Southern Utah's famous "The Wave" sandstone formation is now limited by a near-impossible permit lottery, but don’t worry, as there are other opportunities to witness similar undulating Navajo sandstone formations in the region without needing a day use permit (sidenote: The Wave is still much cooler if you get the opportunity, take it!). “The New Wave", actually called “The Beehive Trail” is an alternative hiking destination situated just inside the boundary of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area around Glen Canyon Dam. It’s easily accessible from Page, Arizona, and marked by a short, well-marked 1.9ish mile hike circuit around sandstone buttes and spires.

Hiking Info

Trailhead location: Beehive Campground, Glen Canyon
1.9 mile loop trail
Rated: Moderate, short but some rock scrambling
Elevation change: 209ft
Parking: Free, no park fees
You don’t need a 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle to get to this trail

Tip: Wearing proper hiking shoes is essential to ensure comfort, stability, and protection while navigating challenging trails.

When To Go

Try this hike at sunrise or sunset to get the more reddish glow on the rock formations. We went midday so the colors were a bit more flat.

The best time of year to visit Page Arizona is typically in the late spring or early fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

The Hike

The trail begins just off of Highway 89 at Beehive Campground and ascends steeply up to the top of a towering sandstone spire, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Most of the hike is well marked by these rock paths below. Keep an eye on them to stay on trail.

As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape, including the red rock formations that make this area famous. The trail is well-marked, but hikers should take care as some sections can be slippery or unstable, especially if the weather has been wet.

After covering almost a mile of the hiking trail, the path ascends gradually towards the primary attraction of the park, namely "The New Wave". The exposed knobs feature captivating stripes of deep red and orange hues. To capture the best light, visit during the late afternoon or sunrise. We went midday and they were dulled by the brightness. Although not as impressive as the actual Wave, this scenic notch is a remarkable alternative and the landscape in general is gorgeous.