White Pocket

White Pocket might be the most unique landscape in America. It’s certainly one of the most remote locations you’ll find along the Arizona/Utah border. It’s not easy to get to White Pocket; you’ll definitely need a high-clearance 4×4, and you’ll need to be prepared for changing road and weather conditions. The drive in is about 90 minutes off of US-89.

It’s advisable to stop at the Kanab Visitor’s center on the day of your trip to inquire about road conditions before attempting the trip; if it’s rained in the past 24-48 hours, the roads may not be passable. We’d recommend hiring a local tour company that has experienced guides who can get you in and out of White Pocket safely. If you’re a photographer, Action Photo Tours offers spectacular photo tours of White Pocket that are incredible values.

We’re not kidding about driving with a high clearance 4×4. Road conditions (it’s deep sand!) can potentially become impassible during or after a rainstorm even with the best off-road vehicles. Attempt the drive at your own risk, bring a GPS unit, and enough water, food and provisions for at least a day or two in worst case scenarios.

That said, once you do get to White Pocket, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most unique and scenic sandstone formations you can see on the entire planet. White Pocket is a photographer’s paradise, where almost every color of the rainbow can be found in the landscape during a sunrise or sunset. There is no set trail after the parking lot, cell service is spotty at best, and you could easily get lost so a GPS unit is also advisable.

While White Pocket is still relatively under the radar, it’s gained more notoriety in recent years. But because of the difficulty and preparation required to reach White Pocket, you’re likely to be among only a few people when you do arrive.

– Peter Stringer