white pocket tour arizona

(435) 644-5506

White Pocket Tour

Fully Guided Tour

Photography Paradise!

Interesting Geology!

Other Paria / Vermillion Cliffs Tours

The Wave Tour

The Wave Tour with Wire Pass Slot Canyon

South Coyote Buttes Tour

The Amazing Sandstone Teepees Tour

White Pocket Overnight Tour

We go out of our way to open the wonders of the West to  EVERYONE .

We are permitted, licensed, and insured.

Dreamland Safari Tours holds Special Use Permits from the  Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument ,  Grand Canyon National Park , the  Vermilion Cliffs National Monument/Paria Wilderness , Glen Canyon National Recreation Area , Kanab Bureau of Land Management, Kaibab National Forest , and  Arizona Strip Bureau of Land Management .

Don't see your preferred departure date or time available via online booking? Give us a call. 

For sunset or sunrise at our more remote locations, we recommend a scheduled or custom overnight or multi-day tour - and we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that meets your needs.

All listed tour durations and pickup times are approximate. Please allow 10-20 minutes of pickup time flexibility for unforeseen circumstances and varying pickup logistics. Water and snacks are provided on all tours. A lunch meal is included on all tours of 6+ hours. Vegetarian option available.

We reserve the right to fill all empty seats on non-private tours.  Cancellation / Reschedule / Weather policy applies.

Please familiarize yourself with our  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   before contacting us.

To contact us with other specific questions or begin Making Reservations click the " Book Now " Button on each tour page or click Contact Us  for info on how to give us a call or shoot us an email.

White Pocket Tour Guests say it is as if they have entered a fantasy landscape on an alien planet. That’s just how striking the natural rock features are to behold. Our guides will show you some of the best angles for photography.

• Trip Details

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Tour length, departure times, difficulty (1-10), recommended abilities, attractions, special interests, these faqs are specific to this tour. if you would like to view our general faqs click here ..

1. How much hiking will I have to do at White Pocket? We usually walk around 2-4 miles at White Pocket. This trip is easy to customize where less challenging routes can be chosen while those who are more adventurous may hike on steeper sections of rock or scramble to the tops of buttes. There is no marked trail at White Pocket. We will be walking on uneven sandstone so good balance and surefootedness is needed. At the very minimum, guests must be able to walk 250 yards across soft sand to get to a view of the formation. There is no way to see White Pocket from the car.

2. Do I need permits to see White Pocket? No, permits are not required at White Pocket at this time.

3. How much time is spent driving vs. hiking at White Pocket? This is a 9-hour tour and the drive to White Pocket takes between 2-2.5 hours from Kanab. We spend 3.5-4 hours at White Pocket hiking and eating lunch. We may also make brief stops along the route at viewpoints and places of interest.

4. How does White Pocket compare to the Wave? White Pocket and the Wave are only 6.5 miles apart as the raven flies, and both are shaped from the same 190-million-year-old Navajo Sandstone formation. White Pocket offers a much broader expanse of sandstone at 20 acres and it has a bigger variety of shapes, colors and features. Hikers or photographers can spend hours exploring its nooks and crannies. The features here are very condensed, meaning there is a lot to see without having to hike very far. The Wave requires a minimum 6.5-mile hike just to get to the Wave and back. The Wave itself is about 1 acre in size. To be fair, there is more to see besides the Wave at North Coyote Buttes, but more hiking and route finding is required. To learn more about how the two sites compare, read our  blogpost .

5. I am staying in Page. Where can we meet? We offer pick-up service at any hotel, vacation rental, or RV Park in Kanab, Utah, but we do not pick up in Page, Arizona. If you are staying in Page, we can arrange a meeting point halfway between Page and Kanab. Normally, this meeting point is at the intersection of Highway 89 and Houserock Valley Road, which is about 45 minutes west of Page, and is right on the way to White Pocket. Occasionally, we have to change this meeting point when the north end of House Rock Valley is muddy.  If you book an 8 a.m. tour, that is the time the tour departs Kanab, Utah. We would leave at 8 a.m. and meet you at 8:45 a.m. at Houserock Valley Road. Keep in mind that Page is in Arizona, which does not observe daylight savings time. So, from spring through fall, the time in Arizona is one hour earlier than in Utah, where our company operates. So, if our tour left Kanab at 8 a.m. (Utah time) and met you at 8:45 a.m. (Utah time), this would be 7:45 a.m Arizona time and you would need to leave Page by 7am. Daylight savings time starts sometime in mid-March and usually runs to the middle of November.

6. Is there a bathroom at White Pocket? There are no facilities of any kind at White Pocket. Depending on the route we take to White Pocket, we may stop at a flushable toilet or a pit toilet on our way there and on the way back to Kanab. Once at White Pocket, you may duck behind a tree or bush for privacy whenever necessary. All solid waste should be packed out and our guides carry WAG bags for this purpose, as well as toilet paper, hand wipes and plastic bags. Do not leave any trash on the ground. This is a wilderness area and must be kept pristine. Paper must be bagged up and can be discreetly discarded into the trash bag at the truck.

7. Do you offer sunset tours at White Pocket? Sunset tours are considered on a case-by-case basis, so call us at (435) 334-5703. We know sunset photography at White Pocket is world class. But White Pocket is 2.5 hours from Kanab, making sunset tours unfeasible for us for a good part of the year. They are much easier for us to accommodate in late fall, winter or very early spring while days are short. Consider our  White   Pocket   overnight  trip that allows for sunrise, sunset and even night photography.

8. Are drones allowed on this tour? Yes, but only directly above the formation as the area around White Pocket is wilderness! There is opportunity for incredible drone footage at White Pocket. When operating a drone on tours, please be mindful of other guests on the tour and other hikers who may be in the area. People seek remote locations for the solitude. Please do not fly drones close to other people and limit the amount of time the drone is in the air. Always follow instructions from your guide.

To read more FAQs that are common to all of our tours, visit our FAQs page.

Guest Experiences on the White Pocket Tour

Steve was an awesome guide and we had a great time hiking White Pocket (Vermillion Cliffs) with him. He customized our hike and planned a great route for us. Since we liked birds he stopped at the California Condor viewing area for us. We got to see 900 year old drawings and then amazing views of the white pocket are from different angles. Lunch was yummy with fresh veggies, fruit and meat. Fantastic Day, highly recommend.

DABEDB – May 20, 2019 TripAdvisor

Best tour ever. Such a beautiful natural wonder! The journey there and back was also amazing. Andrea was an excellent guide pointing out all kinds of interesting features of the landscape. Her driving was swift and safe in a well maintained all wheel drive vehicle. I would not want to attempt this trip on my own even with a adequate all wheel drive vehicle. White Pocket itself is simply stunning. I would recommend this tour to anyone who appreciates natural wonders.

I8990KDrobertr – May 16, 2019 TripAdvisor

Took a tour of White Pocket with Dreamland at the end of April with Andrea as our tour guide. It was a great experience. White pocket is very difficult to get to – both in terms of terrain and directions. Having a guide to get you there safely, as well as give some interesting history and facts on the area was great. Would definitely recommend!

Jamie U – May 12, 2019 TripAdvisor

Bailey did a great job for our small group. My wife and I enjoyed everyone’s company as well as the good lunch prepared for us. It takes a while to get out to White Pocket, but you will be glad you made the effort to see this fascinating area.

Departure68316626825 – May 10, 2019 TripAdvisor

Just completed a truly wonderful visit to White Pocket on a photo safari with Dreamland and AZ Highways Photo Tours. Dreamland’s outfitters were outstanding. Food was almost too good and plentiful. Their service and attention to detail is outstanding. Not sure when my next trip is with them but I’m already looking forward to it!

Terry G – May 7, 2019 TripAdvisor

Single Travelers & Private Tours

We can always accommodate single travelers via private tours.  Often times, we are also able to combine a single traveler with other scheduled parties; please give us a call at 435-644-5506 to discuss the latter option.

Private Tours are available to be booked online.

Unique compositions are literally found every few steps in this world-class photographic wonderland. You won’t want to leave.

Our White Pocket Tour in extreme Northern Arizona guides you through a gnarled expanse laid bare right at the transition between the white and reddish orange sandstone. It has twists, multi-color striations of white, yellow, red, orange, and pink, pock marks and pools that sometimes fill with water, mushroom like protrusions, strange bulges that look like brains, polygonal fracturing, and wave-like features. The processes that have given yield to these bizarre rock formations stump even expert geologists. Some think that the area was liquefied in an ancient earthquake which distorted the sandstone layers while they were still soft, before they were buried under the oceans for 100 million years and turned to stone under the enormous heat and pressure.

The White Pocket Tour guides you to one of the most photogenic places in the Vermillion Cliffs N.M., Northern Arizona, and perhaps the entire Southwest, rivaling the Wave in size, variety, and complexity. To find out more about how White Pocket compares to the Wave click ahead to read our BLOG .

Dreamland Safari Tours holds Special Use Permits from the  Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument ,  Grand Canyon National Park , the  Vermilion Cliffs National Monument/Paria Wilderness ,  Kanab Bureau of Land Management  and  Arizona Strip Bureau of Land Management .

Don’t see your preferred departure date or time available via online booking? Give us a call. 

For sunset or sunrise at our more remote locations, we recommend a scheduled or custom overnight or multi-day tour – and we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that meets your needs.

To contact us with other specific questions or begin Making Reservations click the “ Book Now ” Button on each tour page or click Contact Us  for info on how to give us a call or shoot us an email.

About White Pocket

White Pocket has gained notoriety only recently as a photographer’s playground and world-class hiking destination. It is the perfect alternative to the Wave in North Coyote Buttes and White Pocket lies less than 6 miles away from that famous feature. The colorful stripes and otherworldly rock shapes provide infinite opportunity for photography, and the hiking is much easier than at the Wave. The White Pocket formation itself is 0.7 of a mile across, which doesn’t sound very big, but the gorgeous striations are quite condensed. And it is much bigger than the actual Wave, which is about 2 acres in size.

At White Pocket, the view changes constantly and curious hikers will want to peer around every corner and climb up onto each high point. Those who really appreciate natural beauty have spent a full day exploring White Pocket and felt like they barely scratched the surface. Our guides still uncover fascinating details after scores of trips there.

The Grand Staircase provides a vast and gorgeous backdrop for White Pocket’s intense swirls and white polygonal brain rock. Look out past White Pocket to the brilliant red sandstone of the Coyote Buttes, the Cockscomb, the landmark known as Molly’s Nipple, the Kaibab Plateau and the colorful layers of the Grand Staircase.

Getting to White Pocket

The Jurassic age sandstone formation is situated on the remote and rugged Paria Plateau in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona, less than three miles from the Utah border. Its remoteness ensures you won’t encounter crowds here. In fact, on most days there are only a handful of cars at the trailhead. It’s easy to find a secluded spot at White Pocket where you will hear and see no one.

Roads on the Paria Plateau are unmaintained and are comprised of deep sand with rocky sections scattered throughout. A four-wheel drive vehicle with good ground clearance and off road tires is a must. Some experience driving in deep sand can really come in handy, especially in summer when the sand is dry, soft and deep. It takes at least 2.5 hours from Kanab or from Page to get to White Pocket. On our tours, we try to make a loop drive out of the trip when we can, depending on road conditions, weather and our pick up locations. On our preferred route, we take 89A out of Kanab heading through Jacob Lake and then we enter House Rock Valley from the south, where we stop at a California Condor release site to look for the endangered raptors. Soon after visiting the condor site, we turn east and head up onto the Paria Plateau. This is where maintained roads end. When we reach Pine Tree Pocket, we veer north and traverse about 10 more miles of sandy roads to White Pocket.

On our way home, depending on weather, we may exit the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument through the north end of House Rock Valley where we catch the gorgeous Vermilion Cliffs and the brilliant East Kaibab Monocline (Cockscomb) in the soft, afternoon light.

It’s a long drive to White Pocket, there is no way around it, but the variety of scenery on the way is incredible and the feeling of remoteness in itself is a real thrill. These roads are remote, sandy and not clearly marked. We rarely bring guests to White Pocket who later say they would have been comfortable navigating the roads on their own.

White Pocket Geology

Rewind 190 million years and imagine a hot, dry desert with gigantic sand dunes stacking up in the brisk wind. White Pocket is comprised of Navajo sandstone that got its start as towering dunes back in the early Jurassic Period. Back then, the area was much closer to the equator than it is today. As the dunes were buried under more and more sand, they became saturated with groundwater. Slowly, groundwater minerals cemented the sand grains together, turning the dunes to stone. But that’s only part of the story. Something happened here, a major ground disturbance – perhaps an earthquake that triggered an underground landslide – that caused layers of sediment to separate, fold and become sheared while the sand was saturated with water and before it had turned to stone. Geologists call this soft sediment deformation. The result of the massive sand slide is wildly contorted and twisted rock. The specifics of how some of the formations came to be stump the most experienced geologists.

There are many shades of red, pink and yellow that are caused by the oxidation of iron-bearing minerals. Pink hues in the rock often indicate the presence of hematite, while limonite appears yellow or brown. The white coating over White Pocket is calcium carbonate.

There are several theories about how the polygonal cracks in the “brain rock” came to be, including thermal contraction, moisture cycles and drying processes of the sandy sediments and tensile forces. Similar cracks have been observed elsewhere on the Colorado Plateau and even on the moon. Guests sometimes say it feels like you’re walking on the back of a giant white dragon or strolling across the surface of the moon. Another “otherworldly” feature found at White Pocket is Moqui marbles. The marble-like concretion has a sandstone center encased in an iron oxide shell.  Scientists say iron was dissolved into ground water 50 million years ago and collected to form sphere shaped iron concretions. In 2004, two Mars rovers landed on the Red Planet and sent back images of BB sized formations similar to Moqui marbles. NASA scientists call them Martian blueberries. NASA studied Moqui marbles on the Colorado Plateau to learn how they form, wondering if this could provide evidence of water on Mars. Results are inconclusive. The Martian blueberries may have been caused by meteorites. But walking around the bizarre landscape at White Pocket, it’s easy to imagine a connection between it and Mars. Rock gathering in the national monument is not allowed.

Human History

Humans have probably been visiting White Pocket since the ice age when nomadic hunters wandered the expansive landscape in search of large game. The Paria Plateau is also home Native American ruins dating back to the Pueblo Periods from about 750 A.D to 1250 A.D. Pottery fragments and arrowhead flakes can be found in the sand surrounding White Pocket. Ancient corn cobs and petroglyphs depicting desert bighorn sheep and deer have been found in the vicinity.  More recently, ranchers settled and grazing began somewhere around 1840. On the dry plateau, ranchers often drew water from underground springs using pumps powered by windmills. One such windmill, now out of commission, is seen along Corral Valley Road at Corral Valley Pockets. The word ‘pocket’ is a ranching term for a place that holds water. That’s how White Pocket got its name. Way before we sightseers showed up with our cameras, cattlemen were watering their stock in pockets of water on the formation. They even built two concrete dams in 1929 to increase the water capacity of the water pockets. Today, we enjoy these reflective pools for their incredible photographic potential and for their fascinating wildlife. Fairy shrimp, tadpoles and triops are often spotted in the pools.

While ranchers no longer live on the plateau and the land is in public hands, cowboys can still occasionally be spotted rounding up cattle on horseback. One family has ranched the plateau for four generations. Most of the roads on the Paria Plateau were created by ranchers who needed to mend fences and water their cattle. Other signs of ranching are evident: corrals, old abandoned trucks, broken windmills, and cowboy graffiti are signs of a different time. Richard Faye Hamblin (1908-1976) is one cowboy who signed his name on the plateau, on a sandstone wall near White Pocket.

Dreamland Women's Adventure Award Application / Nomination

Know a woman who could use a fresh-air getaway to Southern Utah at close to no cost? Nominate her (or yourself!) today. You are welcome to nominate more than one individual by submitting multiple nomination forms. The Women's Adventure Award weekend takes place from March 1-3 2024 and includes a full-day hiking adventure with Dreamland Safari Tours, two nights of lodging, meals, and more. Adventure Award recipients are responsible for their own travel to/from Kanab and need to plan to arrive in Kanab by 4pm on the afternoon of Friday March 1.

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Complete Guide to White Pocket Arizona in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

By: Author Christine Wheeler

Posted on Published: April 19, 2022  - Last updated: March 3, 2024

White Pocket Arizona is one of the best things to do in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. This otherworldly landscape has features that look similar to the Wave hike in Utah and is known for the brain rocks in Arizona.

White Pocket is located on the border between Utah and Arizona but just over the line on the Arizona side. It is difficult to reach but worth the drive or a tour if needed.

Here is everything you need to know to visit White Pocket Arizona.

You may also like: Great Chamber in Kanab Big Lake Sand Cave in Page, Arizona Bentonite Hills near Hanksville Moab Potash Ponds Best Restaurants in Kanab, Utah Finding Alien Throne in Valley of Dreams, New Mexico

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra charge to you when you purchase or book through these links.

Table of Contents

Where is White Pocket Arizona?

White Pocket is located in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument on the state border between Arizona and Utah. It is located in Northern Arizona just south of the Utah border.

White Pocket is often thought to be in Utah, but White Pocket Utah is actually White Pocket Arizona. It is further south and east of the more famous North Coyote Buttes (the Wave) and South Coyote Buttes hikes.

Because it is across state lines, keep in mind that there is a time difference for half of the year. Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time, so be aware of the time in Arizona if you are basing out of Kanab.

This becomes especially important if you are planning to be at White Pocket for either sunrise or sunset. You will need to factor in the time difference if Daylight Savings Time is in effect.

Located in a remote part of the park, it is not easy to get here. Expect a couple of hours of bouncing on dirt roads and driving through soft sand before an easy hike to reach the actual area.

The exact location on Google Maps can be found here . However, we did not find following Google Maps to be helpful as many of the routes it sent us included roads with signs saying they do not go to White Pocket. I’ve included driving directions below.

The GPS coordinates for White Pocket are (36.955011, -111.893296).

How to Visit White Pocket Arizona

You have a few options for visiting White Pocket in Arizona, but none of them are easy or fast. Because White Pocket is a more off-the-beaten-path Arizona destination, it is not easy to access.

Your first option is to drive, but you will need to factor in the type of vehicle you have and your driving skills. We had little to no cell phone service with T-Mobile and Verizon once we got out of Kanab.

If you get stuck on the BLM roads, you may be there a while before someone finds you. Or you may have to walk a while to find service. Plan ahead for worse case scenarios.

BLM warns that people get stuck or stranded on the way to White Pocket every year. If you get lost (easy to do if you are not paying attention) or break down or get stuck, it is your responsibility to handle the situation.

Another option is to take a White Pocket tour with one of the groups that offer them. This is your best option if you do not feel comfortable making the drive or if you do not have the correct vehicle.

Whether you plan to drive to White Pocket or to take a tour of White Pocket, here is what you will need to know:

What Vehicle Do You Need to Get to White Pocket?

To get to White Pocket, you will need a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle . You do not want to do this in an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, and there are multiple signs stating that AWD vehicles are not allowed on the way there.

We drove our Jeep Wrangler out to Kanab to do some off-roading, so we used it to get to White Pocket. It does have a small lift (not needed for this trail) and off-road tires (definitely helped).

We stopped at a ranger station the day before we went to ask about the conditions of the road as well as if our vehicle would be okay for the drive. The ranger we spoke to assured us the Jeep would be fine. He had been out there two days before, and the roads were dry.

If the roads are wet, it becomes impossible to reach White Pocket. Keep an eye on the weather when you plan your trip as it can change quickly. Watch the weather a few days before your trip as well to make sure the roads will be dry.

A good portion of the drive is on hard-packed dirt and sand which is easy to drive on even in a smaller two-wheel drive vehicle. However, the last part of the drive is all on soft sand. In some areas, it is also deep sand.

The last section before you arrive at White Pocket is the worst section. Do not try to stop in that area and do not park in that area.

The ranger let us know they do enforce no parking or stopping near that last deep patch of sand because it blocks the only road. You must make it through that and all the way to the parking area.

There are also some sharp rocks on the way. Drive slowly enough that you can avoid them and make sure to have a spare tire just in case.

We ended up loving White Pocket so much that we took two road trips out there during our trip (and will be going again in a couple of weeks). We did not have any issues getting through that spot either time but did try to keep a steady speed through it.

White Pocket Tour Options

If you do not have a four-wheel drive high clearance vehicle to get to White Pocket, take a tour. If you do not feel comfortable driving to White Pocket in the soft, deep sand, take a tour.

There is little to no cell phone reception in White Pocket, so you may be waiting a while if you get stuck or break down out there. We had both T-Mobile and Verizon and only found patches where we had service once we got off the paved road.

Thankfully there are a few tour options if you plan to visit White Pocket.

The one we considered before finding out our Jeep could handle it was through Dreamland Safari Tours. They offer a 9-hour tour to White Pocket Arizona for $199 per person.

Their tours leave at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m., but there is also a White Pocket overnight tour option for night photography. Depending on the time of year, they can also sometimes do sunset tours.

We did not end up using Dreamland Safari only because we found out we could get there on our own. If we did not have the right vehicle or the confidence to make the drive, they are who we would use and are who we recommend.

How to Get to White Pocket in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument – Driving Directions

If you decide to drive to White Pocket, you can access it from both the Utah and Arizona side. The best places to access White Pocket from are Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona.

We chose to stay in Kanab and to use it as our base to explore much of Southern Utah. The drive from Kanab to White Pocket takes about 2 hours to 2.5 hours. Going from Page to White Pocket takes about 2.5 hours or a little more.

Either way, the last hour and a half of the White Pocket drive will be on dirt roads or soft sand roads. House Rock Valley Road has some deep ruts and is jarring but an easy drive. The BLM roads are more soft sand and slower speeds but not as much bouncing.

Keep in mind that driving time will vary. You are unlikely to deal with traffic, but your comfort level driving on the dirt and sand roads will impact your drive time.

Make sure to fill up your gas tank before you drive to White Pocket. There are no gas stations once you get onto House Rock Valley Road, and you do not want to run out of gas out there.

How to Get to White Pocket from Kanab Utah

To get to White Pocket from Kanab, Utah, take Highway 89 east for 38 miles to House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065). Once you are on House Rock Valley Road, continue 23.5 miles. You will pass the trailheads for Buckskin Gulch, Wire Pass and The Wave on the way.

If you need to stop for a bathroom, stop at the Wire Pass parking area. From here to White Pass, you are just bouncing on dirt roads with no more bathrooms available.

While you are on House Rock Valley Road, you cross from Utah into Arizona. If you see the sign, you are still going the right way.

Travel 23.5 miles on House Rock Valley Road, and then turn left onto BLM 1017. Google Maps tried to have us turn several spots before this, but we followed the official directions. Many of the roads Google Maps said to turn on had signs that said, “Not the route to White Pocket.”

Once you get to BLM 1017, these roads will show up on the map but without names. There are little signs on the side of the road that let you know which road it is. Use these signs to follow the rest of the route.

Take BLM 1017 east for 6.2 miles. When you get to BLM 1087, go northeast. This will eventually split into BLM 1086. Stay left to get to the White Pocket Trailhead.

As you cross through the gates on the road, make sure to close them back behind you if they are closed when you get to them. If they have been left open and have a sign to close them, please close them.

Quick White Pocket Driving Directions from Kanab to Screenshot:

• Highway 89 east for 38 miles
• House Rock Valley Road for 23.5 miles south
• East on BLM 1017 for 6.2 miles
• Northeast on BLM 1087.
• Follow split at BLM 1086 to the left
• Arrive at White Pocket Trailhead

How to Get to White Pocket from Page Arizona

To get to White Pocket from Page, Arizona, take Highway 89A west for 36 miles. You will meet up with House Rock Valley Road 13.5 miles east of Jacob Lake, Arizona.

After turning onto House Rock Valley Road, head north for 9.3 miles until you get to BLM 1017 and go east.

Because we came from Kanab for both of our road trips to White Pocket and not from Page, I am not sure if Google Maps takes you the correct route or not this way. Either way, we chose to follow the official directions and not Google Maps. Google Maps was not accurate coming from Kanab.

Quick White Pocket Driving Directions from Page to Screenshot:

• Highway 89A west for 36 miles
• House Rock Valley Road for 9.3 miles north

Visiting White Pocket Arizona

When visiting White Pocket, one of the biggest reminders I can give is to remember to leave no trace. Anything you take in with you needs to leave with you.

There are no trash cans and no bathrooms at White Pocket. The closest bathroom coming from Kanab was at the Wire Pass trailhead. Take your own toilet paper even for this bathroom as it was out one of the times we parked there to hike.

White Pocket is amazing, but watch your footing. The rocks are uneven and there are lots of places to trip easily. Protect the area, but also protect yourself as you do not want to roll an ankle or worse out there.

When you visit White Pocket, plan on spending at least three to four hours exploring the area. We only had about two hours the first time we went, so we ended up going back another day for a few more hours.

Really we could have stayed even longer. On our next trip in a few weeks, we plan to spend even more time exploring.

Best Time to Visit White Pocket Arizona – Season + Time of Day

If you plan to visit White Pocket on your own, factor in the drive time for your arrival and departure times. We left both times after dark and drove back to Kanab in the pitch black. It was not easy, but it was worth the sunset views.

If you want to arrive for sunrise or stay for sunset but do not feel safe driving in the dark (or worse, getting stuck in the dark), plan to camp on the way. We brought out gear to camp if needed but already had a hotel in Kanab and made it back both times without a problem.

Sunset was by far my favorite time of day to be at White Pocket. The lighting is stunning and the colors change as the sun drops in the sky. We did not do sunrise, but I assume it would be the same.

If you are worried about driving in the dark, plan in enough time to get back to Highway 89 or to House Rock Valley Road before dark. White Pocket is amazing any time of day, so it will still be worth the visit.

As far as the seasons go, if you are taking a tour, you are more likely to convince them to do a sunset tour in the winter, late fall, or early spring. Because the sunset is earlier and days are shorter, it makes it easier to get back before it is too late.

We visited White Pocket in May, and it was perfect. The weather was not too hot earlier in the day but not too cold for being out after dark.

If you visit in the winter, keep in mind the shorter days when planning your drive time and time at White Pocket. If you visit in the summer, you have longer days but it also gets very warm. There is no coverage, so you will be in the direct sunlight the whole time.

With the 2.5-ish hour drive each way and spending 3 – 4 hours exploring, you have an 8 or 9 hour day easily.

Do You Need a Permit for White Pocket?

Unlike The Wave and several other hikes in the area, you do not need a permit for White Pocket. There is no fee to visit White Pocket either. The difficulty of getting to White Pocket keeps it limited for now.

While White Pocket is free to visit, please do your part to protect the land and visit responsibly. With more people visiting the area each year, it may eventually become a permitted area like the Wave to protect it.

Hiking White Pocket Arizona

There are no trails at White Pocket other than the short trail leading from the parking area to the first formations. This part of the trail is soft sand.

After you get to the formations, you’ll find you want good hiking shoes or shoes with a good grip. If you plan to climb up some of the rocks, the surfaces can be slippery even when dry.

You can explore as much of the area as you want. We stayed mostly to the left side of the area the first time we went and then explored more of the middle on our second visit.

Because there are no trails, you are free to roam around and see what you can find. Take in the variety of rock formations and colors in the rocks as you explore.

We hiked about a mile on our first visit and about two miles on our second visit. You can easily hike much more than this depending on where you go. However, you can also keep the hike short and still see many of the best photo spots in White Pocket.

Best White Pocket Photography Spots – Places Like the Wave Arizona

White Pocket has amazing photography spots throughout the area. Get creative and consider various angles. As you climb around, be safe and aware of your own limits.

The first day we visited, there were extreme winds. Climbing up on top of some of the rocks, we struggled to stay on our feet with the wind gusts. On our second visit, it was much calmer and easier to navigate climbing.

One of my favorite photo spots is an area that looks like a small pool in the middle of a cloud-like rock formation. Some people pointed out it looks like cauliflower but they are more often known as the brain rocks. Arizona has some incredible landscapes, but these Arizona brain rocks are one of my favorites..

This area is located here on the map. I found it was easiest to look at the map when I found service and the climb to it.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Christine | Travel Blogger (@liveloveruntravel)

If you do not have service, look for the highest point on the white rocks at the left of White Pocket (facing it from the parking area). The little pool is just to the right of the highest point (east of it).

Another favorite spot is an area with the white rocks in the background but swirls of red and orange and white rock leading up to it.

This area is one of the more famous photo spots because of its unique colors and formations. You can find it on the map here .

The spot I marked on the map is where you stand to take the photo. If you want to be in the photo, you need to follow the rocks on the left side. It is steeper than it looks at the end to climb up on top of the rock, so hiking shoes were a big help here.

If you are shorter, the last climb at the end will be more difficult. My husband is 5’10” and was able to climb up and down from it much easier than I was able to at 5’6″.

Two other areas I really liked for photos are behind the previous two spots. There are lots of spots near the pool with the white rocks that make for great photo spots.

The other area is to the east of the Wave-like feature. This area is covered in rocks streaked in lines of color just like the more famous Wave hike in Coyote Buttes North.

I always travel with my camera, my phone, and our drone. We also bring a GoPro with us, so we have lots of options. I mostly used my 24-70mm lens at White Pocket, but I did break out my 70-300mm lens some as well.

Can You Fly a Drone at White Pocket?

The short answer is yes. The longer answer is depending on where you are. Drones are allowed but NOT over protected areas. White Pocket has protected Wilderness Areas around it, and you cannot take off, land, or fly a drone over those areas at all.

You can use this map to see the Wilderness Areas or stop and talk to the rangers to get a map and see where you can fly.

We called to verify we could fly the drone there and that the formations are outside of the Wilderness Area. After double-checking, the rangers confirmed that drones are allowed above White Pocket.

However, this could change at any time. Please fly responsibly and know where you can fly so that they do not need to put in more rules or ban drones from the area.

If there are other people around, check with them or wait until they leave to fly in that area. On our first visit, no one else was around. We were able to fly without bothering anyone.

On our second visit, there were six or eight other people hiking in the area. Only four of them were nearby, set up in a spot to watch the sunset. We talked to them for a while and then asked if they minded if we flew the drone. They were also there to get photos, so they did not mind at all.

Avoid flying above other hikers, especially at low altitudes. Keep your drone where you can see it at all times. Make sure to take a few batteries, but limit your flying time if others are nearby so they can enjoy the peace and quiet.

What to Take to White Pocket

When it comes to packing for White Pocket, what you take will depend on how long you plan to stay. Because we just did a day trip to White Pocket, we did not need to take as much.

However, if you are planning to camp at White Pocket, you’ll need to add on camping supplies. We did take our blow-up mattress for the back of the Jeep in case we ended up staying the night, enough food to get through, and a change of clothes.

Whether you camp or not, take some toilet paper with you. You need to pack out your waste or bury it at least 6″ down and away from any campsites.

For a White Pocket day trip, make sure to take plenty of water. There are no facilities in the area, so you will need to have enough water to get you through the trip and the hike. We both had large 32 oz bottles of water, and we had an ice chest in the Jeep full of water as well.

We were there when the weather was mild in May, but you will want lots of water if you visit in the summer. You will be in the direct sunlight, and Arizona gets hot in the summer in the middle of the day especially.

Because this ends up being an all-day trip, take some snacks or a meal as well. With the drive time and time spent hiking, you will get hungry. We had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese sticks, bananas, and some bars to get us through the day.

For shoes, we found that our hiking boots and shoes were perfect. The only part that is not rock directly in this area is the first 100 yards or so of soft sand. As long as you have good grips, hiking sandals would be fine as well.

If you go in the summer especially, but really anytime, take sunscreen and sunglasses. The white rocks can get bright in the sunlight, and there is no shade to hide from the sun. Wear long sleeves and long pants or protect your arms and legs with sunscreen.

You may want a hat to help protect your head from the sun as well. We just had our sunglasses and sunscreen for our faces, but we were not out in the middle of the day or in the heat of the day either.

If you visit early in the morning or stay for sunset, take layers. It cooled off quickly once the sun set. I was thankful for my jacket both nights for the walk back to the Jeep.

White Pocket Arizona Camping Tips

Camping is available near White Pocket. We saw a few groups camping in the parking area at the trail head. When we spoke to the ranger, they asked for us not to camp at the trailhead if we stayed overnight.

This is because it blocks up the area. A couple of people were camping right near the entrance to the trail when we went both times. They did not block the entrance, but it meant there were fewer parking spots near it.

If you park further away in the parking area, you might be okay. There were a couple of groups also camping at the far end of the lot on our second visit. They were out of the way of the entrance completely.

If you want to make sure though, camp in one of the camping spots on the BLM roads on the way out to White Pocket. There are multiple spots along the way where we saw people set up to camp and additional open spots as well.

These spots are all first-come-first-serve, and they will fill up quickly in the busier months.

Make sure to camp in existing campsites and not to make your own spot to preserve the land. Do not damage trees or collect firewood in the area either. Pack out all of your trash and bury waste at least 6″ deep and well away from the campsite or pack it out as well.

Where to Stay Near White Pocket

For us, we chose to stay in Kanab, Utah, to explore the area. We stayed at the  Hampton Inn in Kanab  and found it to be perfect.

The room was large and comfortable. The wifi was fast enough for me to get my work done. Best of all, it was perfectly located to get to restaurants and local attractions and hikes.

Find current prices and availability on  Agoda here  and on  Booking here .

If you are looking for other options in Kanab, here are currently available hotels in Kanab  on Agoda  and  on Booking . If you are looking for options in Page, Arizona, here are currently available hotels in Page on Agoda and on Booking .

Other Things to Do Near White Pocket & Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

If you will be staying in Kanab, there are lots of amazing hikes and outdoor activities in the area. We enjoyed the Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch hike, and you can hike The Wave if you can get a permit.

Another great off-the-beaten-path hike in Kanab is the Great Chamber at Cutler Point . This is another fun off-road adventure to a massive cave. The arch of the cave opening perfectly frames the massive sand dune inside making it great for photography.

Kanab is located near both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, and both are great stops on a Southern Utah road trip. Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef are a little further away, but Kanab is a great stop on Utah National Parks road trips too.

If you are trying to figure out where to eat in Kanab , don’t miss out on Rocking V Cafe and Iron Horse Restaurant.

If you are staying in Page, don’t miss Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon. Lake Powell is an amazing lake to explore from the water or for the views from the land around it.

Why You Need to Visit White Pocket at Vermilion Cliffs Arizona

As a photographer, this area is a photographer’s dream. As an outdoor lover and hiker, it’s a unique spot unlike any other I’ve found. My husband and I agreed that White Pocket is one of our favorite places we’ve ever been.

If you are up for an adventure, don’t miss a trip out to White Pocket Arizona while visiting either Kanab or Page.

For more spots to check out in the area, don’t miss:

• Big Lake Sand Cave in Page, Arizona , is an easy hike through soft sand that is great for all ages
• Great Chamber near Kanab for an off-road adventure with another easy hike
• Bentonite Hills Utah over near Capitol Reef for another unique natural landscape
• Moab Potash Ponds for another off-road adventure to manmade blue pools in the desert
• A few hikes in the New Mexico badlands like Alien Throne/Valley of Dreams , Valley of Dreams East , and King of Wings
• And don’t forget to enjoy the best places to eat in Kanab Utah to fuel your adventures

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Sunday 5th of March 2023

Huge wright up with great pics!!

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Best travel site I've found in my research of Arizona/Utah so far and I've looked at a lot of blogs. Very comprehensive and amazing pictures. We will most likely use Dreamland Tours and were wondering if had to choose would you do tour to South Coyote Buttes (if we got the permit) or White Pocket? I'm a photographer and love varied landscape. Also I'm thinking of buying a drone for this trip (in July) do they take a long time to learn to use as the overhead picts are really amazing but I doubt I could use them in the national parks

Christine Wheeler

Wednesday 25th of January 2023

Thank you, Pam! I've got lots more Utah/Arizona content coming and more on my Instagram (@liveloveruntravel). I loved both, but I would choose White Pocket over South Coyote Buttes. As a photographer, I found the colors at White Pocket more interesting. Honestly though, you can't go wrong! If you are getting a drone, you won't be able to use them at South Coyote Buttes (it's a wilderness area) or in national parks. You can use them on BLM land (White Pocket). If you are just sending it up to get a picure, it's pretty easy to learn to use. If you are wanting to get fancy with video shots, it takes longer. With photos, you can send it up and set it up before you take the shot. With video, it's much harder to get a smooth shot without practice.

Sunday 8th of January 2023

Excellent overview of the trek. One question: We don't have a 4x4, and getting one in the area seems to be impossible. So, what if we drove as far as we can, and then park and hike the rest of the way through the sand, etc.? You mention one section is 6.2 miles, but there are no distances on the other legs. Possible??

Scott Ashley

Saturday 18th of March 2023

This page is a great overview of the trip to White Pocket. I have a 4WD Toyota Tacoma with wide tires and off-road package, and I was concerned about making it through the deep sand on the road there. I've been stuck in deep sand even with this truck, and it's no fun trying to get out, especially as remote as this is. Without a 4WD and wide tires, I would recommend playing it safe and taking a tour. You do not want to get stuck or stranded out there.

And Christine, your trip summaries are excellent! I look forward to seeing more.

Monday 9th of January 2023

It would be possible, except there are not many parking areas available on the side of the road. You can only park in the camping spots along the side, and you cannot park in the road/leave your vehicle if stuck. What kind of vehicle/tires do you have?

Depending on the season/road conditions, you might be able to make it a good amount of the way with high clearance, but making it all the way without 4x4 is unlikely. We were there again a few months ago, and the sign for 4x4 high clearance required is at 9.1 miles left to White Pocket (so 18 miles roundtrip). We have off-road tires, 4x4, and a small lift on our Jeep Wrangler, and our differential was still hitting a few times with how deep and soft the sand was this year. They did regrade 1017 before we were there, and it was wider/better driving this year.

I would recommend looking into a tour with Dreamland Safaris. We used them for South Coyote Buttes, and we loved them. You can do a private tour, but we didn't and still only had one other group of 3 with us. Just another option to consider.

(435) 414-9793

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White Pocket

This stunning rock formation of White Pocket is about 1 square mile of unique swirls and curious curves that may make you feel like you’ve stepped onto the planet Mars. Often called “Brain Rock”, its iconic red, orange, and yellow rock formations have recently captured the attention of a company you may know, as it can now be seen as one of the wallpaper options on Apple products. This is a photographers happy place!

This longer tour is well worth it and definitely recommended as an equal alternative to the Wave, but no permit is needed!  The sand on route is very deep but our high clearance four wheel drive vehicles and experienced guides make it so you don’t have to worry. We usually stop to see the California Condors release site where you can often see them nesting on the Vermillion Cliffs.

Additional Details

Pricing 7-8 hour tours, ***all tours are subject to 15% taxes and fees***.

***With current unpredictable inflation of gas prices, ALL PRIVATE TOURS WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN ADDITIONAL GAS SURCHARGE OF THE DIFFERENCE OF THE CURRENT PRICE PER GALLON OVER $2.75/GAL. Pricing was originally made when gas was $2.50/gal, we hope there is another drop before we have to permanently change our prices. Thank you for understanding!

Select a Tour Duration, Location and Number of People below to start booking your tour.

Email Address

Your Phone Number

Number Of People In Group

Tour Type Tour Type 2-3 Hour Tour Half-Day Tour Full-Day Tour Combo

Tour Requested (2-3 Hours) Tour Requested (2-3 Hours) No Preference Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon The Great Chamber Candy Corn Toadstools Inchworm Arch Pinnacles/TV Tours The White Wave Rosie Canyon Petroglyphs Moccasin Dinosaur Tracks South Fork Pictographs

Tour Requested (Half-Day) Tour Requested (Half-Day) No Preference The Huntress - Canyoneering/Rappelling Kanab Creek Overlook - Canyoneering/Rappelling Advanced

Tour Requested (Full-Day) Tour Requested (Full-Day) No Preference Rock Canyon White Pocket The Wave - Need Permit To Tour Wire Pass / Buckskin Gulch Coyote Butte South - Need Permit To Tour

Combo Combo No Preference Best of Kanab / Choice of 3+(K) Walk With the Ancients/Choice of 4+(K)

Rosie Canyon Petroglyphs

Drive Distance:

• About 40 minutes from Kanab including 2 miles of deep sand
• 10-15 minutes from the Coral Pink Sand Dunes 
• 10 minutes to the Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur tracks turn off

Hike Distance:  

• Less than 1 mile round trip
• The hike is easy except at the end there is a little scramble to get up to the petroglyphs
•  We rank the overall hike a 2/10 difficulty, except that one section of 50 feet we’d rate about a 4

Recommended Items: 

• We provide plenty of water, but always encourage guests to bring extra 
• Sun screen 
•  Closed-toe shoes  
• Hat and sun glasses 
• Coat (October-March)
• Warm hat (October-March)
• Gloves (October-March
• Boots/thick socks (October-March)

Why We Love This Site:

This panel is one of our absolute favorites!  We love to show people the amazing rock art from centuries past in Rosie Canyon.  This particular spot is in a really pretty setting in a tiny box canyon.  The short hike is in a wash with wonderful scenery in every direction.  

Best Combinations for this site:

• Peekaboo Slot Canyon
• South Fork Pictographs

Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracks

• Of the options in the “Best of Kanab Southwest Tour”, Rosie Canyon is a must!

Private Tour Pricing:  All tours are subject to 8.1% state sales tax, and 3% BLM land usage fee(subject to change)

Single Site

2 Site Combos

5+ Sites, Best of Kanab Tours NE & SW

$135 ($67.50/per)

$225 ($112.50/per)

$400  ($200/per)

$180 ($60/per)

$290 ($96.67/per)

$500  ($166.67/per)

$180 ($45/per)

$290 ($72.50/per)

$500  ($125/per)

$225 ($45/per)

$290 ($58/per)

$500  ($100/per)

$225 ($37.50/per)

$290 ($48.33/per)

$500  ($83.33/per)

Please Call

*For groups of 7 or more we will likely need another vehicle and guide. Please contact us for pricing. Thank you!

Phone: 435-899-0697 or 801-631-3500

• about 40 minutes from Kanab
•  The last two miles are on a deep sandy road
•  Near- Rosy Canyon turn off, Coral Pink Sand Dunes
• About ½ mile round trip
• This hike is easy.  We rank it a 1/10 difficulty. 
•  We will drive up to within 20 yards of the first tracks.  

Recommended Items:

• Closed-toe shoes  
• Shade hat and sunglasses 
• Gloves (October-March)

This is one of the easier places to hike and see evidence of ancient life.  The tracks lie in a beautiful sandstone wash where you will feel remote and quiet.  Our vote is that this is one of nature’s perfect yoga/meditation spots!  We frequently hear, “I can’t believe I’m walking in the very place the dinosaurs walked! This is so cool!”.  Although it is not technical at all, it is a great experience to marvel at the history of the rocks we walk on here!

• Add on to Peekaboo Slot Canyon
• Easy to combine with the Rosie Canyon Petroglyphs
• A fun complement to the South Fork Pictographs
• For the “Best of Kanab Southwest Tour”, the Dinosaur Tracks are a great option!

(7 Hours Round Trip)

• About 70 miles (26 miles of dirt and sandy roads)
• 2 hours 15 minute drive from Kanab
• Near Coyote Buttes South
• Usually 2-3 hours
• The hike is as easy as you’d like it to be, but it is full exposure to the sun
•  We rank the overall hike a 3/10 difficulty, unless you want to take a back route, then it’s a 6.

White Pocket is a unique landscape where we wander around in the 1.5 square miles of white “brain rock”, and take in the amazing red, yellow, and orange swirls erupting out of the otherwise uniform out of this worldly formation.  White Pocket offers a variety of formations and colors.  It is our most popular 7-8 hour tour.  We love being out there because it feels like a brief trip to another planet!

• Peekaboo Slot Canyon (Peekaboo morning- lunch break in Kanab – head out to White Pocket for sunset is our most popular full day combo)
• Coyote Buttes South (permit required)

Private Tour Pricing:  All tours are subject to 8.1% state sales tax, and 3% BLM land usage fees

4+ Sites, Best of Kanab Tours NE & SW

What is White Pocket?

I’ve gotta admit, when I first heard of White Pocket I thought what in the heck could that be? It turns out, the name White Pocket is pretty descriptive. White Pocket is an obscure (and large) patch of white-capped rock formations found in seemingly the middle of nothing.

Nestled deep in the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness, this hard-to-reach patch of Navajo sandstone features colorful and unique rock formations. Capped by cauliflower-like white puffs of rock, White Pocket is simply a pocket of white rock in an otherwise unassuming desert landscape.

What makes this place so special is its unexpected nature, large formations, and sherbert-colored rock found throughout the formations.

How Big is the Pocket?

The area is about 1 mile across and a quarter mile wide – which is larger than you think! White Pocket is really unique because it’s surrounded by sandy, sparse desert on all sides. It’s really quite phenomenal and feels a little “random and out there.”

Where is White Pocket Located?

White Pocket is deep in the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness in Arizona south of the famous Coyote Buttes. You can find the road to White Pocket, Arizona in between Kanab , Utah and Page, Arizona. Also known as House Rock Valley Road, this is where you’ll find other famous attractions such as Buckskin Gulch, Wire Pass slot canyon , and The Wave.

Pro Tip: White Pocket, Utah is not a real place. This area is a bit blurry since the state line between Arizona and Utah is located in the middle of a dirt road where you don’t get cell phone service.

To keep it simple, if you’ve passed the parking lot for Coyote Buttes North (access to the Wave and Wire Pass), you’re on Arizona time. But keep in mind, Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings and is typically 1 hour behind Utah. So, remember this when doing top Kanab hikes .

How Do You Get Into White Pocket

There are two primary ways to reach White Pocket. The closest towns are Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona respectively. These, as well as the tiny village of Big Water (near Page) make for a great home base.

First, you ABSOLUTELY need a 4WD (read: NOT AWD) vehicle with decent clearance to get to White Pocket. A Subaru won’t cut it. You’ll be driving for over an hour on deep, rutted sand. Getting stuck is a real possibility.

Pro Tip: My husband and I are very experienced off-road drivers. We had zero issues making it to the trailhead with a stock 4Runner and all-terrains, but again, we drive 4×4 roads all the time. However, we saw many people struggling. You don’t need a fancy lifted Jeep, but you’ll want at least a stock 4Runner or equivalent.

Getting to White Pocket from Page – The Best Route

If you’re coming from Page, it’s about a 2 hour and 40-minute drive to White Pocket. Head east on Highway 89 until you reach an unassuming dirt road exit for House Rock Valley Road. Head south on House Rock Valley Road.

You’ll drive this road for 34.7 miles (about an hour). Remember, once you pass the South Coyote Buttes parking area, you’re in Arizona, so change your clock.

Continue until you reach Pine Tree Road or BLM Road 1017. Follow 1017 until you reach Road 1087 (left hand fork). Take 1087. From here you’ll start to see a lot of private property signs and annoying little messages. The road also turns to deep sand for the remainder of the trip.

Head north (left) at the 1086 Junction. You’ll pass through some ranching outpost and a gate, then you’ll reach White Pocket.

Pro Tip: This is a DIFFERENT way than what Google Maps will tell you to do. Google Maps attempts to take a short cut but it is a bumpy, high-clearance, rough road with plenty of obstacles that will take you forever to navigate.

Accessing White Pocket from Kanab, Utah

From Kanab, you’ll simply take Highway 89A south out of town and turn left (east) onto BLM 1025. This eventually links up with House Rock Valley Road, about 10 minutes or so from the Pine Tree Road turnoff. Head south on House Rock Valley Road, then follow the instructions above from Page.

Accessing White Pocket from Coyote Buttes South

In short, don’t go this way.

If you’re coming from Pawhole, the “shortcut” road heads east from Pawhole 2.8 miles to Poverty Flat.

I do not recommend this route unless you are a seriously experienced 4×4 driver. It has a difficult, steep uphill section that is rugged on the best days and completely impassable after precipitation. It’s technically a one-way road heading in the opposite direction, so you’re driving the wrong way down a treacherous road.

After the deep sand debacle, you’ll reach a junction. Head north for 2.2 miles until you see a corral, then head east on BLM road 1322. You’ll reach a T-junction with the White Pocket Access Road. Head north until you reach the trailhead.

Overall, I’d avoid this route.

How Long is the Drive?

From the time you leave Highway 89, it’s about a 70-minute drive to White Pocket down dirt roads. The going can be slower if House Rock Valley Road has had recent rains and hasn’t been re-graded.

How Hard is it to Get to White Pocket?

This is not a hard 4×4 driving road, but if you do not have experience in driving through deep sand, seriously consider hiring a guided tour. The sand can be exceptionally deep and it’s easy to get stuck if you don’t know what you’re doing or yo do not have clearance.

A stock 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler is sufficient to make the trek. We didn’t air down our tires at all and didn’t have any issues. However, we are very experienced desert drivers.

In terms of hiking, it’s a quick 5-minute sand walk to the rock formations. This is a very easy route, but it does not have any paved or hard surface accessibility so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

When is the Best Time to Visit White Pocket?

First, the roads to White Pocket become completely impassible when wet. So if there are storms in the forecast either the day before or the day of your visit, reschedule. You WILL get stuck and getting a tow out there is going to cost well over $1,000.

So the best time to visit White Pocket is when there isn’t any precipitation in the forecast.

Winter can be an excellent time to visit White Pocket if you don’t mind the cold and want to avoid the crowds. Spring is excellent as well since the weather is warmer but it’s not insane yet. Summers should be avoided. There are not only monsoon storms almost every afternoon (remember what I said about storms), but it’s hot and crowded. Fall is like spring, but the wind is less and precipitation chances are even lower.

For photography, dawn, dusk, and overnight during a new moon are great times to shoot this incredible landscape.

Can You Walk to White Pocket?

Visiting White Pocket, Arizona is half about getting there and half about the incredible landscape. There aren’t trails at White Pocket, but you can freely hike around the rock for several hours.

Some people who don’t want to make the drive claim you can hike from Paw Hole for a 7-mile round-trip hike. However, I haven’t done this so I don’t know how feasible it is. Not to mention, getting to Paw Hole is much harder than reaching White Pocket so you might as well just drive.

Hiking White Pocket in Vermillion Cliffs

Once you reach the parking lot, you’ll see an obvious sandy path that leads toward White Pocket. Take the path until you reach slickrock and you’re there. You’ll see divots in a walking pattern on the rocks. These are actually from cows coming to White Pocket in search of pooling water. How crazy is that!

From here, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure. There are lots of things to discover at White Pocket. You’ll find a Wave-like formation, a delicate rock swirl, and so much more here.

In total, you’ll probably spend at least 2 hours here, more if you’re shooting photography. Total distances will vary but you’ll walk anywhere between 2 and 4 miles at White Pocket.

Just remember, there are no facilities (toilet included) so you’ll need to be prepared to pack out your human (and dog) waste. You’ll also want to pack all of your water and food for the day since the closest services are over 2 hours away.

How Long is the White Pocket Hike?

There is no official trail except the 5-minute walk through the sand to reach the rocks. I’d expect to walk between 2-4 miles depending on how much you like to wander, where you go, and how much you backtrack.

Overall, it’s not that long and the hiking is really easy. Think of it more of a gallery of rocks that you can wander around and choose your own path.

Is White Pocket Free?

Yes. Visiting this area is completely free and no permits are required. However, given the increase in traffic over the last couple of years, I’d expect to see this area requiring permits in the near future. It’s insanely fragile and there is no cell service or services here.

Do I Need a Permit for White Pocket, Arizona?

No, this area is completely free to visit so no permit is required to visit White Pocket. This makes it a great alternative to the nearby Wave hike, where permits are hyper-competitive. However, this area is extremely fragile, so just because there is no permit requirements doesn’t mean you should ignore Leave No Trace principals, touch or trample delicate rock formations, or ignore private property signs.

Visiting Responsibly

Here’s the thing about White Pocket, it’s an extremely fragile place. In fact, some of the rock formations are so delicate that they would easily break if you just touched them. In order to keep White Pocket in Vermillion Cliffs a stunning place for years to come, do your part to be responsible and learn how to be an expert desert hiker . Here are a few ways to do your part.

Don’t touch the fragile rock . There’s one formation in particular (see photo) you shouldn’t touch. If it looks fragile and thin, it is!

Pack out your trash . Pack a trash bag, even for day trips. There are no services here so do your part to pick up dog poop, food wrappers, fruit peels, and other trash. This includes toilet paper and human waste. Carry a WAG bag (human waste disposal bag) for emergencies and go to the bathroom before you visit.

Don’t bust the crust . The raised, bumpy, black soil you see is a living thing called cryptobiotic soil.

Pack in your water and snacks . There are no services and the desert is a dry place. Be sure to bring at least 3L of water per person and plenty of snacks for a long day out.

Keep your dog on a leash . White Pocket is dog-friendly (for now), but keep your dog on a leash. Dog’s don’t know what’s fragile and what isn’t so definitely be in control of your animal.

Safety Tips for Visiting White Pocket, AZ

It’s really important to keep this in mind – and I keep emphasizing it – but you are responsible for your own safety. A tow here can easily cost you at least $1,500 and rescue will take a substantial amount of time given how remote you are.

Come prepared! Here are a few quick safety tips:

• Download offline maps before you head out and study the route.
• Check your vehicle for gas, oil, leaks, etc before setting out.
• Carry an emergency communication device, such as a Garmin InReach.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning. Set a check-in time and follow up when you return!
• Pack plenty of extra water, layers, headlamp, first aid kit, food, etc.
• Drive with an appropriate vehicle – a 4×4 vehicle with ample clearance and low gears (ie not your Tesla or crossover SUV)

What Type of Rocks are at White Pocket?

There are countless different types of sandstone in the desert and what you see depends on the elevation and erosion levels. Here at White Pocket, you mostly have Navajo Sandstone. This sandstone is typically white, rough, and very porous. At White Pocket you’ll see different staining from the different oxides of compounds found in the rock.

Do You Get Cell Service at White Pocket?

This question obviously carrier-dependent, but in short – no. Don’t expect to find any cell service in the desert. Every time we venture down House Rock Valley Road we quickly lose service. You should always be prepared for the unexpected. Carry extra food, water, a sleeping bag, a spare tire, appropriate jack, and an emergency communication device such as a Garmin InReach when you travel through the desert.

Are Drones Allowed at White Pocket?

Technically there are no drone restrictions (shame, honestly). Drones are exceptionally annoying to almost every hiker and visitor so consider others if you pack a drone. Also, be aware that east of the trailhead there are no drones allowed since it’s a part of the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Drones are never allowed in Wilderness Areas.

Camping Near White Pocket

There are various places for dispersed camping near White Pocket. You’ll find quite a few spots along Pine Tree Road and the offshoots. There are also a few camp spots just past the White Pocket Trailhead (high clearance required).

You can also find a few camp spots along House Rock Valley Road – although there are fewer than you would think and they fill up fast (get there early).

These spots are all first-come-first-served and are dispersed, or boondocking style. This means you will have to have your own bathroom kit, bring your own water, and all other supplies.

Related : Camping in the desert is a real treat – especially when it’s free. Never pay for camping again. Get the exact method I used to find free camping near White Pocket with my Find Free Camping Anywhere Course .

The Stateline Campground, along House Rock Valley Road, has 8 spots and bathroom facilities (no fresh water). If you’re lucky, you can snag one of these spots for the night.

Do You Need a Permit to Camp at White Pocket?

No, no permit is required. However, keep in mind that there are NO services and you are responsible for your safety and keeping the area clean. Be prepared to pack in all of your food and water and pack out all of your trash including wrappers, dog poop, toilet paper, fruit peels, and other trash.

Do not collect firewood as wood here is extremely scarce. Bring your own firewood or don’t have a fire. Firewood collection is illegal.

Photographing the stunning scenes of Vermillion Cliff’s White Pocket is a real treat. It’s certainly a photographer’s dream. There are plenty of ways to get creative here.

You’ll want to bring a tripod, all of your lenses, and plenty of cleaning equipment. Wide-angle lenses let you get more landscape but will dwarf some of the rock towers. If you’re shooting at night, a low-aperture lens is a must. And if you truly want to take unique shots, there are a surprisingly good amount of areas for macro photography.

Most people opt to camp right near White Pocket for photography, since the spanning views and other-worldly formations are best shot at dawn, dusk, and night.

Tours of White Pocket, Arizona

Don’t wanna bother with some white-knuckle driving? You can go on a guided tour of White Pocket. There are several different trips available, from family-friendly day trips to overnight photography trips. I’d highly recommend Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab.

This woman-owned business delivers top-notch trips to Vermillion Cliffs and beyond.

Another option is Grand Circle Tours . This highly-rated tour company offers an amazing day at White Pocket for a reasonable price.

Should I Do a Self-Drive or Guided Tour?

If you’re a capable 4×4 desert driver with experience on sand, there is no need for a tour of White Pocket unless you want to know some more unique history of the area, see other sites, and generally not have to worry about navigating.

You can absolutely do this yourself. But tours are a great way to relax on the journey and get local insights. The choice is yours!

Additional Things to Do Nearby

Looking for exciting things to do near White Pocket? There is a whole slew of activities and attractions nearby. A few notable places to check out include:

• Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch . Easy canyon hiking in the world’s longest-known slot canyon. Advanced $6 day pass is required.
• The Wave. A famous rock formation in North Coyote Buttes. Advanced permits are requied and done in a lottery system.
• Paw Hole. Unique red rock formations with a bumpy, wild 4×4 drive.
• Horseshoe Bend . Located just outside of Page, Arizona. An easy trail leads to an iconic overlook dubbed “the start of the Grand Canyon.”

Where to Stay

Page, Arizona has plenty of hotel and lodging options ranging from the uber-luxurious to the usual affordable chains. Kanab has plenty of AirBnBs and smaller lodging options.

However, if you want to stay close to White Pocket, but you don’t want to camp, check out Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed and Breakfast in Big Water. It’s a beautiful place with a stargazing deck and delicious meals.

What to Pack

Here’s a look at the essential items you’ll want on your trip to White Pocket:

• Plenty of water – I like to use a water container for the car. Budget at least 4 liters per person per day, more if you’re out in the summer months.
• Sunscreen, sunhat with a wide brim, sunglasses
• First Aid Kit with tweezer (for cacti)
• Noncotton socks
• Breathable footwear that you feel comfortable wearing all day
• Non-cotton shorts for hiking
• Non-cotton, lightweight pants for hiking. Pants protect you against aggravating foliage.
• Non-cotton, breathable t-shirt for hiking (the sun can really beat you up if you wear tank tops, so be aware)
• Electrolyte powder
• A water bladder capable of carrying at least 2 liters of water.
• Salty snacks
• Camera clip to strap to your back
• Beanie – the desert can get cold at night so warm clothes are great to have
• Glove liners
• Fleece layer (fall through spring)
• Puffy layer (fall through spring)
• Hiking poles (optional)
• A hiking pack. I love the REI Flash series for something mutli-use and economical
• A toilet kit: shovel, WAG Bag (most national parks require this), hand sanitizer, TP/baby wipes, a small plastic baggy to pack out TP and sanitary items
• Pee funnel – optional
• Pee rag – optional
• A plastic baggy for trash (wrappers, fruit peels, etc). I like to use compostable dog waste bags.
• GPS navigation 
• emergency communication device
• Wind/rain layer
• Pocket knife

Additional Desert Road Trip Resources

Planning a trip to the desert? Check out these handy resources:

• Jaw Droppingly Beautiful Slot Canyons in Utah You’ve Got to See
• Hiking Trails on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Moab’s Must-Do Hikes

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Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

Let’s connect!

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.

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Grand Staircase Discovery Tours

Scenic and backcountry tours near Page, Arizona

White Pocket

Located deep in the heart of the  Vermilion Cliffs National Monument , this is an absolutely superb photographic destination. The twisting, swirling, color-blasted navajo sandstone is truly a sight to behold.

No permit is required for White Pocket.

Accessible only by 4 wheel drive, so leave the driving to us, while you enjoy the ride in our comfortable 4X4.

Tour time: about 8 hours (Day); about 24 hours (Overnight)

Departure times:  Flexible–day tours, sunset tours, and overnight tours are available

Sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks and bottle water are included

Day Tour cost: $200.00 per person

Overnight Sunset/Sunrise Camping Tour cost: $350.00 per person

 Private tours available.

Call us anytime with questions or to book a tour:

928-614-4099

Email:  [email protected]

Current Weather

[email protected]

32 S. Lake Powell Blvd.

Page, AZ 86040

Buckskin Gulch

Grand Staircase

North Coyote Buttes

How to get to White Pocket AZ: A Guide with Warnings [2024 update]

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WHITE POCKET: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

White Pocket, Arizona, is a geological marvel in the middle of the desert near the Utah border, in a remote part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument .

The photos are beautiful, but even the best photography doesn’t do this amazing, unique place justice!   We were in awe, walking up to the site shortly after sunrise. And our disbelief stayed with us until the sun set.

Key Info about White Pocket AZ:

• You need a 4×4 to get there.
• The weather is unpredictable because the location is so remote.
• There’s no permit needed.
• White Pocket is (in my opinion) better than The Wave!

Tours of White Pocket, Arizona

White Pocket is one of Arizona’s most difficult destinations to get to.

IMPORTANT : You cannot get to White Pocket without a 4×4.

If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of navigating to this remote location, there are several tours offered from Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT.

These tours to White Pocket AZ have excellent reviews:

➡️ Book: ATV to White Pocket from Kanab

➡️ Book: Guided Tour to White Pocket from Kanab

Where is White Pocket, AZ?

White Pocket pops out of the desert in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument , just south of the Utah border in Arizona, and really only became widely known 10 years ago, after a feature in National Geographic.

You’ll find White Pocket on a remote patch of Bureau of Land Management property, near several other natural wonders and rock formations.

“ The Wave ,” one of Arizona’s biggest tourist draws, is near White Pocket, but it’s inaccessible without a permit.

This map is centered on the White Pocket Trailhead (or parking lot). You can tell how remote this area is!

How to Get to White Pocket AZ

It’s not easy to get to White Pocket, Arizona, and you’ll need a 4×4 even if the weather is perfect.

Still, it’s worth the bumpy, sandy drive along slightly confusing BLM roads!

Guides & Permits to White Pocket

You don’t need a permit or a guide for White Pocket , unlike some of the other spots in the region which require you to go on a guided tour.

Still, many people find it helpful and more stress-free to have someone else take the reins and do the driving and navigating.

Booking a guided tour will allow you to nap in the vehicle, and let someone else worry about the ruts and directions. 

Another perk of a guided tour at White Pocket is: the guide will know about hidden treasures like petroglyphs, which the rest of us might not see without an experienced visitor. The friendly folks at The Page – Lake Powell Hub can also help you find the best tour option for your visit.

You do not need a permit for White Pocket, AZ!

Other nearby sites require different permits and passes.   

The Wave’s permit is notoriously difficult to get , and involves a complicated lottery system. I’ve spent a lot of money ($9 for each lottery entry) and several years trying to get one of the few, coveted daily permits to The Wave.

Nearby Buckskin Gulch is much easier and more accessible.  You’re able to reserve a permit in advance, or pay right at the parking lot at the trailhead (which you’ll pass on your way into White Pocket).

➡️ Book a Buckskin Gulch Tour (from Kanab)

We’ll see if the permit process (or lack thereof) for White Pocket changes in the years ahead, but for now? Nothing to worry about!

Step-by-Step Directions to White Pocket, AZ

A word of warning: don’t follow the Google Maps directions.  White Pocket, AZ, doesn’t even come up on Apple Maps (as of right now).

“White Pocket, AZ” comes up on Google Maps , but the directions and roads might not be completely accurate.

IMPORTANT : You’ll lose cell reception for much of the drive to White Pocket. 

Randomly, you’ll be able to pick up signals as you walk around the White Pocket rocks, but don’t count on it.

We followed directions from the Bureau of Land Management, which include heading south on House Rock Valley Road (whether you’re coming from Page, Arizona, or Kanab, Utah, on Highway 89).

You’ll pass parking lots for other trailheads like Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass.

The BLM has really improved the signage on these rural dirt/sand roads.

The main dirt and rock road (House Rock Road) has been nicely groomed on our drives down.  Most vehicles should be able to make this part of the drive, going very slowly.

Again, you’ll need 4-wheel drive to go off the road toward White Pocket.  It’s necessary.

From House Rock Valley Road (on the road signs as 1065) 23.5 miles south of Hwy 89, you’ll turn onto BLM 1017.

You’ll see a sign for White Pocket, which is directly across from a large old horse corral or stable.

You’ll head east on BLM 1017 for 6 miles, before you turn onto BLM 1087.  Again, you’ll see a sign for White Pocket.

This road will split, and you’ll follow BLM 1086 to the trailhead.

Directions To White Pocket from Kanab, UT, or Page, AZ:

• Highway 89 to House Rock Valley Road
• House Rock Valley Road – south for 23.5 miles
• Watch for the old horse corral
• BLM Road 1017 – east for 6 miles
• BLM Road 1087 – northeast
• BLM Road 1086 at the split to the trailhead

You’ll Need a 4×4 to get to White Pocket, AZ

It’s not just a recommendation to take a 4WD vehicle.  It really is a necessity, and there are a few rental options in both Kanab and Page.

The average rate to rent a Jeep for a day in Page is about $250. We’ve had good luck a few times with JeepBnB .

Most of the main road is hard dirt, and drivable in most vehicles.   I’ve been on House Rock Valley Road a few times, and it seems to be graded often.

Strong storms during the summer monsoon season will often wipe it out. On a trip one August, even the best parts of the main road were impassable and flooded.

Once you turn off Rock Valley, you’ll hit a lot of sand traps.

We drove through the sand to get to White Pocket on a perfectly cool, dry day, and still had to put the Jeep into 4-wheel-drive.   

If it’s raining, I’d avoid the drive.  Ruts develop quickly, and even the 4-wheel drive might not be enough to set you free.

Hike White Pocket Arizona

It’s a hike to White Pocket … sort of … since you’ll have to walk in from the parking lot, and can explore the peaks and crevasses of the rock formations.  

But aside from the brief walk from the trailhead parking lot, there are no established trails to hike on.  You’ll just kind of wander around in a stupor, stunned by the landscape!

White Pocket is a Great Alternative to the Wave

White Pocket is, in my opinion, the best alternative to Coyote Buttes North, also known as “The Wave” in this part of Arizona.

Coyote Buttes has a difficult lottery permitting system .  If you end up in the desert southwest, hoping for a permit to The Wave, but are unable to secure one, White Pocket will more than satisfy your desires to see something truly unique!

Geographically, The Wave is very close to White Pocket, but you’re not allowed to wander there without one of those coveted permits. And yes, they usually have someone checking permits on the trail to The Wave!

How Long to Spend at White Pocket

White Pocket is definitely a full day trip, from either Kanab or Page.  

The drive time from Page is 2+ hours, and it’s the same from Kanab.   

After all the time and effort you spend getting to White Pocket, you’d want to spend at least four hours there walking around and taking photos.   The site has several different areas, formations, and peaks to explore.

On my next trip, I plan to camp and spend the night, to get the full sunset and sunrise over the site!

Drones at White Pocket

Drones aren’t allowed in national parks, but Vermilion Cliffs is a National Monument, so you can fly your drone at White Pocket.  

Plus, the White Pocket area is not technically in a “wilderness area,” so it’s not protected.

You can consult the BLM if you have more questions.  There’s a chance drone use may eventually be restricted at White Pocket.

The Weather at White Pocket

This is important to keep in mind:  weather predictions for White Pocket are difficult, because it’s such a distance from any major town.  

You can’t rely on the forecast for either Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona, to accurately reflect the weather hitting the White Pocket area.

Keep checking the radar, when cell reception allows!

Monsoon season (late June through September) is especially tricky in this part of Arizona.  Any of the slot canyons can flood quickly, and the BLM roads can wash out in a strong storm.

It actually snowed pretty hard on our drive out (in February), and the area gets extremely hot in the summer months.  

Most of the day we were blasted by sand in 50mph winds.   All part of the experience at White Pocket!

White Pocket in the Winter

Visiting White Pocket in the winter months brings the benefit of far smaller crowds.   As I mentioned, we only saw a couple of vehicles the day we went in February.

Also, remember that the sun sets around 5:00pm, so the time you have to explore will be cut short.   On the plus side of that, it’ll bring sunset’s amazing photography opportunities to you faster!

White Pocket In The Summer

Visiting White Pocket during the summer months opens the door to more comfortable camping, so it takes the whole experience to the next level.

On the downside, you’ll be there with many more people, and it does get hot!   The lone famous tree standing from the white rocks won’t provide much shade 🙂

Plus, even more of a concern once you get into July and August will be the unpredictable monsoon storms, which could easily cause ruts and problems on the sandy roads into White Pocket.

The Best Time to Visit White Pocket

I’d say, visiting White Pocket in the spring or fall are likely your best bets.   

That said, while winter brings snow and harsh winds, which we experienced, I wouldn’t think twice about going again in February, because the crowds were minimal.

Camping at White Pocket

I’d love to camp at White Pocket, just to make sure I’m there for the sunrise!

There are no bathrooms, garbage cans, or any services at the White Pocket trailhead.

While you’re likely to have room in the trailhead parking lot, I think the rangers would rather you camp in one of the posted camping locations you’ll see along the BLM roads into White Pocket.

Again, make sure to bring twice as much water as you think you’ll need, and plenty of food.

Also, the advice from the BLM is to either bury any ‘waste’ half-a-foot or more below ground, or bag it and haul it out with you.

In addition to sunscreen and shades, bring layers.   Over just our day at White Pocket, the weather went from hot and sunny, to cold and rainy, to snowy.  

Even in the summer, temperatures at night could cool off nicely, so you’ll want something extra for your early morning photography.

Where to Stay Near White Pocket

The closest cities to White Pocket are Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona.

White Pocket is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Page, AZ, in good conditions. 

Page has a number of hotels and rental options. You can use this interactive map to search around to see what’s available for the dates you’re considering:

➡️ Hotel Recommendation: Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell

We usually stay at the Hyatt Place in Page for several reasons:

What to Bring to White Pocket

If you’re going for a day trip from Page, Arizona, or Kanab, Utah, leave town before dawn so you can arrive at White Pocket early in the morning.

We left Page around 4:30am, and after a couple stops on the BLM roads along the way, we got there around 7:30am.

Even on a day trip, bring twice as much water as you think you’ll need, along with food.  There’s always an off-chance that a storm will roll in and trigger a flood that will keep you there longer than expected.

Gloves, hats, and scarves will keep you warm in the winter months.

A good SPF is necessary any time of year, since the sun reflects off the rocks.

What Exactly is White Pocket?

Geologists can’t really agree on what caused this landscape, which looks otherworldly in the Arizona desert.  They seem to agree that it formed during the Jurassic Period, as sand turned to rock, and earthquakes helped shape the layers and waves we see today.

Bright red, orange, and yellow sandstone is covered by a layer of a whitish-grey sandstone.  The dramatic color variations in the rock layers are the result of iron oxidation.

A prominent geologist published a paper on his findings , if you’re interested in reading more.

White Pocket’s rocks draw comparisons to brains, something from the board game Candyland, strips of bacon, and many other things.

Some say White Pocket looks like the Grand Canyon covered in icing, while the chunky white formations look like cauliflower, or a frothy soda fountain drink.

One area which is often photographed is a stark white setting.  It features a series of waves of white stone, with an interesting geometric pattern seemingly-stamped on top. 

A single tree grows from the rock.  It’s basic, and beautiful.

The landscape is mostly barren, aside from a few small groupings of struggling shrubs and trees.

Other Sites Near White Pocket, AZ

Along the same BLM road, you’ll pass parking lots for the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch hike, and also a few others to check out.

Plus, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are right in Page . Both are “must sees” if you’re in the area!

➡️ Jared’s Detours Blog: Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon

If you’re staying in Page, you have a number of options, including: Horseshoe Bend, Alstrom Point, and everything Lake Powell has to offer:

Wrap: White Pocket is Worth the Hassle!

It’s an easy “yes” from me, as long as you follow advice from people who’ve made the trek. 

Renting a Jeep adds to the cost, but it’s a necessity, and a relatively small price to pay to experience this unique landscape.

I feel like White Pocket is a spot that I could visit time after time, and on each visit find a new area to explore.

White Pocket Guided Tour

Buckskin Gulch Guided Hiking Tour Coyote Buttes South Guided Hiking Tour

VERMILION ADVENTURES

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 7 - 8 hours
• Calendar Availability: Daily / Request
• User Ages: Ages 4+
• Heart Health & Safety: You can read our Health & Safety policies here.

Available and Accepting bookings for 2021

TOUR THE VERMILION CLIFFS NATIONAL MONUMENT

The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is 294,000-acre monument that offers beautiful sandstone, hiking, and wildlife viewing, plus a landscape of cliffs and canyons. We offer three different full-day tours of the area.

Tours depart from our office location: 22 South Lake Powell Blvd – Page AZ 86040

TOUR OF WHITE POCKET The real gem of the Vermilion Cliffs and surrounding area. Simply put, our trip to White pocket will show you the most scenic place and most unusual geology in this region. This is an 8-hour trip and you will leave having visited one of the most amazing places in all of the southwest of the US. The area of White Pocket on the Paria Plateau in Northern Arizona is very impressive indeed! While many are lured and wait their turn to visit the infamous “Wave” in the North Coyote Buttes, the “White Pocket” area to the east is seldom visited. Maybe because of its remoteness or the requirement of 4WD to access the area. The impressive White Pocket will fill the senses beyond imagination! The drive to the swirling, twisted, multicolored natural artwork is an adventure in its own right, and the exploration by foot is endless. “White Pocket” will surely become “top of the top” in the list of special places. This area has colors, shapes, and textures that are hard to beat. A trip to the White pocket is a memory of a lifetime.

Time spent will be for exploration and photography. Moderate hiking is involved, water and a sandwich is provided but we do encourage you to pack your own bag with water and items you may need while we are on tour.

Tour Duration: 8 Hours 5hrs of Total drive time (round-trip) and 3 hours on-site. We provide the transportation in our SUV(s), sit back and relax and take in the scenery.

Maximum group size 10 persons. This Tour does not include Antelope Canyon, nor does it include “The Wave.”

TOUR OF BUCKSKIN GULCH

For the avid hiker. This hike does involve steep climbing up and down sandstone – which is also known as slick rock. Please know this is a rather demanding hike, with strong legs and strong ankles required. We explore the longest slot canyon known. Granted we may not have enough time to explore all 16 miles, but with 3 hours on-site, there is much to be discovered. Lunch & water please pack your own, we have emergency rations just in case.

Buckskin is very seasonal. We mainly offer tours from May 1st to June 30th, then again from Sept 1st to Oct 31st. You’re more than welcome to submit a request outside of those days, but all tours are weather dependent, as the Buckskin is prone to flooding year-round. This tour does not include Antelope Canyon.

We have two access points, two tail heads we can start the tour from.

Middle Entry is more of a challenge: The hike begins at the elevation of 5,100 ft and we hike down to 4,000 ft, the final 200 feet involves climbing down sandstone – most can do this without the aid of ropes but we will have a rope there just in case. The hike from where we park to the actual slot canyon is 1.3 miles (one-way), so be prepared for this, especially during the hotter seasons.

Wirepass Trailhead is a bit easier: The hike is flat-level for the most part, we do have to climb over a boulder or two, and this path has a higher chance of walking through water that can be as deep as 4 feet.

Both entry points run the risk of walking through water (not so much with Middle Entry).

Tour Duration:  7-8 Hours

Hiking Distance: up to 8 miles. This Tour does not include Antelope Canyon, nor does it include “The Wave.”

North / South Coyote Buttes

If you’re able to win a permit 4 months in advance we can arrange a tour for you, prices start at 250$ before tax and tours run about 7-8 hours from start to finish. We cannot win the permit for you, there is no trick to winning, it’s all based on luck

_____________ All tours to Vermilion Require 2 or more persons. due to the terrain, we don’t recommend this tour for younger children. But if you believe your child can handle the hike, they are more than welcome, they must pay the child rate (even babies).

_____________

We are an authorized Outfitter permitted by the BLM.

RELATED TOURS

• MOST POPULAR
• Calendar Daily
• Hour Glass 1 hour 45 minutes

UPPER ANTELOPE CANYON SIGHTSEEING TOUR

This experience offers you a fully guided tour into the Upper Antelope Canyon. Guided tours are required to visit this world-famous gem, so don’t miss this opportunity to take in the beauty of Antelope Canyon!

Tours run Year-Round

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Paria Outpost & Outfitters

Your guides to the grand staircase-escalante & vermilion cliffs national monuments, coyote buttes, and white pockets.

• ABOUT PARIA OUTPOST
• THE WAVE – NORTH COYOTE BUTTES
• SOUTH COYOTE BUTTES

WHITE POCKET

Yellow rock, sidestep canyon, vermilion cliffs, grand staircase.

• OVERNIGHT TOURS
• PHOTO WORKSHOPS
• SOAP CREEK PHOTO GALLERY
• THE WAVE – NORTH COYOTE BUTTES PHOTO GALLERY
• SOUTH COYOTE BUTTES PHOTO GALLERY

WHITE POCKET PHOTO GALLERY

• YELLOW ROCK PHOTO GALLERY
• SIDESTEP CANYON PHOTO GALLERY
• VERMILION CLIFFS PHOTO GALLERY
• GRAND STAIRCASE PHOTO GALLERY
• PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS GALLERY

WORLD CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY AS YOU WANDER THROUGH AN UNIMAGINABLE, ALIEN, OTHERWORLDLY LANDSCAPE!

Experiencing the fantastic geology called White Pocket is a journey onto one of the most bizarre landscapes on earth. Increasingly one of the more popular hiking and photo destinations in the area with world famous photographic opportunities.

We will hike you through the entire area, showing you all the best viewpoints and photogenic locations. We know the place very well and can guide photographers to the best shooting opportunities at the time of day for the best light.

It is easy hiking, only a 5 minute walk onto White Pocket , where you can wander for 1 to 3 miles. It’s not steep but somewhat uneven, so if you have balancing issues we recommend hiking poles.

We’re the closest to White Pocket , and it still takes an hour and forty minutes to get there in our Suburban ending up on a sandy, 4×4 high-clearance only track through the Vermilion Cliffs Monument . A trip to White Pocket with us gives you almost 2 hours more hiking time as we are located 5 minutes from the unpaved road to White Pocket as compared to a 45 minute highway drive each way from Kanab, where most tour companies operate out of.

If there’s still time in the evening we can visit an Anasazi petroglyph panel or take a scenic drive to show you a little more of the unbelievably beautiful Vermilion Cliffs .

Our knowledgable guides will provide assistance, information, explanations and advice about the entire area. There is much to see here that you can visit on your own and we’ll try to help you all we can to explain distances, road conditions, and photo opportunities to help maximize your enjoyment of the entire area.

In short, we’ll  do the very best we can to show you a great day. That is not a statement, it is a promise!

$200 + TAX per person ($220 TOTAL)

WHITE POCKET FURTHER TOUR

This tour begins at White Pocket but does not have to include it. There is a lot of hiking involved but we will take you into another area with great fins and many types of different formations including lots of “brain rocks”. No permit needed.

To book a guided photography, scenic, adventure, or hiking tour, photography workshop, overnight camp out, or make a reservation, please call or email us directly so that we can discuss your personal itinerary, in order to customize to your emphasis, interests and ability.

Call us at  (928) 691-1047 or email [email protected]

IMPORTANT RESERVATIONS MUST CHECK IN WITH US 24-HOURS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE TOUR.

MEMORY MAKING MOMENTS

Tour details.

• Driving Times: An hour and forty-five minute drive from the Outpost.
• Easy hiking. A 5 minute walk to get onto White Pocket, then hike 1 to 3 miles through all of it. Hiking can be customized to fit your abilities. It is somewhat uneven so bring hiking poles if needed.
• Hike and photograph four hours or so, with lunch out on the rocks.
• We can do a 24 hour overnight here for photographers or photo workshops, as well as a noon or so until sunset tour, same as a day tour in time duration. This might be preferable when it is really hot.
• All daytime and sunset tours are at least 8-9 hours.
• We bring lunch, water and cold drinks.
• Campouts and photo workshops are 24 hours.
• Available all year dependent upon weather and especially road conditions.
• No permit needed
• Price (same for all tours)
• Departure Times: Though somewhat flexible, departure times vary with the weather and the length of the day through the year. In spring we generally depart at 8 a.m., but when it gets really hot we recommend leaving by at least 7 a.m. or even earlier.
• Meeting Point: All our tours depart from the Paria Outpost , which is located directly on Highway 89 at mile 21 in Utah. GPS COORDINATES : 37.1075° N, 111.9109° W
• We are a thirty minute drive from Page, Arizona and a ten minute drive from Big Water, Utah. We are forty-five minutes from Kanab, Utah, and aa little over two hours from Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. We are located right on the highway and have a big sign out front.
• What to bring: You bring a backpack to carry lunch and water, sunscreen, and your camera.

Where do the tours start? All tours start at the Paria Outpost on Highway 89 and Paria River , thirty minutes from Page, Arizona and forty five minutes from Kanab, Utah.

What should I bring? Enclosed hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, backpack. Hiking poles if you use them. Lunch, water, and cold drinks are included.

Do I need a permit? Only in the Coyote Buttes, nowhere else is a permitted area.

How many in group size? Group size maximum is 5 clients per guide , with 10 clients and 2 guides max. We reserve the right to fill groups. If guests want “private tour” (a car and guide to themselves) they must pay for 4 seats 175×4=$700  in the car. We also have a 2 person minimum price, so if solo, cost is $350 minimum.

What time do we start? Starting times are somewhat flexible according to the heat factor as well as your preference. We can discuss this when you write or call to check in twenty-four hours or so before the tour.

Are we located in Big Water? Our mailing address is in Big Water but our business is located ten minutes or so farther down the highway toward Kanab, Utah, just across the Paria River,

How do I pay? Though we don’t take money upfront for reservations, we do not accept credit cards. We always accept cash and personal checks are fine, if from America.

In an effort to be as user-friendly as possible we do not take money up front for reservations. We put your name on our calendar and count on you to show up. Weather can be unpredictable and other factors can change your itinerary and we do not want your money, if we cannot do your tour.

TESTIMONIALS

GUIDING AS IT SHOULD BE Steve brought us (parents with adult daughter) out for a full day at White Pocket. The ride out is spectacular and Steve shared an array of information about the land and people. Steve is a masterful guide, pointing you in the direction, but then letting you discover what is around the next rock or bend. He leads from behind which is a real art! Everytime I thought “Now this is the best or most amazing view or rock formation” we would travel a little farther and I would be blown away yet again. If you stood at the parking area you would think it is an interesting place, but Steve took us into the very soul of White Pocket. Susan packed us a wonderful lunch to fuel the nearly 6 miles of walking we did. Thanks to Steve and Susan this guided experience was THE highlight of our trip. We also appreciated Steve’s recommendations for other places to visit and ways we could do some more remote exploring, which we prefer, on a future trip.

Aroundtheequator

WOODSTOCK, CT

LOOKING FOR MORE ADVENTURE? HAVE ANOTHER DAY TO SPEND WITH US?

Let us take you through the heart of the VERMILION CLIFFS out to the colorful, extremely photogenic formations of the remote, largely unvisited Soap Creek. A really great tour.

We can show you more of the remote part of the VERMILION CLIFFS , such as a hike through Pinnacle Valley, out to Middle Reservoir, the “Cowboy Hat” formation, Double Barrel Arch or see Petroglyph panels and ruins as well.

If you’re a good hiker hike the three miles or so to see largely unvisited SIDESTEP CANYON , a giant green-colored valley full of literally hundreds of balanced rocks, from 3 feet tall to 150 feet tall. Great for viewing a spectacular example of unique geology and excellent photographic opportunities.

Again, if you are a good hiker, make the short but somewhat steep climb up to YELLOW ROCK , for lovely, stunning colors and great views of the Cockscomb area.mages.

NORTH COYOTE BUTTES & SOUTH COYOTE BUTTES

The famous NORTH COYOTE BUTTES or SOUTH COYOTE BUTTES . IF you can be in Kanab, Utah at 9 a.m., try the North Coyote Buttes  Wave Lottery at the Kanab BLM visitor Center on Highway 89, or be there at 10 a.m. to try for a permit to the South Coyote Buttes, which, though less known, is easily as good or perhaps even better than the famous “Wave” that everyone wants. It’s easier to get this permit as well. However, only ten permits are available for each area per day at the Visitor Center. Permits are issued for the next day.

If you don’t want to hike much we can take you on a mostly DRIVING TOUR OF THE GRAND STAIRCASE , the COTTONWOOD CANYON ROAD and the SMOKEY MOUNTAIN ROAD are unbelievably eye-catching and photogenic, with lots of short stops and short hikes.mages.

FREE CAMPING AND RV PARKING FOR OUR CLIENTS AT PARIA OUTPOST. GREAT PORCH & RESTROOMS.

Privacy Overview

White Pockets

Top ways to experience White Pockets and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Guide to visiting white pocket, vermilion cliffs national monument.

White Pocket is such a cool area – it feels like you’re walking on another planet! The ribbons of orange, yellow, and white layers of rock formations are just incredible and unlike anywhere else on the Earth. These were created over time by mineral deposits and then shaped by the elements.

The domes, swirls, and ridged rocks that are known as White Pocket cover roughly a square mile. It’s easy to see how this place got it’s name – there’s nothing else around as far as the eye can see and then all of a sudden there’s a pocket of white and colored sandstone in the middle of the desert.

Visiting the area REQUIRES 4×4 high clearance vehicle as you’re going to be off-roading and driving through deep sand with patches of sharp rocks. You’re basically driving out into the desert on a series of jeep/ATV roads until you come upon the oasis of White Pocket.

There are no developed trails at White Pocket itself when it comes to hiking. You’re welcome to explore and go wherever you’d like.

Table of Contents

Is White Pocket in Arizona or Utah?

White Pocket is in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, which is on the boarder of Arizona and Utah. White Pocket itself is just over the boarder into Arizona, even though you get there from the Utah side, which is why most people think that it’s in Utah.

Do you need a permit to go to White Pocket

No, no permits are required to visit White Pocket. There really aren’t any restrictions at all when it comes to going to White Pocket. It’s first come, first serve in terms of parking. There’s no “entry station”, no hours, etc.

Can you go to White Pocket without a tour?

Yes absolutely! While there are several tours that go to White Pocket, you are totally welcome to go there on your own. You must have a suitable vehicle – a 4×4 high clearance vehicle – and you should be comfortable driving that through deep sand.

If you don’t have a vehicle like this of your own, you can rent one from Turo . But given that this is a fairly remote area, there are only a few rental options nearby. You might have to go to the nearby “big town” of Hurricane to find one.

If you’re not able to rent a 4×4 high clearance vehicle, or are not comfortable driving one in deep sand, then you should probably go with a tour company to make sure that you don’t get stuck.

Can you camp at White Pocket AZ?

Yes, you can camp at White Pocket. It’s on BLM land, so all of the standard regulations about camping on BLM land apply.

• You cannot camp in the same spot for more than 14-16 days.
• Campsites have to be at least 100 feet from any stream or water source – which there are none in White Pocket.
• You cannot camp in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads – which there are none at White Pocket.

More info about camping on BLM land here.

There are no facilities at the parking area at White Pocket – no toilettes, no water etc. As always, leave no trace and try to make as minimal impact as possible on the land. Use existing campsites, bury human waste 6” deep, pack out all your trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. Do not damage trees or collect firewood.

It’s a popular spot for car camping for photographers to get great shots of the night sky and the sandstone formations at sunrise or sunset, so could at times be a little crowded.

The Wave vs White Pocket

The Wave is right next door to White Pocket and sometimes in photos, they can be confused. While the Wave is more “iconic” and has that view that has become Instagram-famous, White Pocket covers a larger expanse of varied terrain. Plus it has more variety of colors in the stones.

Most importantly, White Pocket is much more remote and difficult to get to, which means, lots less people. The Wave has gotten so popular that it not only requires a permit to visit, but those permits are distributed through a lottery system that is extremely competitive. Chances are, you’re not going to get one. Whereas White Pocket has no permits, no lottery system, and is open for anyone to visit at anytime.

How to get to White Pocket

Just in case you missed it above, I’ll reiterate – a 4×4 high clearance vehicle is REQUIRED to visit White Pocket (use Turo to rent one if you don’t have one). The majority of the road to get there is just a rocky dirt road that any vehicle (including passenger cars) could pass and you’ll be wondering why you needed this vehicle. But the last 10mi is deep sand and you will need a 4×4. We were able to make it just staying in 4WD Hi without needing to go into Lo.

It takes approx. 2 hours to get to White Pocket from House Rock Valley Road. Google Maps can get a little wonky around here, so it’s best to follow the driving directions with landmarks below. To give you an idea of the overview:

Driving Directions

The road to White Pocket is House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065), which is a rocky dirt road. The most direct way to get there is from the North.

From Kanab, UT, take Highway 89 east for 38 miles and then turn right onto House Rock Valley Road (this is just before a big curve, with arrows, in the road).

From Page, AZ, take Highway 89 west for 36 miles and then turn left onto House Rock Valley Road (this is just after a big curve in the road).

You could also approach from the south where House Rock Valley Road intersects Highway 89A, 13.5 miles east of Jacob Lake, AZ.

From the North, after you’ve turned onto House Rock Valley Road/ BLM 1065, continue on this road for 20mi, or about an hour. You’ll pass the trailheads for several hikes (including Wire Pass), and will cross the border into Arizona. This road is packed dirt and rocks and is prone to wash outs.

After approx. 20mi, you’ll come to an old corral on your right (this is a big corral, not the small one that you’ll see earlier), turn left here onto Pine Tree Road/Road 1017.

There are no signs indicating the road number, but if you have service, you might be able to see it on Google Maps.

Continue along this road (east and slightly south) for approx. 6mi. Avoid all other side roads. The condition of this road is pretty similar to House Rock Valley, but it does start to get a little more sandy.

After approx. 6mi you’ll come to an old farm house/ranch known as Pine Tree Pocket Ranch. It has the tower of what looks like it once was a windmill and there is no parking allowed at the old ranch.

You’ll go left just after the ranch onto Road 1087 (again there are no road signs), but there is a BLM sign here to point you to White Pocket.

Continue on this road, bearing to the left and crossing a cattle guard. The road will now head north/north east. From roughly this point on, for the next 10mi, until you get to the parking lot, the road will be sand. This is where you really need the 4×4 vehicle. Some sections are deeper than others and there are also plateaus of jagged rockets from time to time too.

There will be a cattle fence that crosses the road as you’re getting close to the parking lot. As the sign says, please make sure to close the fence behind you.

From here it’s only a mile or two until you reach the parking lot.

The parking lot is gravel, so don’t need to worry about getting stuck in the sand. Once parked, there are two main areas of White Pocket that you can explore.

There’s a sandy train leading west from the left side of the lot which goes to some of the more iconic formations, or you can venture along a footpath to the less-visited formations towards the north.

If you get stuck

I was surprised that there was actually perfect service at White Pocket itself. Service to get there along the road was at times spotty, but overall, not too bad. If you get stuck and no good samaritan is able to help you get out, then call the BLM visitor’s center: 453-688-3200 . They should be able to organize a truck to come get you, though it may be hours and hours before they arrive.

When we were at the visitor’s center picking up our permit for a nearby overnight hike, one of the rangers took a call from someone who had gotten stuck on the way to White Pocket and it was going to be several hours before they were able to get someone out to them.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

We won’t have a high clearance rig…how far to walk through the last part to White Pocket? Is there a place to park?

There’s no place to park until you reach the end, then there’s a big parking lot. The “road” is narrow and sandy and I wouldn’t recommend trying to park anywhere but the lot at the end, you’re going to block anyone else who wants to get by and it would be a few mile walk. If you don’t have a high clearance vehicle, then renting one for this trip is a good option, otherwise you’re likely to get stuck.

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White Pocket, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

White Pocket Table of Contents

• Route map; approaches from House Rock Valley
• Tours to the White Pocket

White Pocket FAQ

• Access from the north, via Paw Hole
• Access from the south, via Corral Valley
• The formations
• Similar places

White Pocket Tours

Why it is called white pocket, what type of rocks are at the pocket, is a permit needed to visit, how big is the pocket, how long is the drive, self-drive or guided tour, what are some recommended tour companies, are drones allowed at white pocket, is there cell phone service, is camping allowed, what places are like the white pocket.

White Pocket Access, Via Paw Hole

Southern Route, via Corral Valley

The Formations

White pocket - similar hikes.

• White Pocket is our most popular photo tour and the scenery here is absolutely spectacular! Many unique compositions can be made and you'll enjoy exploring these crazy rock formations.
• Leave the difficult 4x4 driving and route finding to us and maximize your photography time.  Professional photo instruction and critique included on all trips.
• A short 5-10 min walk will get you out on the rock formations with myriad photo compositions all around you!
• Small group size capped at 5 people to ensure personalized instruction and individualized attention.
• No permits are required to access White Pocket.
• You'll have around 3-3.5 hrs on location. A night photography extension can be added upon request if conditions and group interest allow.

Trip Details

• Tour Length:  8 hours
• Drive Time:   A little over 2 hours each way with 1 hour on pavement and 1 hour on rough roads.
• Time Spent on Location:  Approx 3.5 hrs
• Tour Departure Time: Tour departure times vary throughout the year. Please refer to the time listed on your booking. Plan to arrive 10 mins early to load your gear and finish the check-in process. The return time is approximately 8 hours after the departure time. Note that we operate on Utah time which is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. During the months of Daylight Savings (approx mid-March through early Nov), Utah is also one hour ahead of Arizona.
• Group Minimum: Our tours require a minimum of 2 people for the base price. After you book, we will try to combine single travelers with others. In the event the minimum is not met, you will have the option to pay the 2-person rate and go on a private tour, reschedule to a different date, or cancel and get a full refund.
• Tour Meetup Location: You will meet at our office in Kanab, UT. The address will be given in your confirmation email. This is a safe place to park your vehicle and you can leave any valuables inside. Once you arrive, you'll load your gear and sign a liability release waiver. Las Vegas is the closest major airport to Kanab. There is no public transportation to Kanab, so you’ll need your own rental car or private vehicle. We recommend that you stay in a hotel in Kanab the evening of your tour. There are many good hotels in the area like the Best Western, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn & Suites, and the Canyons Botique.
• Permits: No permits are required to access White Pocket.

More Trip Details....

• Food/Water: We do not provide food on our outings.  All participants should bring food/water to hold them through dinner and while hiking. Many folks will eat their dinner during the drive back to Kanab.  We will have a cooler where you can store food and drink.
• Tour Meetup Outside of Kanab:  If you are coming from Page, AZ, we can pick you up at the Scenic Overlook on Highway 89A: Google Maps . Expect at least a 1hr 15min drive from Page, AZ. If you want us to pick you up here, PLEASE CONTACT US AHEAD OF TIME TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS. We will come by approx. 60-90 mins after the tour departure time (note that this is Utah Time, not Arizona Time). Look for the vehicle marked as Action Photo Tours.
• Weather Conditions: We can still access White Pocket even in the most inclement of conditions. If the weather is truly ugly, your tour guide may suggest you visit an alternate destination.  This decision will be made the day of the outing based on the consensus of the group.  Note that we cannot offer refunds due to weather unless we cannot go out at all. Don’t despise bad weather as that is when you can get the most dramatic photos!  Just make sure you are prepared for the conditions the day of your tour.
• Hiking / Fitness : You’ll be on the brainrock of White Pocket after a short and sandy 5-10 min walk. Once there, we’ll hike a total of 2-3 miles while chasing the light and getting you the best photos. The hiking is not strenuous, but it is over uneven terrain with some short, steep sections. All participants should ensure their fitness level is adequate for this trip.
• Night Photography: Occasionally we get requests to stay out later for night photography. A 2-hour night photography add-on is $99/person and will only be done if skies are clear and everyone in the group agrees to it.  For the best night photography experience, we recommend booking an Overnight White Pocket Tour .

More Trip Details

• What to Wear: Check the weather forecast prior to coming on the trip (search for Kanab, UT and Page, AZ on Weather.com). If it’s going to be hot, wear light-colored clothing and a hat. If the temperatures are cold, bring warm layers and long pants. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Even when it’s warm outside, the temperature can drop quickly after the sun sets so you may wish to bring a light jacket. If it’s very cold and or windy, don’t forget a warm hat and some gloves. If rain, wind, or snow are in the forecast, bring a rain jacket, a warm hat, and gloves. We recommend wearing sturdy closed-toe footwear in due to the uneven terrain and sand.
• Restroom Facilities: There are no facilities at White Pocket.  We will stop at a restroom if needed about an hour into the drive.  If you need to use the restroom at White Pocket, we will have toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a shovel available.
• Cell Phones: Bring your cell phone along!  They are great for capturing candid images.  Plus, most folks will have cell service out at White Pocket.  Note that cell service is limited during the drive.  There are USB ports in our vehicles so bring a charging cable if you need one.
• Group Size: Our groups will never exceed 5 people per guide. We like to keep our photo tours small so we can give adequate individual attention. For those photographers that feel more independent, we will allow you to wander away from the group and explore on your own within reasonable limits.
• Instructors:   Due to scheduling complexities, we don't know which instructor will accompany your group until a day or two prior.  If you want a specific guide, please Contact Us to make your request. Although we'll do our best to make it happen, please note that there are no guarantees.
• Safety: Our guides are trained in CPR/First-Aid. All 4WD vehicles are equipped with extraction equipment and a first-aid kit. We carry a satellite beacon with us in case of emergencies outside of cell range.

Need more information?

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions

Camera Gear

• Camera Gear:  A wide angle zoom lens is most useful at White Pocket and will account for the bulk of your shots (equivalent 16-35 on a full-frame camera or 10-22mm on a crop sensor).  There are opportunities for mid-range, telephoto, and macro shots so you can bring any of those lenses if you like - just ensure your pack isn’t too heavy. All participants should bring a tripod. For filters, a circular polarizer can come in handy as long as it’s not a clear, blue-sky day.  A neutral density filter can be nice to smooth out rough water or create long exposures for fast moving clouds. Don’t forget extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.   Please contact us if you’d like to rent any camera gear for your outing.
• Cancellation/Re-Scheduling: Please see our Terms and Conditions .

Trusted by Over 800 Reviews

Need more information, contact us, 435-767-0222, info@actionphototours.com.

White Pocket ATV Tour

Explore the hidden treasures of Kanab, Utah by ATV!

Quick Details

• User Ages: 5 Years & Up
• Hour Glass Duration: 8 Hours
• Users Max Group Size: Up to 5 People , For larger groups, please call us to book!
• Check Bubble Activity: ATV Tours

Backpack REQUIRED! Guide will not carry cooler or water for you. You must be able to carry your lunch and water yourself.

You’ll be sent a waiver to sign along with your booking confirmation.

Experience incredible geography on this White Pocket Tour on the border of Utah and Arizona!

White Pocket – a truly unique, otherworldly escape! The sandstone here weaves tales with its smoky reds, oranges, and whites, making the journey half the fun.

When you arrive, it’s like stepping onto another planet! Explore this mesmerizing landscape with your guide, uncovering geology and rock formations like hexagonal white rocks and deep red swirls – a photographer’s dream!

For the ultimate experience, consider adding a visit to South Coyote Buttes (permit required)!

• Chevron down What to Bring
• Backpack REQUIRED! Guide will not carry cooler or water for you. You must be able to carry your lunch and water yourself. Our guide will have a cooler full of water but it will remain in the vehicle for when you get done with the hike.
• The RZRs are not allowed for passengers younger than 5 years old. Please call for further details.
• Depending on the time of year, you may need a coat and warm hat
• Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable hiking shoes are recommended
• The white rock is very bright, so sunglasses are a must for this tour.
• Since it is a sand trail you may want to bring something to cover your face for the ride to the canyon
• A cooler full of water is supplied, though you may want to bring snacks and/or a lunch.
• Chevron down Inclusions
• A friendly, knowledgeable guide
• Transport to and from the meeting point
• Bottled water
• Helmets and Goggles

NOT INCLUDED

• Gratuity for your guide
• Lunch or snacks (Please bring your own, you are welcome to store them in our cooler.)
• Face covering (recommended) offered for sale in office for $3 each or 2 for $5
• Permit for optional add-on tour to South Coyote Buttes
• Chevron down Important Info

Tour Details

• Your guide will meet you and transport you, along with the ATVs, to the tour departure point , House Rock Valley Road (this takes 45 minutes), which accesses the trails that lead to White Pocket.
• We’ll bring along plenty of iced water but won’t provide lunch or snacks. We recommend that you bring along high energy snacks and a filling sandwich which you can store in our cooler.
• It is very easy to get dehydrated on this tour, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day!
• If you decide to add on a tour to South Coyote Buttes, you will need a permit . Read more about permits here .

ATV Participation Requirements

• Children under 5 years old are not allowed on the ATVs. Please ask about 4WD options for families with youngsters.
• You’ll need to watch a safety video and sign an ATV/OHV waiver, or a hiking waiver, after booking this tour.
• You must be able to fasten the seat belt on the machine.
• You must be 18 and have a current, valid driver license to drive the ATV.
• If you are under 18 years of age, an adult must be present in the vehicle with you.
• The driver must be able to speak and understand English.

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• Our Most Popular Tour!
• Users Up to 12 People
• Hour Glass 2.5 - 3 Hours
• User 5 Years & Up

Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon ATV Tour

Pack some serious fun and adventure into a few hours while you’re in Kanab! Race over sand trails in 2 or 4 person ATVs towards the breathtaking Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and learn about this special area from one of our experienced tour guides.  Similar to Antelope Canyon.

• Hour Glass 2.5 Hours

Hog Canyon ATV Tour

Looking for a fun, rugged, off-road experience with tons of thrilling driving?  Then look no further than our awesome Hog Canyon ATV tour! Hog Canyon is  just north of Kanab, so this is a quick tour that you can easily fit into your day in the area.

• Hour Glass 4 Hours

East Zion ATV Tour

Views of Zion National Park, away from the crowds. Experience jaw dropping overlooks and descend deep carved canyons, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Zion country.  Our driving route is one of a kind and sure to leave lasting memories.

This tour is run seasonally through our sister company, Beyond Zion ATV .

• Users Up to 10 People
• Hour Glass 5 Hours

Inchworm Arch ATV Tour

Get ready for incredible scenery and expansive views on our Inchworm Arch ATV tour. We’ll visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and stop by the rarely seen Double Arch while riding through rugged and sandy terrain.

• Hour Glass 8 Hours

North Rim ATV Experience

Experience the Grand Canyon like never before. Our open air Side by Side ATVs efficiently access overlooks such as Crazy Jug Point, Monument Point, Thunder River, and the Kanab Wilderness overlooks of Sowats Point, Jumpup and Goosenecks Point.

• PERMIT REQUIRED
• Info BLM Permit
• Users Up to 6 People

South Coyote Buttes Tour

Located near the Wave, South Coyote Buttes is a great alternative. Enjoy guided ATV rides to the trail-head then hike to some of the most stunning rock formations you’ll ever see. You MUST obtain a BLM permit before we can take you on this tour.

Backcountry Bryce ATV Tour

Do you mean to tell me you can ride ATV’s through an alpine forest with jaw dropping overlooks and red rock spires.  In-spire-ing?

Yes, overwhelmingly so.

• Hour Glass 8-10 Hours
• User All Ages

Grand Canyon Toroweap Overlook

The ultimate Grand Canyon View point.  Peer 3000 feet (915 meters) straight down into the belly of the Grand Canyon.  You can even hear the faint menacing roar of Lava Falls Rapids down below.

ATV to Great Chamber & Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon!

Get ready for an epic adventure! Our Peek-a-Boo & Great Chamber ATV tour combo is bursting with thrills. We’ll zip over sand dunes, then take a leisurely hike into the stunning slot canyon that locals describe as a peaceful, surprise-filled paradise. We’ll also explore the naturally formed ‘Great Chamber’ Alcove.

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White Pocket: Should You Visit with a Guide?

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Last Updated on May 25, 2022 by Sarah Puckett

Are you dreaming of visiting the otherworldly landscapes in White Pocket, Arizona? Planning a trip to this remote area of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument can be overwhelming! 

Let me guess, you saw a photo of White Pocket on Instagram, or you saw the mind-bending white and pink rock swirls splashed across your iPhone screen as one of Apple’s newest stock wallpapers. 

You know you HAVE to see this place for yourself, and now you’re planning your visit! AWESOME! 

I remember that moment myself when I first heard of White Pocket and started researching how to get myself and Tim there. I was surprised by how little information I could find online about this place. 

Vague driving directions and words like “deep sand” and “high clearance” and “flat tire” had me wondering: 

Is it best to visit White Pocket with a tour guide? 

We have traveled extensively in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument area, both on our own and with a tour guide. So if you’re debating whether or not to hire a guide to visit White Pocket, I’m about to make your decision a lot easier!

Table of Contents

Should you visit White Pocket with a guide?

In most cases, YES! We think it is best to visit White Pocket with a guide, not just for a more enjoyable trip, but a safer one too. 

We recently toured White Pocket with Dreamland Safari, based out of Kanab, Utah. After having toured the South Coyote Buttes without a guide last winter, we were eager to compare that experience with a guided tour in a similar location. 

Even though we have a capable vehicle and sufficient wilderness experience to safely visit on our own, we found a lot of advantages to visiting with a guide! 

Visiting White Pocket with a guide can be more enjoyable

Visiting with a tour guide is less stressful

If it isn’t obvious by now, visiting White Pocket on your own has some inherent risks. Even if you have the right vehicle and know-how, depending on your level of risk aversion, you might still have a better time with a guide!

Personally, as someone who travels with chronic anxiety, I have a hard time enjoying myself and being fully present if I’m also feeling anxious about the “what-ifs”. Visiting White Pocket with Dreamland Safari meant I didn’t have to worry about the logistics. Rather than stressing about finding all the spots I wanted to see, or whether I restocked the first aid kit, I got to relax, turn off my brain a bit, and just enjoy nature! 

Tour guides can show you Hidden Gems

On our tour with Dreamland Safaris, our guide, Mel, also took us to a few hidden petroglyph panels in the area. We would never have known about these incredible spots without her sharing them with us.

By visiting White Pocket with a guide, you may also have the opportunity to see some hidden gems you wouldn’t have found on your own! It should be obvious, but don’t forget that tour guides are GUIDES, meaning they have expert-level information you can’t easily get for yourself.

Going with a guide unlocks more possibilities for what you’ll get to see and experience than if you toured the area on your own. 

You learn about unique geology

We love to learn about the places we visit, whether it’s history or nature. In a place as geologically unique as White Pocket, having a guide will enhance your educational experience.

On our tour, Mel used a stick to draw in the sand a general history of how these strange rock formations came to be. We learned that what we were hiking on were actually petrified sand dunes, millions of years old.

Now, whenever we are driving through the southwest and see similarly-formed rocks, I geek out because I know what to call them now: petrified sand dunes! And that right there is a perfect example of the educational value of visiting with a guide! 

Visiting with a guide is safer

Tour guides have the right vehicle

You need a 4×4, high clearance vehicle to drive to White Pocket due to deep sand on the road, as well as rocky areas. 

If you don’t have a 4×4 high clearance vehicle or know how to drive in deep sand, you absolutely need to hire a guide to visit White Pocket! 

To avoid getting stuck, it’s imperative that you only drive yourself if you have a suitable vehicle and experience driving in deep sand! If you get stuck, you may not have cell service to call for help. Once you do get help, expect a four-figure bill for the tow service to get your car out! 

Dreamland Safari’s vehicles are equipped for this kind of off-pavement journey, and their guides know these roads intimately, minimizing the chances of getting stuck.

By visiting White Pocket with a guide, you can put driving risks into the hands of experts who know these roads and how to drive them. 

Tour guides know the route

Wayfinding is difficult in White Pocket and in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument as a whole. 

This is partly because cell phone reception is too scarce to rely on online maps. The dirt roads in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument also do not use traditional road names. Most of the roads are designated with four-digit numbers, indicated by small signs at the intersections. 

If you want to visit White Pocket on your own, you absolutely must download driving directions in advance, or even print or write them out. This is not a place you want to get lost. 

I don’t mean to scare you, but with the hot summer heat, risk of seasonal flash floods, and lack of access to water and food, getting lost in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is potentially life-threatening.

Tour guides are prepared if things go haywire

Many of the guides at Dreamland Safaris are certified Wilderness First Responders. In the event of an emergency, there is nothing better than being with someone who is literally a professional at getting people out of unsafe wilderness situations.

Visiting with a guide does good for the area

Hiring a guide supports the local economy

Kanab, Utah is a small but growing town. It is quickly becoming a popular destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. With this influx of tourism, the cost of living is rising in the area. Hiring a tour guide through local businesses like Dreamland (and tipping your guide!) is a great way to support the community. 

Guides are well-versed in outdoor ethics.

Guides will often remind you of what is or is not okay to do in nature. For example, can you walk across a particular rock formation, or will that cause damage? Can you fly your drone at White Pocket (yes, by the way)?

Whether you’re new to the outdoors or not, we all benefit from being reminded of how to respect nature! If you’re new to outdoor adventures, start with a quick overview of the Leave No Trace principles to master the basics! 

Do you NEED a tour guide to visit White Pocket? 

There is no requirement to hire a tour guide to visit White Pocket at this time. People visit independently without a guide every day. With the right vehicle, driving experience, gear, and emergency preparedness, anyone is welcome to visit, anytime. 

Of course, that’s a pretty major caveat! When it comes to going without a guide, your biggest limitations will be your vehicle and your wilderness experience! You can consider self-driving if you have a four-wheel-drive high clearance vehicle, are experienced in driving in deep sand, and have a means of navigating and communicating without cell phone reception (like a satellite phone and GPS or downloaded maps). We consider these to be the minimum requirements for a safe independent adventure to White Pocket!

That said, if you’re prepared for that kind of adventure, go for it!

Do you need a permit to visit White Pocket?

You do not need a permit to visit White Pocket at this time.

Two nearby locations in the Vermillion Cliffs, the North Coyote Buttes (where the famous Wave is located) and South Coyote Buttes, both require a permit from the Bureau of Land Management to visit. Permits are awarded by random lottery either online 4 months in advance or in person the day before you want to visit. Many predict that White Pocket will soon require a permit as well.

Definitely read about Dreamland’s other tours too – you’ll quickly see just how much there is to explore near Kanab, Utah, and the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument! 

Make sure you’re prepared with the right gear. Check out our hiking gear list on Amazon!

We think there are huge benefits to exploring White Pocket with a tour guide! It’s more fun, safer, and is good for the area (and not just economically!). No matter how you see it, though, this geologically rich destination is sure to impress you. 

While in the southwest, don’t miss Capitol Reef National Park in Utah or the amazing hiking opportunities in Sedona, Arizona ! 

Please note: Dreamland Safari Tours hosted us on their White Pocket tour in exchange for this blog post. As always, our opinions, thoughts, and experiences are our own! 

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28 Photos of White Pocket, Arizona That Will Blow Your Mind!

White Pocket is a small area inside Vermilion Cliffs National Monument area of Northern Arizona that will make you feel as if you’ve landed on another planet. You’ll wander around marveling at the strange, unique formations that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. And you’ll likely have the entire area all to yourself to enjoy!

Unlike the Coyote Buttes areas that are comprised of orange and red sandstone (famous for containing The Wave ), White Pocket is primarily white and tan in color with some splashes of vibrant orange. And since it’s only about one square mile in size, you can explore the entire thing without walking more than a few miles. It’s one of the lesser-known areas and is most certainly worth making the trip to see this remarkable landscape for yourself.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Getting There

Of all of the hiking attractions in the area, White Pocket is one of the most difficult to access. A 4-wheel vehicle with high clearance is highly recommended and we would advise against attempting to drive there in a rental car. From Kanab, you’ll take the US 89A to House Rock Valley Road (which is also the road to The Wave ), but it requires a few turns down unsigned roads so you should get the specific driving instructions from the BLM office in Kanab  (Address: 745 E. Highway 89, Phone Number: (435) 644-1300)  prior to setting out.

Be sure to bring the GPS coordinates, specific driving directions, a topographic map, extra food and water, and a plan in case your car gets stuck in the deep sand. And of course, you’ll need to bring a sense of adventure!

Entrance Fee

You do not need a permit to visit White Pocket and there is no entrance or parking fee.

White Pocket Hiking Details

• Distance: The entire area is only one square mile and there are no specific trails so you can go as far as you would like. Though it’s unlikely you’ll walk more than 3-4 miles.
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: You’ll be hiking through some deep sand at times but mainly on rough sandstone
• Bathrooms: None
• Trash Service: None. Pack out what you pack in.
• Packing List: Refer to our packing list for The Wave
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round but best to avoid driving there if it has recently rained

White Pocket Tours

If you want to see White Pocket but don’t have the means to get there, you can go with an organized tour group but it is incredibly expensive. Paria Outpost & Outfitters offers a tour for $175 + tax per person. Grand Circle Tours offers a day tour for $229/person or a photography tour for $269.

And now…

Looking for other awesome adventures in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah? Check out these books!

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About the Author:

Nick took his first solo trip abroad to Ireland and Scotland when he was just 19. Since then he has visited over 70 countries around the world (plus 45 states in the USA). He coupled his passion for travel photography with Val’s passion for writing and thus Wandering Wheatleys was born. He now lives in Asheville with his two rambunctious kids, Humphrey and Wilhelminha. Besides photography, Nick loves eating the weirdest food he can find in a country (sheep’s brain currently sits in first place) and making Val get up an hour before sunrise to make sure he gets “the good light”.

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5 thoughts on “28 photos of white pocket, arizona that will blow your mind”.

thanks Nick, you blowed my mind

I had hoped to explore a bit a few months ago but spent extra time in Monument Valley. Great images, thanks for putting white pocket back on top of my list

Great photos. Now I want to go there!

Well , you live up to your claim . Mind blowing it is ! Great photos too.

Great site to visit history !!!

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• United States
• Marble Canyon

Hike to the White Pocket

Marble Canyon, Arizona

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by David Kingham

The twisting and turning rocks of White Pocket are amazing. There is a variety of colors to make it a photographers paradise. Hardly any people which makes it a must for photographers. 4 mile roundtrip hike.

White Pocket is extremely difficult to access due to the road leading to it. There are sections with very deep, soft sand going uphill! You must have a high clearance 4WD vehicle and air down your tires to have any hope of making it here. Do not take this lightly, a tow bill will cost you a minimum of $1,000. When you reach the trailhead, it is short hike into the White Pocket to the west, an easy hike even with uneven terrain through the rock. There is no permit or fee required due to the remoteness of the area. If there has been rain recently, do not attempt this, the House Rock Valley Road is clay and turns into an epic disaster when wet.

Please visit the Paria Contact Station which is located south of Highway 89 between mile post 21 and 22, between Kanab and Page, Arizona for directions and current conditions.

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Hike to the White Pocket Reviews

mark peterson

White Pocket adventure

Definitely should be on your list of places to see if you are in the Kanab/Page area.

Crystal Sibson

Breathtaking Landscape

Make sure you have a high clearance 4x4 to get through the deep sand and rough road. The landscape is absolutely beautiful in this area.

Blake Batchelor

Still one of my faves

I hope they keep the roads rough because this place is still a hidden gem!

Matt Purciel

One of the most pristine places in the Southwest

Of course make sure for you have a 4x4 and follow the roads carefully. GPS will help. There are multiple roads to get there which can be a challenge. Also be sure to print out your maps before you go because there isn't cell service out there. You can search online for directions. Depending on the season there is a possibly for deep sand so be aware. But once you get there and see it for yourself you're jaw will be hard to pull off the ground! I can't wait to head back.

Nathan Wall

Off the beaten path for now...

Find solitude mid-week and nevermind the fuss over the Coyote Buttes permits. Go in Spring or Fall for better hopes of diffuse light midday. Heed the warnings and make sure you have a suitable vehicle or hire a guide.

Breanna Sanders

I would go back here for sure! We set up camp not far from the parking spot and enjoyed the amazing sunset and stars for the night. Although WARNING... the 'get directions' option that opens up a map in google maps did not take us the easiest way. Although doable, the road we took to arrive( Winter something I believe) was much worse than the one we came out on.

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > Arizona Road Trip Itineraries > White Pocket in Arizona: a marvel in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

White Pocket in Arizona: a marvel in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and challenging parks to visit in the entire Southwest . There are countless natural wonders to discover, but unfortunately, there are also numerous obstacles: extremely difficult permits to obtain, dusty and rugged roads accessible only by 4×4 vehicles, long and challenging trails to navigate under the scorching sun without landmarks…

White Pocket geology

Do you need a permit to get to white pocket, what do you need to get to white pocket, arizona, useful advice, directions to white pocket, how to rent a 4×4, safety tips, how long should i spend at white pocket, the weather in white pocket, places to sleep nearby, alternative hikes to white pocket, az, other sites near white pocket, organized tours, white pocket: an unforgettable adventure in arizona.

In this article, we talk about White Pocket, a stunning remote area within the park that not only boasts natural beauty but also provides several significant advantages for organizational purposes.

Yes, maybe you’ll already know that Visiting Vermilion Cliffs is an adventure from every perspective. In the article just linked, you can get an idea of the main areas of this national monument: of course, The Wave takes the spotlight , one of the most famous and sought-after excursions in the West. The stunning sandstone wave hidden among the Coyote Buttes North is, however, truly difficult to see because you literally have to win the lottery : just over 60 permits are available each day, and given the enormous demand, obtaining a permit is very difficult, if not almost impossible.

Well, the other hidden treasure in Vermilion is White Pocket , and we can describe it as a possible answer for those disappointed by the lottery outcome. However, there is both good and bad news about it. Let’s see what it’s all about… but first, some information about the geology of this magical place.

Perhaps White Pocket may not match the unique charm of The Wave, but this remote location has a special allure that will captivate even the most discerning hiker. The rock formations here are primarily composed of sandstone and clay , a mineral combination that showcases a wide range of colors. The name “White Pocket” obviously reveals the dominant color in this basin (“pocket”): a white that contrasts and envelops the myriad shades of vibrant red typical of Vermilion’s sandstone rocks (orange, yellow, pink…).

Millions of years ago, the rock formations of White Pocket were dunes formed by sandstone deposits: geological processes of erosion and weathering over the millennia have created astonishing sculptures, walls with curious textures, petrified waves, hoodoos, pinnacles, knobs, natural arches, and much more. Today, White Pocket can offer an atmosphere reminiscent of Mars, somewhat like Dali’s paintings , something akin to the landscape of the nearby Toadstool Hoodoos , but much, much more diverse and fascinating overall (also due to the greater difficulty in reaching it).

White Pocket – All you need to know

Here is all the information you need for organizing the hike.

Let’s start with the good news: unlike The Wave and the entire Coyote Buttes area, you don’t need a permit to explore White Pocket . Cool, right? Surely, this advantage will make you consider White Pocket as an alternative to The Wave. Furthermore, given how remote the area is, although no permit is required, you won’t find many people , allowing for a relatively quiet visit. Another advantage is that, unlike The Wave, there’s no need for a long hike to reach points of interest .

You don’t need a permit: that’s good, isn’t it? However, you should also consider the main disadvantage, namely the road to get there. As we’ll see in the next paragraph, unfortunately, reaching White Pocket requires a 4×4 because the final stretch of dirt road is sandy and rough, necessitating a suitable vehicle and certain driving skills.

Moreover, it takes quite a bit of time to reach the area and explore it, so it’s not recommended to consider White Pocket as a stopover between destinations. You’ll need to try to depart early from Kanab or Page to avoid the hottest hours, keeping in mind that, in both cases, it takes more than 2 hours on rough roads to reach the parking area. In essence, visiting White Pocket could take up more than half a day.

How to get to White Pocket

The easiest answer would be “in the middle of the Arizona desert,” but that wouldn’t be very helpful. After all, there’s no specific address, and you won’t find a Visitor Center welcoming you near White Pocket. So, what you can do to locate this place on the map is to follow these Google Maps coordinates (36.955011, -111.893296) and start getting acquainted with the area. One thing is certain: to reach White Pocket, you’ll need to rely on your sense of direction and, above all, your GPS .

• How to get there from Kanab ? White Pocket is accessible from the House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065). To reach it, take Hwy 89 and head east for about 38 miles. After passing the small settlement of Jacob Lake, you’ll see the imposing cliffs of Vermilion Cliffs in the background. Drive to this point , which is essentially the south entrance of the protected area (a sign indicating the road name, BLM 1065, will assist you). From here, the dirt road begins, which you need to follow for approximately 9.5 miles until you reach a disused cattle fence ( here ). Turn right and drive for another 6 miles until you reach Pine Tree Pocket Ranch . From here, head north for another 9.5 miles to the parking area at White Pocket . But beware! While the road up to the ranch is dirt but potentially passable by a standard vehicle (if it hasn’t rained or snowed, and always at the driver’s risk and danger), a 4×4 is mandatory from this point forward ! Do not underestimate this aspect! Due to the poor conditions of the dirt road, it takes about 40 minutes by car to cover this last challenging stretch . Along the way, you’ll encounter gates: you can open and pass through them, but be sure to close them behind you.
• How to get there from Page? The entrance to House Rock Valley Road is at this intersection with Hwy 89, approximately 35 miles west of Page. From here, the dirt road leads into the heart of the park. You’ll need to travel along the road for a total of 20 miles, reaching the cattle fence. Turn left here and follow the directions I provided above.

Below, a video that can help you understand the type of road you’ll need to take to reach the parking lot:

If you don’t have suitable transportation and still want to reach White Pocket without joining an organized tour, you can consider renting a 4×4 in Kanab or Page. Prices start at $250 for a one-day rental. Here are some agencies to contact in Page and Kanab:

• Page : Lake Powell Jeep Rentals , JeepBnB .
• Kanab : Roam Outdoor .

How to visit White Pocket

Once you reach the parking lot, most of the journey is done. Leave the car and follow the small trail on the dune beyond the fence where an informative sign is located. Keep in mind that there isn’t actually a specific itinerary to follow , so feel free to explore the area far and wide, using the parking lot as a reference point. However, I would like to give you some more specific advice:

• Start by looking for The Swirl , one of the most peculiar rocks in the area , both for its coloring and its strange undulating shape.
• Then, reach this area where the fractured white rocks seem to create a kind of large sandstone brain.
• Search for this small pool , which is an excellent spot for unique photos. There are, however, numerous others.
• Be captivated by areas where the contrast between the white and red rock formations is most evident. You can find “The Wave” effect almost anywhere, but the best points, in my opinion, are here , here , and here .
• Reach the top of the main “brain,” and you’ll find a beautiful vantage point over the area, from which you can also photograph two imposing variegated monoliths towards the west.
• At these coordinates, you’ll find an isolated pine tree among the rock formations . Not far away, you’ll find another one.

Scroll to see all the images

Neither the hike nor the rock climbs are particularly challenging, but it is advisable to wear appropriate clothing and a pair of hiking shoes. Additionally, bring an ample supply of water and food , as there are no accommodations in the middle of Vermilion Cliffs, and it can get very hot . Of course, leave no trace of your visit: carry away your waste to preserve the wild beauty of the place.

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you are photographer aiming to return with hundreds of photos, plan for a minimum of 3 hours to explore every corner of White Pocket. If you don’t have this specific need, you can allocate 1-2 hours depending on the available time and your desire to explore. As mentioned earlier, do not underestimate the time needed to reach the parking lot (more than 2 hours from Kanab or Page).

During the summer months, from June to September, expect high temperatures often exceeding 95°F. The long, sunny days provide ideal conditions for exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding canyons and gorges, but prepare yourself appropriately with suitable clothing and plenty of water. On the other hand, in the winter months, from December to February, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, with daytime highs ranging between 41°F to 59°F.

There are no hotels within Vermilion Cliffs or in the vicinity of White Pocket. As we mentioned, Kanab and Page are strategic towns for visiting in Utah and Arizona, but if you find accommodation in Jacob Lake , you can shorten the travel time to reach the parking area.

• Accommodation Tips for Page
• Accommodation Tips for Kanab

The landscape of White Pocket is almost unique , but some nearby places may vaguely resemble it. Besides, of course, The Wave, I’d like to point out:

• Toadstool Hoodoos
• Wahweap Hoodoos
• Stud Horse Point
• The New Wave

In addition to the famous The Wave, there are many other areas to explore within Vermilion Cliffs: read our article to discover them! Among these, we mention Paria Canyon , Coyote Buttes North and South and Buckskin Gulch .

Most likely, the majority of enthusiastic travelers looking to visit White Pocket won’t hesitate to dedicate time and energy to the visit. However, the requirement to use a 4×4 vehicle may discourage some : not everyone can rent such a vehicle, nor do they know how to drive it on particularly challenging paths. Moreover, navigating the roads of Vermilion is not straightforward, as clear signs and landmarks are often lacking.

The most suitable solution is to rely on a tour operator for various reasons:

• You will be transported to White Pocket safely in a 4×4 vehicle .
• You will have the opportunity to learn about the geological history of White Pocket and Vermilion Cliffs.
• The guide knows the route and will lead you directly to the best vantage points , showcasing the most fascinating rock formations and some hidden gems.

The tour on Getyourguide has a duration of about 7 hours , with at least 4 hours dedicated to the round trip. It includes:

• Pick-up from any hotel in Kanab or at the Paria Contact Station near Page.
• Round-trip transportation
• Presence of a guide throughout the activity
• Water bottle

More Information about the White Pocket Tour

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Bernardo Pacini

I am an enthusiastic traveler. I have also published some poetry. Besides traveling, my interests include literature, prog music and good food,.

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48-Hour Astro Photography Tour at White Pocket

Spring and fall

Las Vegas is 3 hours away

Things to know

Who says magical moments can’t be captured? Join renowned photographer Cody York at White Pocket and discover the secrets of astrophotography in a dreamscape of swirling sandstone layers, illuminated by the dim light of the Milky Way. Immerse yourself in this enchanting environment during two unforgettable overnight stays, as Cody’s expertise ignites your creative spirit and elevates your photography skills. With delectable meals, seamless logistics, and a cozy campsite, savor every sunrise, sunset, and starry night. This extraordinary 3-day adventure culminates with a post-processing session in Kanab, ensuring your photos are cover-worthy for National Geographic. Unleash your inner shutterbug and capture pure magic at White Pocket.

Enhance your photography skills with renowned photographer Cody York, featured in NYT and Sports Illustrated

Enjoy the comfortable camp environment and make the most of the sunsets, sunrises, and night skies

Personalized experience and ample opportunities for one-on-one teaching, including a 4-hour post-processing session

Join renowned photographer Cody York and two expert guides at the captivating White Pocket, a remarkable photographic destination. Immerse yourself in the stunning sandstone landscapes and marvel at the unparalleled night skies. Capture the perfect shot while enjoying short hikes and learning about the geologic history. This all-inclusive trip from Kanab provides transportation, comfortable camping, and delicious home-cooked meals. Enhance your skills with an editing clinic and conclude the adventure with a delightful dinner at one of Kanab's top restaurants. Embark on this unforgettable journey of photography and exploration.

Join your photography instructor Cody York and other guides at Dreamland Safari Tours, located at 406 E 300 S, Kanab, UT 84741 at 10:00am. This is where you’ll also have your gear checked before you grab something for lunch. Around noon, you’ll get a ride to White Pocket. At 2.45pm, it’s time for a 1-hour hiking tour to explore various points of interest. During the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your workshop goals and shooting plan with Cody York, as well as enjoy some free time to explore the area. Dinner will be provided before sunset and Milky Way times, to ensure ample opportunities for golden hour, blue hour, and astrophotography. For fall workshops, shooting typically wraps up before midnight, while for spring workshops, shooting usually starts around 2-3am and seamlessly transitions into sunrise and breakfast. Meals: Dinner

Begin your day with a wake-up call at 5am, accompanied by coffee and muffins to energize you for the sunrise photography session. At 8am, indulge in a hearty full cowboy breakfast to fuel your day. You’ll then have free time to engage in photography discussions, enjoy lunch, and explore the surroundings while planning your next shoot. As the day progresses, capture the mesmerizing sunset through your lens. A delicious dinner will be served before your group prepares you for another night of enchanting astrophotography, just like on day 1. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Experience the magic of early mornings with the last sunrise photography session, starting at 5am. Fuel up with coffee and muffins before capturing the mesmerizing sights. Indulge in a full cowboy breakfast at 8am. As your guides prepare for departure at 8:30am, you’ll have an extra hour to shoot or relax. Leave White Pocket at 9:30am and arrive in Kanab by noon. After checking into your lodging, enjoy free time for a shower and lunch. From 3pm to 7pm, join Cody York for an editing clinic. Finally, gather at 8pm for a closing dinner at one of Kanab’s finest restaurants. Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Meet your guides

We did a two night trip to White Pocket featuring Cody York teaching astro-photography. This is our third trip with Dreamland to White Pocket, so this speaks volumes about our love for the location and our respect for the company. As before, the service provided by Dreamland was exceptional and making an attempt at astro-photography with the incredibly knowledgeable and patient Cody York was rewarding. The Dreamland team consisted of Cody, another professional photographer, one of the owners, and Robert (an excellent chef and willing photo model). The team worked very well together and made the overall experience very memorable. Kudos to Robert for making delicious dinners of chicken, steak and salmon. We had one night of unseasonably cold weather, and we appreciated having our water bottles filled with hot water to tuck in our sleeping bags. We love this area and Dreamland is superb. We’re scheduled for trip #4 with Dreamland in October!

The trip catered specifically to photographers. Venue provided exceptional dark sky. Trip entailed night sky photography on a moonless nights. Introduced techniques to best capture the milky way’s Galactic Core in the South sky. Cody York, the instructor, was spectacular, sharing image capture technique among attendees who had a broad swath of camera equipment. Could have not successfully captured product needed for post processing without the instruction. Cody has gift of being able to multi task among attendees competing for his attention. The image post processing lab IMHO, was absolutely critical to obtain a reasonable end product. The workflow was detailed with many opportunity to get lost, but Cody was there hands on to share his knowledge. Then Dreamland did usual great job of handling the expedition logistics for guiding, feeding, and providing sleeping accommodations for us. In short, doing all the heavy lifting. I am 6′ 4″ and tents provided all room needed for a person and all their gear. I have been a Dreamland customer in the past and plan to keep working with them in the future. Another night sky shoot, if of same caliber as this one, is definitely on my TDL.

Making the third Dreamland Safari Tour I have taken with the company. This particular trip was, yet, another fabulous overnight. This trip, however, was a two night event that featured Cody York teaching us photographic technique in shooting photos of the Milky Way against the White Pockets area in the Vermillion Cliffs. Spectacular adventure for all levels of skills, marvelous hosts and hostess (Sonny) that organized and made things possible. Thanks Robert for pulling out your geology background, insight, information, and cooking skills. Thanks to IRA for he clean equipment and behind the scenes work. Thanks to Dreamland Safari for the concept of the photo journey and thanks to Cody for the relentless effort in making it all possible.

What you get on this adventure:

• 1:1 teaching by your guide and photographer Cody York
• An assistant instructor (based on group size)
• Two guides from Dreamland Safari Tours to ensure your comfort at camp
• 3-day guided White Pocket photography tour
• Photography lessons — optimal photographic timing to capture sunset, sunrise, and some of the best night skies in the continental U.S.
• All meals once tour departs — excellent camp-cooked meals and a goodbye dinner
• Accommodation in a comfortable camp
• Transportation during the tour — safe, comfortable 4×4 transport on rough dirt roads
• 4-hour post-processing session in Kanab
• Wilderness First Responder Guide and satellite messenger in case of emergency

What’s not included:

• Transportation to Kanab
• Canyons Boutique or Canyons Lodge are recommended for the quality of their accommodations and proximity to the editing clinic and final dinner
• Any meal not listed in the itinerary
• Guide gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages

There are no special skills needed for this guided White Pocket Tour. Though the focus of this trip is on photography, there’s still some hiking featuring uneven footing and optional mild scrambling. The area is very close to the camp so it’s up to you how much you want to hike and explore—there will be lots of free time to discover the spectacular landscape.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 55-65L bag)
• Camera and any relevant photography gear
• Water bottles or hydration bladders (3L capacity)
• Quality, durable hiking boots
• Hiking attire
• Spare clothes for layering
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.

Your guide will secure sleeping bags for every participant.

Group sizes and prices:

• For this photography White Pocket tour, the maximum group size is set at 8. There will be two experienced guides as well as a photographer Cody York and his assistant.
• The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

Photography trip at White Pocket can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

There are multiple options to reach Kanab, the starting point of your tour. Most people fly into one of these three major airports: Harry Read International Airport (LAS) near Las Vegas, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) , and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) . From there, the best option would be renting a car—depending on the chosen airport, it will take you anywhere between 3 and 5.5 hours to get to Kanab.

Meet your White Pocket photography instructor and other guides and go through your gear check at 10am on Day 1 at 406 E 300 S, Kanab, UT 84741, next door to the Travelodge. Guests may leave cars or extra bags here. Arrange your travel accordingly.

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Arizona, please refer to COVID-19 travel info .

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 1 month (30 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

• If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety-one (91) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a $100 fee.
• For cancellations sixty-one (61) to ninety (90) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of 80 percent (80%) of the full tour price.
• For cancellations thirty-one (31) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of seventy (70%) of the full tour price.
• For cancellations eight (8) to thirty (30) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of sixty percent (60%) of the full tour price.
• For cancellations forty-eight (48) hours to seven (7) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of thirty (30%) of the full tour price.
• After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

Other things to do in Utah

Zion National Park Hiking Tours

Hiking and Camping Tour of Zion National Park

Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

Canyoning near Zion National Park

Hiking Through the Paria River Canyon

Hiking in Bryce Canyon

Hiking in Arches and Canyonlands NPs in Moab

Women’s Hiking Through the Paria Canyon

Angel’s Landing Guided Hike

View all (52) adventures in Utah

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White House says Kamala Harris will travel to Arizona after state Supreme Court abortion ban ruling

Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Arizona on Friday, the White House announced Tuesday, shortly after the state Supreme Court upheld a near-total abortion ban .

Harris will travel to Tucson, the White House said in an advisory, "to continue her leadership in the fight for reproductive freedoms." It noted that it will be the vice president's second trip to Arizona this year and her fifth time since being sworn in.

"Last month, the Vice President visited Phoenix, AZ to highlight how extremists in states across the country have proposed and enacted abortion bans that threaten women’s health, force them to travel out of state to receive care, and criminalize doctors," the White House said.

The White House said that the trip was part of Harris' nationwide "Fight for Reproductive Freedoms" tour "that included stops in Wisconsin, California, Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, and Minnesota."

Since the Supreme Court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, Harris has held more than 80 events on reproductive rights in 20 states, the White House added.

The announcement about her upcoming trip came just about an hour after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a 160-year-old near-total abortion ban still on the books in the state could be enforced. Under the law from 1864, anyone who performs the procedure or helps a woman access that care could face felony charges and up to two to five years in prison. The  law  — which was codified in 1901, and again in 1913 — includes an exception to save the woman’s life.

President Joe Biden, Harris and Democrats in general are hoping that existing abortion bans and threats to expand them nationwide will help them win their races in this November's general election.

Rebecca Shabad is a politics reporter for NBC News based in Washington.