White Pocket

White Pocket is a relatively small area of fantastical sandstone formations, located on the Utah/Arizona border. Fortunately, it doesn't require an advance, difficult-to-obtain permit (unlike its Coyote Buttes neighbors). And the long, very sandy access road greatly reduces visitations (albeit the number of daytime, guided 4x4 tours has greatly increased of late). This was my 3rd visit and the best yet, as I was able to drive Starr to a remote access point that I had all to myself.

After 2 days/3 nights I decided to start heading back toward Oregon, aiming to stop at Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef NP. The weather forecast was calling for light rain, but I found 2" of snow on the backroad into Capitol Reef -- resulting in deep, impassable mud. When I was able to get a cellular signal, it appeared that all of Utah had received significant precipation, making all backroads impassable. Nevada had the same, so it was time to head to SE Oregon and the Owyhee River Canyonlands.

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