The New Wave - Page, AZ

Discovering the New Waves Near Page, Arizona: No Lottery Needed!

So, you've been dreaming of hiking The Wave in Arizona, but luck just isn't on your side with the permit lottery?

Move over, classic Wave! There's a new rock star in town! Page, Arizona, has just unveiled another mind-blowing set of sandstone waves, and they're giving the OG formations some serious competition. If you love surreal landscapes, swirling rock patterns, and colors that look like nature's own work of art, this spot needs to be on your radar. It's like walking through a painting, except it's real and you get to be part of it!

And the best part? They're still off the beaten path, so you won't have to fight for the perfect shot (yet).  So if you're craving a next-level adventure in Page, it's time to ride the new wave before the crowds roll in!

Pit stop turned Into a epic moments!

Don't make the same fashion mistake as me! Be prepared! Wear bold colors that contrast with the rock so you stand out, not blend in!  We even forgot our good cameras so all of these images are shot with an iPhone!  The best camera is the one you have with you!

Some of the best adventures happen by accident, and that's exactly how we stumbled upon New Waves, Arizona! On our way home, the dogs decided they needed a break. We pulled into a random little parking area, expecting nothing more than a quick stretch - and BOOM! Nature hit us with a masterpiece.

Right in front of us were mesmerizing sandstone waves, twisting and curving like a desert illusion. No crowds, no expectations - just us, the dogs, and this unreal landscape we hadn't even planned on seeing.

As we hiked through rolling sandstone, Nora charged ahead, leaping onto every ledge she could find, determined to reach the highest point. Scout, on the other hand, took his time, sniffing the air, tail wagging as he admired the fiery landscape stretching endlessly before us.

The climb got steeper, but Nora was unstoppable. With one final push, she perched proudly atop the tallest rock, ears perked, a true queen of the desert.

 

We joined her, totally unprepared for a photoshoot, catching our breath as the vast red and gold terrain unfolded beneath us. Scout sat beside us, content just to be-taking in the beauty without the need to conquer it.

And guess what? There's even more to explore around! If you find yourself not winning The Wave Lottery there is plenty more to check out

• White Pocket - Swirling sandstone formations, just as magical.
• Alstrom Point - Panoramic views over Lake Powell.
• Waterholes Canyon - A quieter, equally stunning slot canyon.
• The Toadstools - otherworldly rock formations featuring balanced sandstone boulders perched atop slender rock pillars, creating a surreal desert landscape.
• Buckskin Gulch - one of the longest and most stunning slot canyons in the world, featuring towering sandstone walls, narrow winding passages, and mesmerizing light patterns—a dream for hikers and photographers!
  
  

The moral of the story? Always make the best of unplanned stops - you never know when you'll find the next adventure or hidden gem! For the photographers in the group, that next gem might just be waiting at The New Wave or another stunning rock formation. As you explore these natural wonders, don't just snap and go—take the time to truly capture the beauty around you. Here are a few recommendations to make those shots unforgettable

Lenses, Lenses, Lenses!  Pack a variety: a wide 16-35mm for those sweeping landscapes, a 24-70mm for versatile framing, and if you've got space, a 70-200mm for those zoomed-in details. Trust me, you'll want options!

Proper Maintenance = Happy Camera.  Desert dust is sneaky! When swapping lenses, shield your camera from the wind and always point your sensor down to minimize the risk of dirt entering the camera body.  Bring a lens blower and cleaning cloths to keep things spotless.

Chase the Light, Dodge the Shadows.  The right light makes all the difference!  Visit multiple times or move around to avoid harsh shadows on the patterns.  Side lighting adds drama, but don't let deep shadows steal the show. A polarizer can cut glare and boost those vibrant hues.

Change Your Perspective. Look up, down, and all around-this location is full of abstract patterns waiting to be discovered. Don't just capture the obvious; get in close for macro details and play with angles for a fresh take.

Tripod = Stability. Use a tripod with rubber feet so it doesn't slip on the rock. Bonus: it helps with long exposures and sharp details.

Foreground Magic.  A lone rock, a twisted tree, a puddle reflecting the sky - small details in the foreground make for epic compositions.

And as always, leading lines are your best friend!  Remember to line them up to point at your subject.

If you're shooting portraits (or selfies), pack bright clothing to contrast beautifully with the sandstone. Think reds, blues, or yellows - nature's backdrop will do the rest.

Pack Smart!  Water, snacks, sun protection, and a hat are non-negotiable, especially in warm months. You don't want to be that person who underestimated the desert heat.

Know Your Way Back! This terrain can be tricky. Bring a GPS, compass, map, and a flashlight (yes, even if you think you won't need it). Getting lost in paradise can be costly!

Now go out there and capture the magic - The New Wave is waiting!