Arizona has no shortage of bucket list worthy outdoor attractions – after all, our state is home to one of the world’s most-visited spots. That said, sometimes stillness and solitude are required to truly experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a natural wonder. White Pocket is a remote geological marvel near the ever-popular Wave, however, you won’t need to enter a permit lottery or make reservations to visit. Check it out:
Reminiscent of an extraterrestrial landscape, this hidden gem of a geological wonder belongs on everyone’s outdoor adventure list.
Flickr/snowpeak Not only is it free and accessible to the public with no reservations required, but it also boasts much less tourist traffic than its more well-known counterparts.
A short, 1.5-mile trail leads from the parking lot to White Pocket; however, no marked paths extend beyond that.
Flickr/cedwardbrice Choose your own adventure with nothing but intuition paving the way. Who knows - perhaps you’ll discover a previously uncharted area of the already isolated landscape.
Photo ops can be found around every corner, so don’t forget your camera!
Flickr/Mikka Pineda Make unforgettable memories and capture them forever as permanent reminders of our state’s everlasting beauty.
On the north side, the topography of White Pocket completely changes.
Alltrails/J Q Swirls of red and white give way to a grey gulch with pristine oases scattered throughout, offering a unique - yet equally mesmerizing - viewing experience.
Exploring this landscape is much less strenuous than The Wave because visitors can customize it to fit their needs.
Alltrails/Scott D Since there are no tour groups, hike as much or as little as your heart desires before calling it a day.
You’ll find White Pocket near Marble Canyon in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.
Alltrails/Bryan Sandell The road leading to it is rather long - about 36 miles, to be exact - and does require a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the sandy terrain. Experienced guides are available if you feel safer that way - however, it’s merely an option, not an obligation. If you prefer going solo but don’t have a high-clearance vehicle, no worries - you can also rent a Jeep for the excursion!
For more information about and exact directions to White Pocket, visit its page on AllTrails.
Flickr/snowpeak
Not only is it free and accessible to the public with no reservations required, but it also boasts much less tourist traffic than its more well-known counterparts.
Flickr/cedwardbrice
Choose your own adventure with nothing but intuition paving the way. Who knows - perhaps you’ll discover a previously uncharted area of the already isolated landscape.
Flickr/Mikka Pineda
Make unforgettable memories and capture them forever as permanent reminders of our state’s everlasting beauty.
Alltrails/J Q
Swirls of red and white give way to a grey gulch with pristine oases scattered throughout, offering a unique - yet equally mesmerizing - viewing experience.
Alltrails/Scott D
Since there are no tour groups, hike as much or as little as your heart desires before calling it a day.
Alltrails/Bryan Sandell
The road leading to it is rather long - about 36 miles, to be exact - and does require a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the sandy terrain. Experienced guides are available if you feel safer that way - however, it’s merely an option, not an obligation. If you prefer going solo but don’t have a high-clearance vehicle, no worries - you can also rent a Jeep for the excursion!
Have you ever been to this awe-inspiring, otherworldly place? If so, what was your favorite part? Let us know all about your visit, and don’t hesitate to share some other geological wonders in Arizona that belong on everyone’s outdoor adventure bucket list!
Check out our previous article for some of our top picks: Here Are The 13 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Arizona.
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