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So, I won the Wave Permit in Coyote Buttes. I'm really excited and cannot wait to make it out there. I have a 4 pass permit and am taking my Fiancé and family with me. We are going to make a long weekend out of it - flying in Thursday night or Friday morning and flying out Monday. The permit is for Saturday. I planned on getting a hotel or Airbnb. So, here's where I need help:

Most important: Where else should we go? Are there any other day hikes we could do Friday or Sunday? I was thinking the slot canyons and horse shoe bend? Any other ideas that are- "don't go to northern Arizona without seeing this!" I am not opposed to attempting to obtain more permits to other areas - which I think is most other trails worth hiking for scenery.

Second most important: I know the difficulty of obtaining the Coyote Buttes permit and am aware my resources are probably limited. But can anyone give any tips, notes, or warnings for making the trip? I would like to think of my self as an experienced hiker ( I make my own hiking gear, and have taken trips as long as 30 miles along the AT), but have never been out west. Any best routes for this trail? We are going in March and I've seen that historical temps range from 50-60. I know its about 5 miles in and 5 miles out but we would like to take make it to some of the other destinations along the trail. Thanks a million for any help you can provide.

Dustin

Day hiking through Wire Pass and into Buckskin Gulch is recommended (may be wet and muddy that time of year).

Concur about the Buckskin - a do-not-miss highlight.
Having spent quite a bit of time out by 'The Wave' I would suggest merely exploring that whole area. Although 'The Wave' gets all the attention, the whole Coyote Buttes North area is awesome and worthwhile in its own right. The teepees area is cool, for example. There is also a cool little arch above The Wave area that you can hike up to.
Depending on your vehicle, this is about prime season for White Pocket (Coyote Buttes South - easy permit), as the sand is more cooperative in cooler weather.
Fear not... the 'trail' into The Wave is pretty well signed and cairned.

@Dust8713
Coyote Buttes South is below The Wave and is more red than the white/orange of The Wave.
[ Coyote Buttes South ]

White Pockets is equally as interesting, but you really should have the right vehicle and experience driving in deep sand. Or you can hire a guide to take you out.
[ White Pocket ]

I agree with others' comments about Wirepass and Buckskin.

Just for fun look up Cat Stair Canyon.
[ Cat Stair Canyon - Car Wash ]

Another thought is the drive through Cottonwood Canyon. It has some hikes (although we've never done them). And on the northern end of Cottonwood Canyon is Kodachrome State Park. It has great visuals.

Good luck and have fun!

As everyone else has suggested, Buckskin, the general area is great. White Pockets is great, if damp is better with the sand slightly wet for driving in ( not for the rest of those clay based roads).
Off Cottonwood Canyon road you could day hike Yellow Rock out of the Hackberry canyon TH, no permit needed I think, or just a self fill out. It is a great yellow navajo sandstone dome streaked with reds and orange. On top there is an old trail dropping you into Paria Box which would make a nice little loop with some nice views. Hackberry is nice to meander up for colors in its sandstone walls and has a little stream. Early or late for it, midday light and colors will be flat.
Up the road there are the Cottonwood canyon narrows ( yawn) or the more fun Round Valley Draw, not really colorful but sculpted and you have a little scrambling involved.
Back to the main road if you are just doing a time fill, drive to the old movie set Upper Paria, not much to see but again general area just fun to poke around in. The toadstools everyone is guided toward is ok but not that exciting. The ones at Wahweap area are better.
If those roads are really wet, stay off. I learned the hard way in there years ago. Doesn't matter what you are driving.