White Pocket is an area of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona that is getting more attention from photographers as the Wave becomes increasingly hard to gain access to. Although it is relatively small in size, the area offers any number of photographic opportunities. The area is comprised of rock that is swirled in ways that make it look as though it is liquified. The top layer is mostly white (hence the name) but you can find red, yellow, and pink in many places as well. Much of the top surface looks like brain matter as it is dotted with geometric patterns.
There may not be an iconic feature such as the Wave to photograph here but the area has many interesting features. One of my favorite places to photograph is a small canyon where the walls are made of striated red and white sandstone. The lines seem to lead every which way here. Another favorite is a yellow and white rock formation that looks like a giant ice cream cone.
A wide angle lens such as a 24mm or a 17mm is a must here along with a 70-200 zoom. I used both a 17mm and 24mm Tilt/shift lens from Canon. The perspective control helped keep in focus the immense depth of many of the rock formations.
Getting to White Pocket is somewhat of a challenge due to the deep sand in the road the last couple of miles. To get there, you follow House Valley Rock Road for about 12 miles and then turn onto a sandy track to the north east for another 4 miles. Many people have gotten their stock SUVs stuck in the sand here so be careful if you go. Several guide services are available in Kanab, UT and one, Paria Outpost and Outfitters, is located near the old BLM permit office near MP 21 on Hwy 89.
