This unusual natural area, which is located in the state of Arizona (USA), is part of the Paria Canyobn-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness reserve and is popularly known as The Wave (translated into Spanish, ‘the wave ‘).
The particular shape of these waves of sandstones of different shades, with swirls and twists, is the result of erosion caused by the wind over the centuries. According to scientists, ancient sand dunes turned into hard , compact rock, calcifying in vertical and horizontal layers, giving it the spectacular appearance we see today.
The contrast of its colors –from black and brown to beige and white– with the intense blue sky achieves the rest of the impressive visual composition that we can see in photos like the one above, with those waves that curl and undulate. across the entire landscape. This exotic place was formed 190 million years ago, during the Jurassic period . Those who go to the place assure that it is like visiting another planet, since it is so different from what they have seen before, that they feel there as aliens.
A pass is required
Of course, to be able to enter the place you have to request an access permit, and only ten are granted a day. What are these fees due to? Because it is a formation of a very fragile nature and, therefore, visitors must be very careful not to cause any damage to the environment. So, those interested in traveling to the place, and being one of the lucky few who can visit it, should apply for a pass to the Kanab visitor center several months in advance. Although all is not lost for those who show up at The Wave without the relevant application, since another ten passes are raffled daily among those hikers who arrive there without it.
Obtaining permission is not the only challenge faced by those who are lucky enough to get there. Before, no map was offered to guide the route, only the indications that could be received from the guards of the place; However, due to the large number of people who ended up getting lost in the area, now, together with the permission to visit the place, GPS coordinates of various points along the route are included, as well as a photographic map. And even so, there are those who suffer from the odd orientation problem.
You also have to take into account the time of year you visit, since in summer the area often reaches temperatures of around forty degrees Celsius . So if the plan is to visit The Wave in the months of June, July or August, it is advisable to start the trip very early, make sure to bring water and some food and cover your head well with a hat or a cap.
Image: Luca Bracali via Wikimedia
