5 Expert Tips for Driving to White Pocket
White Pocket, located deep within Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, is a breathtaking destination worth every effort to reach. The formation is located at 36.95526, -111.90851 - but please don’t simply plug these coordinates into Google Maps, because getting out there is a lot more difficult than your phone’s navigation capabilities will make you believe.
White Pocket is a remote gem in the heart of the Vermilion Cliffs, and the journey to White Pocket isn’t your typical Sunday drive. With sandy roads, rough terrain, and no cell service, getting to White Pocket can be as adventurous as the destination itself. Follow these five expert tips to ensure a safe and successful trip to White Pocket.
1. Use the Right Vehicle for White Pocket
The roads to White Pocket require a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle—this is non-negotiable. Sandy washes and rugged tracks are common, and standard cars or 2WD SUVs will likely get stuck. What’s even more important and gets a lot of visitors in trouble: all-wheel-drive = AWD vehicles are NOT the same as 4-wheel drive vehicles, and they are not equipped to handle the deep sand. If you don’t have the right vehicle, hiring a guide is cheaper than paying a tow bill (as of 2024, estimated at ~$1,000) from the sand pits that guard access White Pocket.
2. Prepare for Remote Conditions at White Pocket
White Pocket is in a remote area with no cell phone reception, gas stations, or nearby services. Before heading out, ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition, fully fueled, and that you have what you need should you unexpectedly find yourself in a situation of having to spend the night out - which could happen either because you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down, or because of factors that are entirely beyond your control - such as somebody else being stuck in a spot on the single-track road where it is impossible to bypass the bottleneck. Conditions in the desert are unforgiving. As such, make sure to bring essentials like:
Plenty of water (minimum of one gallon per person).
Snacks and meals for the day.
A fully stocked emergency kit with a tire repair kit and air compressor.
Layers - temperatures in the desert swing wildly between day- and night-time conditions, no matter what time of year you are visiting. It is not uncommon to see the temperature drop by 30-40 degrees between day and night.
A printed map—don’t rely on your phone’s navigation, and definitely do NOT trust google maps to navigate these backroads.
A GPS communication device that allows you to connect with the world even from one of the long stretches of road that don’t have any cell signal.
3. Check the Weather at White Pocket
Road conditions can vary greatly depending on the season. The approach to White Pocket requires navigating both clay (Houserock Valley Road) and sand tracks (1087/1086). After heavy rains, clay roads can become muddy and impassable. After prolonged dry spells, the sand on road 1087 and 1086 can be extremely fine and, in some places, seemingly bottomless. In summer, extreme heat frequently challenges both vehicles and drivers. Always check the weather forecast before your trip, and avoid driving during or after storms. Flash floods are a real danger in this area, so stay informed about conditions.
4. Follow the Best Route to White Pocket
The drive to White Pocket can be confusing, with unmarked roads and several possible routes. The most reliable route is through House Rock Valley Road, which intersects with Highway 89. From there, follow signs or GPS coordinates to White Pocket, but be aware that signage is minimal. To avoid getting lost:
Do not rely on Google Maps.
Download or print detailed driving directions in advance. Use this BLM map of the road to White Pocket instead.
Be cautious about road forks and double-check your path. Continuously monitor road status and do navigate into obstacles (deep sand pit, tall rocks, opaque pools, sharp dropoffs) that you are not confident you can clear or reverse out of.
5. Let someone know your plans, or join a guided tour to White Pocket
Before heading out to White Pocket, always let someone know your itinerary, including your expected route and return time. The area is remote, with no cell service, and getting stuck or lost is a real possibility. Sharing your plans ensures someone can alert authorities if you don’t return as scheduled. If you’re unfamiliar with off-road driving or prefer a more relaxing experience, consider joining a guided White Pocket tour. A knowledgeable guide will handle the navigation and logistics, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning scenery without the stress of planning or potential mishaps.
Plan Your Drive to White Pocket
Driving to White Pocket is part of the adventure, but preparation is key. By using the right vehicle, packing essentials, and planning your route carefully, you can enjoy a safe and unforgettable journey to one of Vermilion Cliffs’ most stunning destinations.
Enamored with the idea of visiting White Pocket, but not excited about the drive? Check out our other blog posts and the “Find a Guide” section if you want to consider a guided tour to create a worry-free adventure where local experts take care of the details.
