Unique and twisted. That’s not a way most people would describe nature’s beauty but in Arizona and the desert Southwest, the landscape is anything but ordinary. We live in a land of mountains and canyons, meaning that finding unique geological formations isn’t difficult. This geological wonder in Arizona, however, is something special.
This striking example lies in the arid landscape of the Colorado Plateau in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
This is White Pocket, one of the few disturbances in the otherwise flat and sandy Coyote Buttes North at the national monument.
It’s no question why this just happens to be the second most-visited spot at Vermilion Cliffs: the twisting, swirling layers of white and grey minerals contrast well with the otherwise red sandstone and blue sky.
You’ll also be hard pressed to find the exact same view twice, making it an underrated treasure for photographers.
The formations are less uniform and more dramatic than those at The Wave, located a few miles away.
The landscape even looks gorgeous in black and white!
And the views in the days after a rainstorm are incredible! Hints of green pop up and water pools in the recessed areas of the rock formations.
The evening hours are just as stunning, especially if you're visiting as the sun begins to set. The low angle on the horizon and the sun's golden light makes this place glow!
Unlike The Wave, a permit is not required to visit White Pocket! So, if you miss out on the permit lottery or you don't want to wait four months, just stop by this incredible landscape. It's only accessible by ATV or other high wheel base, 4-wheel-drive vehicles, but there are tours available.
If you want to pay a visit to White Pocket and other geological formations at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, you can visit this website for more details, which also compares this experience to The Wave.
Want to see another incredible geological wonder in Arizona? You don’t have to look far from what we just saw! The Wave is also located at Vermilion Cliffs and you can read more about in The One Place In Arizona That Must Be Seen To Be Believed.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!