Yant Flat and the Wave are both located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, near the Arizona-Utah border. However, the two hikes offer quite different experiences.
The Wave is a popular and iconic formation that is known for its unique swirling sandstone patterns and colors. The hike to the Wave is approximately 6 miles round trip and is rated as moderate to strenuous due to the rugged terrain and steep elevation changes. A permit is required to hike to the Wave Canyon.
Yant Flat, on the other hand, is a less well-known but equally stunning hike in the same area. The trail to Yant Flat is approximately 3.5 miles round trip and is rated as moderate. The hike offers expansive views of colorful sandstone formations and slickrock terrain, with distant views of the Pine Valley Mountains and the Zion Plateau.
One of the main differences between the two hikes is the level of difficulty. While the Wave trail is steep and strenuous, with significant elevation changes and challenging terrain, the Yant Flat trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate. Additionally, while a permit is required to hike to the Wave, no permit is needed for Yant Flat.
Another difference is the level of crowds. Even with limited number of permits the Wave can be quite crowded. Yant Flat is a less well-known hike and is typically less crowded. This makes it a great option for hikers who want to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Coyote Buttes North area without the crowds and permit restrictions of the Wave.
Ultimately, both hikes offer stunning views of the unique geologic features and colorful sandstone formations of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and hiking ability.
