s artistry never ceases to amaze me!

Moonset North Coyote Buttes

My first photograph on my hike to The Wave

North Coyote Buttes Desolation

The North Coyote Buttes is a very desolate place

North Coyote Buttes Nearing The Wave

Nearing The Wave, the landmark we've been looking for!

The Wave Entrance Looking Out

After climbing 300' up through deep sand, I'm standing in the entrance to The Wave

Star Trails from The Wave Entrance

The entrance to The Wave was light painted with small LED lights, and from the same camera position the star trails were created from 30 3-minute exposures