White Pocket Night Waves

White Pocket is a hidden gem within the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness area. The largest and best-known formations are the Coyote Buttes in the northwest corner of the plateau, including the famous Wave. The second most visited site – White Pocket – is located six miles southeast of the Wave.

“Discovered” by photographers 15-20 years ago, White Pocket has an upper level (to the east) and lower level (to the west). The lower level is best shot in mid-to-late afternoon and is in shadow at sunrise and during the blue hour. The lower level includes the formation called The Swirl which is probably the most popular rock formation in White Pocket. The upper level is characterized by rolling waves of white and coral-colored cauliflower (aka brain) rock. This area of White Pocket is best photographed at sunrise or during the blue hour. There are also two trees on the upper level, the “First Tree” is clearly visible at the end of the short “trail” into the White Pocket. The “Second Tree” is a bit southwest of the first and cannot be seen from the trail.

The White Pocket is also an excellent location for night photography. There is little ambient light except to the east which has some glow from Page. The best view of the first tree faces north and is a good foreground for the Milky Way. The Milky Way is more horizontal from March to May and more vertical from June to August.

Location: White Pocket; Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness area.