Hikers drawn to geological gem along Arizona-Utah border

FILE - In this May 28, 2013, file photo, a hiker takes a photo on a rock formation known as The Wave in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona. The richly colored geological upheaval along the Arizona-Utah border is one of the most sought-after hikes in the West. But the Wave isn’t without dangers that led officials with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to implement a series of safety measures following a trio of deaths in 2013. A new proposal to change the way permits are doled out and increase fees also could free up more people to do safety checks. (AP Photo/Brian Witte, File)

By Associated Press July 30, 2015 1 min read

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – A richly colored geological upheaval along the Arizona-Utah border is one of the most sought-after hikes in the West.

But The Wave isn’t without dangers. Officials with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management have implemented a series of safety measures following three deaths in 2013.

A new proposal to change the way permits are doled out and increase fees also could free up more people to focus on giving visitors safety advice.

Only 20 people are allowed to visit The Wave within the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument each day. The BLM wants to shift a walk-in lottery for 10 of the permits online and have visitors apply twice a year, instead of monthly, for the other 10.

The public comment period for the proposal ends Aug. 17.