Had a guide take my brother and I out to White Pocket on this last trip. My fourth time visiting, his first. White Pocket has always felt like a tough nut to crack due to being reliant on a guide to take me out there. (Don't have a 4x4.) Being on a tighter timeline has meant less time to really sit and contemplate the place.
Anyways, here's what came out of it.
A couple of reflections in shallow pools.
Have always liked this spot just because the rock looks like a wall of faces.
One of the wings of the butterfly is partially broken off, compared to the last time I was here.
I like your set, Patrick! Lots of cool stuff, but my favorite is that last tree shot, I love the moon and stars showing.
I have not gone there yet due to being intimidated by driving in sand. I do have a 4WD truck but the couple of times I got into deep sand I felt scared and didn’t finish the drives. I’m told a towing bill if stuck out there is around $2k. The worst part of it in my mind is that if I could make it out there in daylight, I’m going to be shooting until near dark, then driving back out that nasty road in the dark. Way past my comfort level. But perhaps next year I will do it with a guide. I would like to learn how to navigate roads like that and to push through my fears.
Ross Martin wrote:
I like your set, Patrick! Lots of cool stuff, but my favorite is that last tree shot, I love the moon and stars showing.
I have not gone there yet due to being intimidated by driving in sand. I do have a 4WD truck but the couple of times I got into deep sand I felt scared and didn’t finish the drives. I’m told a towing bill if stuck out there is around $2k. The worst part of it in my mind is that if I could make it out there in daylight, I’m going to be shooting until near dark, then driving back out that nasty road in the dark. Way past my comfort level. But perhaps next year I will do it with a guide. I would like to learn how to navigate roads like that and to push through my fears....Show more →
Entirely understand what you mean, getting stuck out there would be no joke, especially in the dark. For me, as a passing tourist, hiring a guide for an afternoon/sunset tour is ideal for the exact reason you mention. Having a guide drive you out in the dark alleviates that big issue. It would also give you an idea of what the road is like before you attempt it in your truck. I don't foresee ever getting a truck unless some wild chance of fate has me moving to southern Utah, so I'll keep on going with a guide when I want to see White Pocket.
That said, something you could do once you've gained a little experience and know the road is to go out during the day, shoot through sunset and into the dark, and then sleep in the truck or in a tent at the parking area. Then you could get up and do sunrise and whatever else you wanted that morning before driving out in proper daylight. You'd really get some bang for your buck there!
For what it's worth, my last several guided trips have been with Coral Cliffs Tours out of Kanab and they've been good to me.
