Top Rock (North Coyote Buttes) from the back

[arindam]

Folks:

Have any of you hiked to the top of Top Rock from the back (east) side after visiting the Wave? As I understand, access from the front (west) side requires scrambling and I am not sure I would be able to do it. I have been studying Google Earth maps and it appears that if you go around Top Rock (at its north end) and turn south, hike for a half mile or so, there's an easier way up to a flattish area (which appears to have lots of vegetation). If any of you have taken this route, could you please post your experience regarding the hike? In particular, how steep the ascent is and the time required. Thanks.

Arindam

[Dayhiker]

I have hiked around Top Rock from the east and found it to be pretty easy going after the initial hike up out of the Wave area. The hike was mostly following ledges with great views of the Teepees. There is a section that you will either hike through sand or go lower to avoid at about the half way point but after that you will have to start working your way up the slick rock. Once I stepped up to that large flat area just below Melody Arch I hike around Top Rock in a clockwise direction back to where I stepped up with no problems. Time wise I'll guess it took me an hour to go from the Wave to just below Melody arch including a stop for lunch and photos. I also did the hike with two Border Collies who had no problems. If needed I can post photos of what the east side looks like and can get a better idea of the total time round trip was from their metadata later.

[arindam]

Thanks a lot for your reply Dayhiker. I would really appreciate if you could provide some more information and photos of the east side. And just to confirm, did you go around Top Rock from its north end? That's what I have in mind. From Google Earth, it appears that it's also possible to access the summit of Top Rock from the south (from roughly the point where Sand Cove ends), but this is not what I am planning to do.

[Jammer]

The east side is definitely a nice walk -- and you can make a loop up to Melody Arch and then down to Second Wave/Hamburger Rock area. This final decent is the steepest part of the loop and the only section which would give anyone pause. There was a thread about this back in Janurary. Here some pics:

East side of formation:
http://www.bogley.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=40696&d=1295042134

Arch from the east:
http://www.bogley.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=40695&d=1295042130

Descent back down to Wave area:
http://www.bogley.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=40697&d=1295042145

- Jamal

[arindam]

Thanks a lot Jamal. I will have to do some digging here for the thread you are referring to.

Arindam

[zzyzx]

Arindam,
I am new here in this wonderful forum.
I've hiked Top Rock from the north, northwest, east and southwest (Sand Cove).
The easiest way is from the east.


it's also possible to access the summit of Top Rock from the south (from roughly the point where Sand Cove ends), but this is not what I am planning to do.

Yes it's possible, but harder and steeper as from the east.
Our 1st hike were via a slot behind the round dome, the 2nd via the round dome.

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[arindam]

Thanks for your reply, zzyzx. So, just to reiterate, the east side is pretty doable, right?

Can you add something on what view I am seeing in your pic?

Thanks.

[zzyzx]

You're welcome!
Yes, the east side is pretty doable.
Follow the Top Rock range to the east and than to the south.
If you see the hole in the rock - lock at Jamal's pic - that's the window of Melody Arch and the east side entry isn't far away.
How long do you plan your stay in the 'wave' area'?
If you plan the whole day, you'll have a lot of fun.
You need more information - feel free and let me know.
To the pic:
This photo were taken above, from the northwest side of Sand Cove and shows a part of Top Rock's west side.
On the left hand side you see a slot - thats Sand Cove slot with beautiful sandstone colorations. Above. The 'yellow' ribbons and structures are behind the 2nd Wave. At the sand dune you see the round or half dome. Behind the dome is the steep slot. Thats are the two ways up to the Top Rock.
I hope, it helps.

[Jammer]

Another few pics for reference. Here you can see the drainage in the background which flows out to the east. You can see it's pretty open with trees/sand and such -- not at all hard to get up. If I remember correctly the farther south you go... the less steep it gets. BTW -- the two guys are standing in the drainage which goes up to Melody Arch.

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In this second pic you can see that drainage as the "pass" in the background. This is probably as steep as it gets from the east direction -- so if that doesn't scare you, you will be fine. In fact, there a few other ways up to the arch which may even be easier than this.

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Have fun. And... just take the time to wander and explore. It's a great area and you shouldn't have to feel like you are on a defined "route".

- Jamal

[Philippe]

Hi Arindam,

Yes, coming from the east side is a very easy climbing, no more difficult than hiking around the Wave.

When you'll be climbing on this eastern slope, have a look on your left (South) to spot the impressive Big Mac (on the left of the Big Mac you can see the opening of Melody Arch on the cliff) :

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Hidden among the slickrock cones on the left of the slope (you need some short scrambling to get there), there is a very surprising rock formation that seems to have been hand made by a modern sculptor :

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Philippe

[arindam]

Thanks Phillipe, Jamal and zzyzx. You have been of great help.

I will be in Page from 19th to 24th. I have a trip booked to the South Coyote Buttes and White Pockets for the 20th and another one for the 21st (to Wahweap Towers, Nipple Bench, Alstrom Point, etc.). I will be playing the Wave Lottery on the 22nd and 23rd and see what happens. I have never ever won anything in a lottery, so I do not expect to score a permit. But if I do, it will probably be an all-day affair.

For those who have been to the Wave around this time of the year, around what time is the Wave shadow free?

[zzyzx]

Hi arindam,
Have a wonderful time!



I have never ever won anything in a lottery, so I do not expect to score a permit.


Wrong way.
Head up! Go into that office and say to yourself - I'll win!
Good luck!:2thumbs:

I think, the best time for photographing the Wave is the noon.
Maybe Phillipe can say more about. I'm not a photographer, but I like it.

Phillipe:
Great pictures! I love the little creature. Near BigMac?

[tanya]

Fun photos~!!!! You make it look so cool out there!

[arindam]

Thanks again Michel. I have already started chanting "I'll win, I'll win ...".