🏔 Wilderness
Coyote Buttes South
About This Permit
Coyote Buttes South shares the same spectacular Jurassic sandstone geology as the famous North unit but draws a fraction of the visitors. The Cottonwood Cove area delivers dramatic swirling rock formations with far better permit availability than The Wave. An underrated gem in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coyote Buttes South easier to get into than The Wave?
Yes. CBS permits are significantly less competitive with better availability, especially on weekdays. It is a worthwhile destination in its own right and a good backup plan for Wave applicants.
What is there to see at Coyote Buttes South?
The Cottonwood Cove area features layered sandstone domes, petrified dunes, and the "Sand Caves" — less dramatic than The Wave but equally geological and almost entirely crowd-free.
Key Facts
- State
- AZ
- Season
- Year-round
- Quota
- 20 permits per day
- Trailhead
- Wire Pass Trailhead or Cottonwood Cove
- Entry Point
- Wire Pass Trailhead
- Difficulty
- 3/5(Competitive)
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