Coyote Buttes North
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Modify your booking anytime
No extra fees
Best price guarantee
No hidden fees
Enjoy expert guidance to the best photography locations based on lighting and conditions
Receive professional photography instruction and on-site critique
Capture stunning images of rare, colorful sandstone formations and desert textures
Experience a remote wilderness setting with minimal crowds and untouched landscapes
Ideal for photographers, hikers, and serious desert exploration enthusiasts
North Coyote Buttes Draws Photographers to Iconic Desert Landscapes and Rare Formations
North Coyote Buttes continues to rank among the most sought-after photography destinations in the American Southwest, drawing visitors with its remarkable collection of sandstone formations. The area is home to world-famous sites such as The Wave, Sand Cove, The Boneyard, and Melody Arch, each offering intricate patterns and vivid colors shaped by millions of years of erosion. The remote region is widely regarded as one of the most visually distinctive desert landscapes in the world.
Access to the area requires a significant commitment, including a strenuous 3.5-mile cross-country hike each way from the Wire Pass Trailhead. Due to its fragile environment and growing popularity, entry is strictly regulated through a permit system. Visitors must secure authorization via either the online or walk-in lottery, making access highly competitive and adding to the exclusivity of the experience.
For those seeking assistance, guided services are available to help participants navigate the walk-in lottery process for a nominal fee, increasing their chances of obtaining a permit for The Wave. Once approved, groups are led into the heart of North Coyote Buttes, where they can explore its most iconic formations under carefully planned conditions that prioritize both safety and preservation of the landscape.
If permits are not obtained, alternative locations such as White Pocket offer equally striking photographic opportunities within the same region. Guides ensure visitors are taken to optimal shooting locations based on lighting and weather conditions, while also providing professional instruction and feedback. The experience combines technical photography guidance with exploration of one of the most visually extraordinary desert environments in the Southwest.
North Coyote Buttes Draws Photographers to Iconic Desert Landscapes and Rare Formations
North Coyote Buttes continues to rank among the most sought-after photography destinations in the American Southwest, drawing visitors with its remarkable collection of sandstone formations. The area is home to world-famous sites such as The Wave, Sand Cove, The Boneyard, and Melody Arch, each offering intricate patterns and vivid colors shaped by millions of years of erosion. The remote region is widely regarded as one of the most visually distinctive desert landscapes in the world.
Access to the area requires a significant commitment, including a strenuous 3.5-mile cross-country hike each way from the Wire Pass Trailhead. Due to its fragile environment and growing popularity, entry is strictly regulated through a permit system. Visitors must secure authorization via either the online or walk-in lottery, making access highly competitive and adding to the exclusivity of the experience.
For those seeking assistance, guided services are available to help participants navigate the walk-in lottery process for a nominal fee, increasing their chances of obtaining a permit for The Wave. Once approved, groups are led into the heart of North Coyote Buttes, where they can explore its most iconic formations under carefully planned conditions that prioritize both safety and preservation of the landscape.
If permits are not obtained, alternative locations such as White Pocket offer equally striking photographic opportunities within the same region. Guides ensure visitors are taken to optimal shooting locations based on lighting and weather conditions, while also providing professional instruction and feedback. The experience combines technical photography guidance with exploration of one of the most visually extraordinary desert environments in the Southwest.
- Guided backcountry photography tour
- Access to North Coyote Buttes
- Expert photographic instruction and critique
- Gratuities
$ 325
Contact us 24x7
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
Select Date & Time
Select your preferred date and time from the calendar above.
Reserve with peace of mind —
Enjoy unlimited changes and full refund options.
Pickup location
Address will appear once location is loaded.
Click "Show Pickups on Map" to open the interactive map and search for your hotel or nearby location.
Click any purple pickup marker to view its connection to your searched location and find the best pickup point.
Activity Provider: Action Photo Tours
