Tucked away in northern Arizona is a candy cane shaped rock formation known to photographers all over the world as, “The Wave”. It is so popular that only 20 people a day are allowed into the area to photograph or otherwise enjoy its beauty. Reservations through the Bureau of Land Management can usually be made online six months in advance or as a walk-up on the day before you want to go in at the Paria River Ranger Station, located 30 miles west of Page, Arizona. I had tried on several occasions to get in but had not succeeded until this year.
The hike in is about three miles, is very primitive and begins at a parking area 8.5 miles south of U.S. 89 on Houserock Road, a dirt road known to have washouts in heavy rains. There are no markers allowed to guide you, only several natural and prominent features such as the Saddle, the Twin Cones and the Black Crack. The trail follows a wash and crosses a sand ridge before coming to the saddle. Once through the saddle, one heads generally east on mostly slickrock. Passing the twin cones, the black crack comes into view and you head straight for that feature. The last hurdle is another sand dune and river wash and then climbing a short rise.
One of the jewels of the American southwest, The Wave brings awe upon first viewing. The rock striations appear to have been hand molded rather than being natural formations. Although it appears very fragile, it is rock and only a few areas are susceptible to foot damage.
Because mid-day is the best time to shoot this formation, exposure is easily calculated and knowing the sunny 16 rule will give you a perfect exposure. Sunny 16 is 1 over the ISO of the film at f/16.
This image was made on Fuji 100, 4x5 transparency film and printed on Ultrachrome paper.
