White Pocket: Visit an Otherworldly Desert Landscape in Arizona
The Wave—a colorful rock formation in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument that looks like a stone wave—has become so wildly popular in recent years that visitors must enter a lottery to receive a permit to visit the area. If you’re unable to secure a permit for The Wave, a stunning collection of rock formations that resemble bone-white brains known as White Pocket is located a short distance from The Wave. Even though White Pocket is also located in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, visitors do not need a permit to explore breathtaking stone scenery that resembles sea foam, the froth on top of a latte, and albino mushrooms.
White Pocket is located in Marble Canyon, Arizona—near the border of Utah. Many visitors spend the night in Page, Arizona or Kanab, Utah. Both Page and Kanab are approximately 2.5 hours away from Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. It is important to note that in order to reach White Pocket, a vehicle with 4-wheel drive that handles well on rugged terrain is absolutely essential. Visitors must drive on a steep dirt road to reach the White Pocket trailhead. It is best to pack a shovel, extra food, extra water, and a paper map in case you get stuck while driving to White Pocket.
Nature lovers adore White Pocket because the area is undeveloped and untamed. Aside from a parking lot with a loosely defined sand trail that leads to some of the area’s most iconic rock formations, visitors can hike freely and scale virtually any rock they come across. Most visitors spend about 2 hours exploring White Pocket’s whimsical terrain. If you’re yearning to take the perfect photograph of the gorgeous white, orange, and peach rocks of White Pocket, the area appears positively luminous just after sunrise or sunset.
Kanab, Utah-based Dreamland Safari Tours offers a 9-hour White Pocket tour that includes a scenic drive showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Utah and Arizona‘s red rock country. Tour participants can spend hours exploring every nook, cranny, and curve of White Pocket. Participants can also learn about the unique geology of one of Arizona‘s most striking landscapes. Visiting White Pocket with a tour group is an excellent option for travelers who are new to visiting remote areas without basic amenities or cell phone reception.
White Pocket’s remote location and otherworldly desert landscape are thrilling beyond words. No trip to Arizona is complete without an expedition to White Pocket.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- White Pocket Trailhead, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona, USA (named BLM access point)
- Coordinates
- 36.955011, -111.893296
- Access
- Reach the White Pocket Trailhead from House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065). Turn onto BLM 1017 23.5 miles south of Highway 89 or 9.3 miles north of Highway 89A; drive east 6.2 miles, then take BLM 1087 northeast and stay left at the split with BLM 1086. The last roads are remote dirt tracks. BLM requires high-clearance 4WD because of deep sand and sharp rock, warns that visitors are frequently stranded, and may close wet roads. There are no developed trails; a short path runs about 100 yards west from the parking area to the slickrock. Bring water, food, fuel and a full-size spare; check current road and weather conditions. The map pin marks the BLM access trailhead, not the full White Pocket landscape.
- Admission
- The BLM White Pocket Trailhead page lists no fee. This is distinct from Coyote Buttes day permits and Paria Canyon overnight permits; those do not apply to White Pocket day use. Guided transport, if chosen, is a separate paid service.
- Time needed
- The land manager gives no standard visit duration. It identifies a short path from the parking area and self-guided exploration across the slickrock; allow substantial additional time for the remote, slow 4WD approach. No total visit estimate is published by BLM.
- Best season
- BLM does not name a best season. Choose a period with dry, passable roads and moderate temperatures; deep sand and wet conditions make access hazardous or impossible, and the desert can have extreme heat or cold. Check current weather and road conditions before travel.
- Opening hours
- BLM identifies White Pocket as a day-use area but publishes no fixed daily opening hours. Safe access depends on road and weather conditions; check with the Arizona Strip Field Office before setting out.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-23
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-23
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