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 and is known for being the place with the brain rocks in Arizona.
White Pocket is located on the border between Utah and Arizona, but it is 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.
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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.
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 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 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 worst-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.
If you are looking for a tour, I recommend Dreamland Safari.
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 most of the time) and off-road tires (definitely helped).
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.
When House Rock Valley is wet, it becomes a slippery mess. Do not attempt to visit when the roads are wet – you risk getting stuck or sliding off the road.
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.
A 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.
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.
If you want the peace of mind of taking a tour, I recommend Dreamland Safari. I went to Coyote Buttes South with Dreamland Safari (although our guide is no longer there), and I’ve met Shelly from Kanab Tour Company (while she was leading a tour in White Pocket) and recommend her.
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 be honest, unless you are stopping at Wire Pass, I would recommend using the route from Page by going through Jacob Lake (stop at Jacob Lake Inn for cookies!) and entering House Rock Valley from that end. It leads to a smoother route. However, I am including both options here.
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 times 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 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.
Over the years we have been going to White Pocket, they have added more signs to get to White Pocket and have made some of the roads much easier to drive.
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
Again, I recommend this route even if you are staying in Kanab. It’s a smoother drive for the first part of it, and you get to stop at Jacob Lake Inn for cookies!
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.
While you don’t get to pass Jacob Lake Inn from Page, it’s worth a stop for a meal and their cookies. It’s also on the route to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon if you are going there.
After turning onto House Rock Valley Road, head north for 9.3 miles until you get to BLM 1017 and go east. There is one bathroom at the Condor Viewing Site, so take a pit stop if needed since you won’t see another one.
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 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 Page to Screenshot:
- Highway 89A west for 36 miles
- House Rock Valley Road for 9.3 miles north
- 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
Visiting White Pocket in 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 or the Condor Viewing Site. Take your own toilet paper even for these bathrooms, as it is not always stocked.
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.
Since then, we’ve been back many times, and we still feel like we have a lot left to explore.
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 have driven the route many times in the dark, but I was glad our first trip was in daylight hours in case we ran into any issues.
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 bring our gear to camp if needed and take plenty of food and water in case we get stuck or break down.
Morning and evening are my favorite time of day to be at White Pocket. The lighting is stunning, and the colors change as the sun rises or falls in the sky.
If you are worried about driving in the dark, plan 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.
I’ve visited White Pocket in all four seasons. Fall and spring have the best weather temperature-wise, but you may deal with wet roads in the early fall thanks to monsoon season.
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 hot. There is no coverage, so you will be in the direct sunlight the whole time and need to make sure you have enough water to stay hydrated.
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.
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 colorful rocks, the surfaces can be slick 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. Since then, we’ve gone all over but still find new things each time.
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 usually end up hiking 2 – 4 miles with our explroring. However, you can also keep the hike short and still see many of the best photo spots in White Pocket.
Get my guide to find more rainbow mountains and colorful rocks in Utah.
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 time 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.
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.
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. 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.
If you are planning to camp at White Pocket, you’ll need to add on camping supplies. We 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.
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 grip, 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 in the spring and fall for the walk back to the Jeep. In the summer, I was okay with out. In the winter, I was bundled up!
White Pocket Arizona Camping Tips
Camping is available near White Pocket. When we spoke to the ranger before our first trip, they asked for us not to camp at the trailhead if we stayed overnight.
This is because it blocks up the area. We usually see a couple of people camping right near the entrance to the trail when we go. 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 one visit. They were out of the way of the entrance completely.
You can also 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, since we have property there.
For hotels, we usually stay at the Hampton Inn or La Quinta. We also stayed at Canyons Lodge once a few years ago, but the WiFi was not fast enough for me to get any work done. That may have changed now, but if you don’t need fast WiFi, it’s another good option.
If you are looking for other options in Kanab, here are currently available hotels in Kanab on Agoda.
When we stay in Page, we have always stayed at the Hyatt Place. It has a great view, and we are loyal to Hyatt when it is available.
If you are looking for options in Page, Arizona, here are currently available hotels in Page on Agoda.
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. South Coyote Buttes is also beautiful and requires a permit, but not as many people try for that one.
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, but consider a stop at Biidi the Arch too (it’s free!). 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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Trudy
Sunday 27th of September 2026
Kanab Tour Company is owned and operated by a predator. Do not use his services!. He has been arrested and convicted for takinging pictures/filming women while they use the bathroom, shower, and/or change their clothes. He lied about how many times he had done this, but eventually said he'd done it over 80 times! I wouldn't even go near his equipment pr place of business. He has forever traumatized a lot of women and children.
Here is the newspaper article about him: https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/man-gets-probation-in-lava-video-voyeurism-case/article_27f4630c-9b63-11e2-9389-0019bb2963f4.html8
Christine Wheeler
Sunday 27th of September 2026
I had no idea. Thank you for letting me know.
Melissa
Sunday 5th of March 2023
Huge wright up with great pics!!
Pam
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.
Brian
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.
Christine Wheeler
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.