Ted's Hiking World The Wave
Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
Utah & Arizona

May 4, 2021

Here we are!  If we can get through the day without being arrested or fined, it will be a great outing.

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Staging area on Houserock Valley Road

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At the trailhead

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An early start is good

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I was high up on that big hill last year

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Narrowleaf Yucca

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Twin Buttes ahead

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Paul consults the BLM instructions

There actually is a route around to the left of the buttes that includes a fenced gate, but I believe that the BLM-recommended right-hand passage probably is more fun.

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Is that guy losing his head?

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A serendipitous find

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No, perhaps his hat will last a while longer

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There's the adverised cleft.  The destination is just below it

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Lupine were unexpected here

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Crossing into Arizona

Oddly enough, we also have crossed from Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness into Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.  They really ought to get around to combining the two.

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This is exciting

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Trying to stay on the rocks, as suggested

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The photographer at work

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Narrowleaf Yucca close-up

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Arrived!

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Into the incomparable amphitheater for the first time

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Top Rock Arch

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Ti understandably asks whether it is okay to walk on this rock

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Not bad for a petrified sand dune

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Hanging out

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An alternative view into the bowl

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Into the Secret Passage

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No easy way down here, so we head back through the formation

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It's a real zoo at times, now that the daily quota has been increased from 20 to 64

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Climbing above the Wave

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Brain rocks and West Clark Bench

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Second Wave    ⇔

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Hamburger Rock is right behind Paul.  Walked right by it without noticing.  Bummer.

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Swirls across the canyon at Fatali's Boneyard    ⇔

Photographer Michael Fatali first brought the Boneyard to public attention; later he got himself into big trouble by setting Delicate Arch on fire trying for the 'ultimate' photographic effect.

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Passing up yet another of three area features that remain high on my bucket list  ⇔

Also over there are some good dinosaur tracks.  Next time.

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Carmine is overwhelmed by his surroundings

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Looping around the Wave

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Similar, yet different from the nearby Edmaier's Secret

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Bypassing the entrance

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Ginger Rock itself merits further exploration

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Starting down

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Teepees galore

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The only shade available

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Yesterday's lunch spot is smack dab in the middle of this photo

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And they said there were no markers

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American Vetch *
Hairy Goldenaster

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Bracket Polypores

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I have much unfinished business over there

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Umbrellas are uncommon out here, but probably sensible

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North Teepees

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Rock Staircase Pass

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Stand up and be counted

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Heading for the barn


§: Well, we gambled and won.  There might have been a lot of trouble and expense had a ranger decided to investigate our permit.  This hike will not earn a top rating again, however, until I take care of all the unfinished business here.

Scenery *
Difficulty *
Personality *
Adventure *
Flowers *

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ADDENDUM

Here's an old photo of the formation that was right near the top of the Wave, but which went inexplicably unnoticed until I got home.  Forgot just where it is located.

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Hamburger Rock, replete with pattie, tomato, and oozing sauce

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"Pass the mayo"

These images from my Mirror Magic page all were originally shot here at The Wave.

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In the Secret Passage

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This one was borrowed from my friend Gary, who won another blue ribbon with it in the B/W category

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Zoom in and check out 'The Face in the Wave'

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