The Wave, Paria in March?

[hikerfirst]

Hi,
Does anyone have experience hiking The Wave, Paria in early March? We have permits - just concerned that the weather might be cold and wet that time of year.
Thanks for any input.
Hikefirst

[montezumawell]

Well, if you can't ask Miss Cleo, might as well ask this list.

This question has been posed here before and undoubtedly will be asked again..
and again...

For anyone to say they would know the spring weather on the Arizona Strip would be the same as naming the Powerball numbers. Ain't gonna happen.

Might be nice. Might be nasty. Might be naughty. Might be naught. Might be neither. Might be none.

Soooo...what difference does it make? None. Go forth and have a grand life experience. If you get mired in mud down to your hood ornament(s), fine. If you have a transendental life-changing moment, fine. Either way, it's IMPOSSIBLE to have a truly BAD experience there. It's all in the mind of the beholder(S).

We have only one request: Please return here to this list and tell us about your experience.
A lot of us would really appreciate it. Good luck, God Speed and HIKE ON!

J&S

[Randy]

I'm drawing a blank on "The Wave". I have hiked the entire length of Paria from White House to Lee's Ferry ( not that big a deal, most who get to the narrows have no choice as there is no way out other than a U-turn.

The primary concern is flash floods from the upstream drainage around Bryce Canyon. If you are trapped in the narrows it's about like one of those TV commercials "Call 1-800-BarTend", you will be blended thoroughly, or will attempt to ride "The Wave" out... I would be a tad concerned about spring runoff which could seriously chill at the best case...

If "The Wave" is not in the Paria River channel itself, but up on the Vermillion cliffs area, these concerns are not critical. I would see if you can contact the BLM Ranger up there. A number of years ago when we went, the guy then was so concerned about safety that he had us call his home phone number in Page for a streamflow update when we got there at midnite. Our hike was the third week of Sept, just following monsoon season, so he was being very careful.

If you are going to be in the river, I recommend some cheap "disposable" boots or high top canvas wafflestompers, since the water and mud for the first 2 1/2 -3 days will just trash them --or, If you are not a big load like me, a good set of washable trailrunners.

A monthly high/low and precipitation history for Page would be pretty close to hitting your weather prediction.

It's a great area to hike in for sure... -Randy

[Nighthiker]

In the late 1970' I knew a person who hiked the Canyons in Nortern AZ and Soutern Utah. He wore a wet suit to keep warm.

[shy]

Tell ya what. Come March I will key up and tell you the weather. Right now, today in fact, there is a skiff of snow. I might go to the cockscomb today (saw a mountain lion in the area last week), or maybe tomorrow.

[morrisl]

I have been to the wave 4 times; in spring and fall. May be snow in March or sunny; need bright sunlight for good photos at the Buttes; if too late in day or sun angle low the wave will be in the shadows. Lots to see/photograph in area- rock formations on the way to the Wave/ or hike down into Wire pass and dayhike Buckskin. If you get to the wave as you backtrack go up into an alcove southwest of the ridge line. Years ago a huge pothole pool there with a great lunch rock and good rock formations all around. Can go over the ridgeline and up a wash as an alternative route to return to Wire Pass parking. Good luck and hiking.