
How was The Wave discovered?
From Valley 101 by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com
March 23, 2026 · 16 min
About this episode
This episode explores the history and discovery of the Wave, a unique sandstone rock formation in Arizona.
If there is one geological formation Arizona is known for, it is without a doubt ... the Grand Canyon. But it's not the only too-awesome-to-comprehend natural formation out there. There is also the Wave, the unbelievable sandstone rock formation more formally known as Coyote Buttes North. On this week's episode of Valley 101, we look into the history of the Wave — it's about 200 million years old, so it's got some — and answer the question: How was the Wave discovered? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Mike Koopsen, Light Hunter Fatali Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Guests: Mike Koopsen, Light Hunter Fatali
Topics covered
- geological formations
- history
- Arizona
- The Wave
- Coyote Buttes North
Keywords
- The Wave
- Coyote Buttes North
- Arizona geology
- geological history
- natural formations
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com
Places: Arizona, Coyote Buttes North, Grand Canyon
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