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.

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…

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

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