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Hike The Wave and Melody Arch in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona - Stav is Lost

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

Class 2 7.4 miles 1700 gain 3-5 hrs Out and Back
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Mar 04, 2017 — 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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photo protector 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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photo protector The trail eventually leads you into wide-open desert slickrock.
The trail eventually leads you into wide-open desert slickrock.
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photo protector The Water Hole.
The Water Hole.
photo protector Looking down into the Water Hole from above.
Looking down into the Water Hole from above.
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photo protector Crazy formations.
Crazy formations.
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photo protector The Hooters.
The Hooters.
photo protector Heading farther into the Coyote Buttes.
Heading farther into the Coyote Buttes.
photo protector The Fins.
The Fins.
photo protector Entering the Sand Hollow narrows.
Entering the Sand Hollow narrows.
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photo protector Shawn helping his dog Chief through.
Shawn helping his dog Chief through.
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photo protector The narrows open up into more gorgeous desert.
The narrows open up into more gorgeous desert.
photo protector Sand Hollow.
Sand Hollow.
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photo protector 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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photo protector The second Wave.
The second Wave.
photo protector 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.
photo protector 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.
photo protector Getting higher, looking down into where the Wave is.
Getting higher, looking down into where the Wave is.
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photo protector At the top, greeted by The Alcove.
At the top, greeted by The Alcove.
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photo protector And after some route-finding, we got to Melody Arch (below).
And after some route-finding, we got to Melody Arch (below).
photo protector Melody Arch.
Melody Arch.
photo protector David under Melody Arch.
David under Melody Arch.
photo protector A little farther past Melody Arch, some cool rock formations.
A little farther past Melody Arch, some cool rock formations.
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photo protector Back at the bottom, approaching The Wave.
Back at the bottom, approaching The Wave.
photo protector I approached from the top. Here it is!
I approached from the top. Here it is!
photo protector My friends below.
My friends below.
photo protector Wow.
Wow.
photo protector The photo everyone takes.
The photo everyone takes.
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photo protector Josh toward the end of The Wave.
Josh toward the end of The Wave.
photo protector A section of narrows on the side.
A section of narrows on the side.
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photo protector Leaving The Wave to head back.
Leaving The Wave to head back.

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