White Pocket, Arizona Guide| Mars On Earth?
A Remote Geological Wonderland
White Pocket is tucked away in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument near the Arizona and Utah border. White Pocket is a true geological gem that offers some incredibly unique rock formations which are unlike anything else! This remote and secluded area is a perfect place for landscape photographers and outdoor lovers because of the intricate swirls, patterns, and vibrant colors etched into the sandstone formations. When I visit White Pocket it feels as if I am on Mars.
Directions – The Drive to White Pocket
Accessing White Pocket is an adventure in itself. The journey involves navigating rugged, sandy roads that require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. The road isn’t super technical or challenging especially if you have a capable vehicle. I have seen smaller cars without four-wheel drive at White Pocket, it isn’t something I would recommend driving to get to White Pocket but it has been done. I have been to White Pocket multiple times in a stock SR5 4Runner and have had zero issues. Drive at your own risk!
To get to White Pocket if you are coming from Highway 89A turn onto House Rock Valley Road (1065) heading north. If you come from Kanab, you’ll take a right heading south on House Rock Valley Road. Here, the road turns to a washboard gravel and dirt road. From House Rock Valley Road, you’ll turn east (right coming from the South or left coming from the North onto Pine Tree Road (BLM 1017). There will be a sign about 4×4 required. Your Google or Apple map will likely suggest other roads that turn off House Rock Valley Road and connect so it is important to plan the driving route in advance. From 1017, continue for 6.1 miles staying right at about the 3 mile mark. Your first turn is a left when you get to road 1087. Stay left again when it branches into 1086 in 3.9 miles. It is about a total of 9.4 miles from when you first get on 1087 to the parking for White Pocket. The drive from Page or Kanab can take up to two hours and you will likely loose cell service at some point. Here is a map from the BLM with helpful directions to White Pocket.
Hiking Around the Mars-Like Landscape of White Pocket
Once you reach the parking area, a sandy trail leads you for about 100 yards before opening up to the awe-inspiring expanse of White Pocket. From there, there is no set trail, allowing you to freely explore the colorful slickrock formations and discover unique perspectives and compositions around every corner. It is almost like a desert Mars playground!
Camping At White Pocket, Arizona
White Pocket is located on BLM land, which means you can spend the night at the trailhead and immerse yourself in the serene wilderness. You can’t actual camp inside of White Pocket just in and around the parking area. There are a few little pull-off locations with firepits around the dirt parking area but not too many, however there is plenty of dirt to just setup a tent at! Camping at White Pocket offers the opportunity to witness the breathtaking night sky and capture the otherworldly formations under the soft morning light, making it an ideal location for astrophotography and landscape photography.
Photography Tips for White Pocket, Arizona
Arrive early or stay late to take advantage of the golden hours when the light is soft and warm, creating dramatic shadows and enhancing the textures and colors of the formations.
Experiment with different angles and perspectives, getting low to the ground or shooting from elevated viewpoints to capture the intricate patterns and swirls.
Bring a tripod for long exposures, especially if you plan to capture the night sky.
You can fly a drone here and get some super unique drone photographs of White Pocket.
Conclusion
White Pocket is a true gem that offers photographers and adventure seekers an to immerse themselves in a stunning and surreal landscape. With proper planning and preparation, a visit to this remote wonder is an experience that will leave you in awe and with unforgettable memories and photographs.
Photograph taken in The Vermillion Cliffs, Arizona
