Kanab: South Coyote Buttes Hiking Tour (Permit Required)

Exploring South Coyote Buttes: An Enchanting Southwest Adventure

This well-regarded tour offers a chance to witness one of the Southwest’s most visually striking natural landscapes without the hassle of the traditional lottery system for “The Wave.” Instead, you’ll get a guided experience in a less crowded, permit-required area filled with mesmerizing rock formations and vivid colors. The 8-hour journey promises breathtaking views, expert commentary, and an accessible hike suitable for most levels.

What we really like about this experience is the combination of convenience and authenticity. The permit process is straightforward—much easier than the infamous “Wave” lottery—making it a practical choice for travelers eager to see this geological masterpiece. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is on the pricier side, reflecting its small-group intimacy, expert guidance, and included amenities. This tour is perfect for those who want a guided, informative adventure with a focus on natural beauty and geology.

If you’re after an easy hike with spectacular scenery and a knowledgeable guide to deepen your understanding, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a small group experience and are keen on exploring the less trafficked but equally stunning parts of the American Southwest.

Key Points

• Permit Access Made Easy: Unlike “The Wave” lottery, obtaining a permit for South Coyote Buttes is straightforward with advance planning.
• Stunning Visuals: Expect to see vibrant, undulating sandstone formations that look like a painter’s dream.
• Expert Guided Insights: Guides enrich the experience with geology, ecology, and cultural stories.
• Small Group Comfort: Limited to 6 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate adventure.
• Easy Hike: The difficulty level is rated as “easy,” making it accessible for most fit travelers.
• All-Day Adventure: An 8-hour tour that balances sightseeing, walking, and learning in one memorable day.

The Experience in Detail

The Permit Process and Why It Matters

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is how permit acquisition is simplified. While “The Wave” lottery can be stressful and unpredictable, booking this tour means you’ll secure your spot in advance. You do need to request your permit through recreation.gov about 3 months ahead—a key tip for planning—so don’t delay if you’re serious about visiting. This advance planning ensures you’ll avoid the frustration of last-minute permit rejections, especially during peak seasons.

Meeting Point and Logistics

You’ll meet your guide in a conveniently located parking lot between Honeys Market Place and Honeys Fuel Center. The area is easy to find, and the meeting spot is near containers in the back of the lot, which makes it straightforward to coordinate. The tour begins with a brief introduction and safety briefing before setting off into the vibrant landscape.

The Terrain and Hike

The 8-hour tour includes a relatively easy hike through South Coyote Buttes. The terrain features undulating sandstone, narrow crevices, and spectacular fins that seem to stretch toward the sky. Reviewers mention that the walk is manageable for most, with a few navigating delicate pathways and occasional uneven surfaces. The guide offers plenty of insights, making every step both educational and awe-inspiring.

What You’ll See

Expect to see a landscape that’s been carved by wind and water, resulting in a painter’s palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks. Reviewers frequently mention the “surreal” and “otherworldly” appearance of the formations, which resemble giant waves frozen in time. One visitor noted, “The colors and shapes seemed almost unreal, like stepping onto a painting.”

Guided Insights and Cultural Context

Your guide will share fascinating details about the geology—how these formations have been shaped over millions of years—and the ecological adaptations of local flora and fauna. They also provide cultural insights, explaining the significance of the area for indigenous communities and its natural history. This added layer of context enriches the visual spectacle, transforming a sightseeing trip into a learning experience.

Comfort and Amenities

A cooler with waters is included, allowing you to stay hydrated during your trek. You’ll need to bring your own food, but the guide’s cooler keeps your drinks cold and accessible. Since the group is capped at six, you enjoy a personalized experience with plenty of time to ask questions or simply absorb the scenery.

Cost and Value

At $419 per person, the tour might seem on the higher side, but the value lies in small-group intimacy, expert guidance, and the convenience of permit handling. Compared to the hassle and unpredictability of lottery systems, this experience offers peace of mind and a more relaxed, insightful exploration of South Coyote Buttes.

Additional Details That Enhance Your Experience

• Tour Duration: 8 hours, including travel, hiking, and sightseeing time.
• Language: Guided in English, with knowledgeable guides well-versed in geology and ecology.
• Group Size: Limited to 6 participants, ensuring personal attention and a quieter, more exclusive environment.
• Flexibility: Reserve now and pay later, giving you the flexibility to plan your trip with confidence.
• Cancellation Policy: Full refund available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The small group size, combined with the expert guides, makes this tour feel more like a private adventure than a mass tour. The guides we’ve heard from are passionate and incredibly knowledgeable, enhancing the experience with stories and insights that deepen your appreciation of the landscape. The visual spectacle of South Coyote Buttes is truly a sight to behold, with colors and shapes that seem almost unreal.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a guided day trip that balances spectacular scenery, ease of hiking, and educational value. If you’re someone who appreciates meaningful storytelling alongside beautiful vistas, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This South Coyote Buttes hiking tour offers a unique opportunity to visit one of the Southwest’s most iconic yet less crowded landscapes. The process of securing a permit is simplified, making it accessible for those who prefer to avoid the lottery chaos. The guides’ local expertise and the small group setting elevate the experience, turning a scenic hike into a rich educational journey.

While the cost might seem a bit steep for some, it reflects the personalized attention, permit handling, and expert guidance. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a comfortable, informative, and visually stunning adventure in the American desert. Perfect for those eager to see otherworldly rock formations, learn about their geology, and enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded excursion.

In short, if breathtaking landscapes combined with ease, comfort, and expert insights appeal to you—this tour is an investment in a memorable, meaningful day in the Southwest.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to join this tour?
Yes, a permit is required, but the process is handled directly through recreation.gov, making it much easier than the lottery system for “The Wave.” Be sure to request your permit about 3 months in advance.

Where does the tour meet?
The guide will meet you in a parking lot situated between Honeys Market Place and Honeys Fuel Center, near containers in the back of the lot.

How long is the hike?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, with a relatively easy hike through South Coyote Buttes, suitable for most fitness levels.

What is included in the price?
The cost includes the guide, permit, cooler with waters, and transportation to and from the meeting point.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you should bring your own food, as only a cooler with waters is provided.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, plenty of water, and possibly a hat and sunglasses are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
The tour is generally rated as “easy,” making it accessible for most, but children should be comfortable on a full-day hike and able to follow safety guidelines.

What makes this experience different from visiting The Wave?
Aside from easier permit access, South Coyote Buttes offers a similarly stunning landscape with fewer crowds, guided insights, and a more personalized experience.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

In summary, this guided tour of South Coyote Buttes combines spectacular scenery, expert guidance, and the convenience of permit management into a memorable day out. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, a landscape lover, or simply seeking a peaceful, awe-inspiring adventure, this experience delivers on all fronts.