When you feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of life, nothing helps you relax more than taking a ride out to explore one of the North Rim trails. At least that’s what we here at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive do.
The North Rim part of the Grand Canyon receives less visitors and is therefore less crowded. There are also plenty of hidden gems to discover along the way, not to mention splendid scenery to gaze at.
One such trail that’s perfect for weekend off-roading with a group of friends or other off-roaders is a trail ride to White Pocket.
White Pockets Off Road Trail
If you were to see White Pocket, part of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, for the first time, you’d think that someone took a huge paintbrush and painted the entire thing. Or maybe someone brought a painting to life. Either way, the slickrock with windswept layers of white, yellow or orange formations are stunning to gaze at. Knowing that these ridges and domes have been formed over hundreds of years and are shaped by the elements only adds to the awe.
Over the years, White Pocket has become a sought-after destination for photographers hoping to get a magnificent shot and who can blame them? We bet that you also won’t resist whipping out your phone to capture some of the splendor.
Getting to White Pocket might present a challenge though. This is because the road there consists of long stretches of deep sand interspersed with patches of sharp rocks. To get there, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle with high clearance to avoid getting stuck in the deep soft sand. You’ll also need sand-driving skills as plenty of people have gotten themselves stuck or have had their vehicles break down on this trail.
Off Road Trail Trip Preparation
The White Pocket is in a remote location in the southwest and cellphone reception is patchy or non-existent. In addition to traveling in a group and carrying other forms of communication, downloading a trail map of the area beforehand is highly recommended.
We also recommend bringing in your vehicle for a quick maintenance check to ensure it’s in top condition to handle this trip. We have a variety of trail preparation packages for you to choose from to help our 4WD experts bring your vehicle up to speed.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll be in the desert for most of the trip. You should therefore pack as much water to drink as you’ll need as well as food and snacks. It’s also a good idea to wear suitable clothing and carry plenty of sunscreen.
Lastly, remember to reduce your impact on the environment as much as you can. This means sticking to designated trails, no littering and only camping at existing campsites, if you’re up for that.
