Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for a remote desert environment. Learn the route, check the seasonal weather, and pack the necessary emergency supplies.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead via deep-sand roads.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Book a guided 4x4 off-road tour departing from Kanab, UT or Page, AZ. | 7-8 hours round trip | $200-$250 per person | Highly recommended for those without deep-sand driving experience or a suitable vehicle. |
| Car: Drive via House Rock Valley Road and BLM dirt roads 1017 and 1087. | 2-2.5 hours one-way | Free (plus gas) | A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is strictly mandatory. Drivers must carry a shovel, air compressor, and lower tire pressure for deep sand. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer the best conditions. You will avoid the extreme heat of summer and the impassable muddy or snowy roads of winter.
Astrophotographers should visit during a new moon. The location boasts a Bortle 1 night sky.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
There is no cell phone service anywhere near White Pocket.
Carry an offline GPS map device like a Garmin InReach.
How the day runs
How to structure your desert trip.
A stress-free day trip leaving the driving to professionals.
- Depart town
Meet your guide in Kanab or Page and board the 4x4 vehicle.
- Arrive at White Pocket
Reach the trailhead after navigating 15 miles of deep sand.
- Explore the Brain Rocks
Spend time photographing the main swirling formations.
- Lunch break
Eat your packed lunch near the vehicles.
- Outer Monoliths
Walk the perimeter to see the Citrus Layers and Lone Tree.
- Return journey
Arrive back in Kanab or Page by late afternoon.
For experienced off-road drivers with proper recovery gear.
- Leave town
Ensure you have a full tank of gas and emergency supplies.
- Enter dirt roads
Turn onto House Rock Valley Road.
- Deflate tires
Lower your tire pressure before hitting BLM roads 1017 and 1087.
- Arrive and hike
Park at the trailhead and hike 1.5 miles through the formations.
- Reinflate tires
Use your 12v compressor before returning to the highway.
Packing for the desert
Bring at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Wear sturdy hiking boots with grippy soles for walking on the slickrock.
Pack extra layers and blankets in your vehicle. Temperatures drop drastically at night. Always carry emergency food rations for at least 24 extra hours.
Easiest way to do it
White Pocket Off-Road & Guided Hike Adventure (Small Group)
8 h 5.0 (73)
- You do need to bring your own lunch/dinner, and we have a cooler in each vehicle for you to put it in, but we do have snacks (granola bars etc.) for guests on each tour.
- We encourage all hikers to bring their own water for hiking, especially with the extreme temperatures, but we do have extra water if needed.
From$179per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long does it take to hike White Pocket?
Exploring the main features requires 1.5 to 3 miles of walking. Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours hiking and taking photos.
Can you camp at White Pocket?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed. You must keep campsites small and use existing campfire rings. Pack out all trash and bury human waste.
Are dogs allowed at White Pocket?
Yes, dogs are allowed. However, the sandy environment gets very hot, so bring plenty of extra water for them.