Vermillion Cliffs/Toroweap

[DesertRat19]

Has anyone driven to white picket in Vermillion Cliffs? Or dispersed camp within the National monument ? I hear the roads to white pocket are sandy and 4x4 is necessary. I’ve driven deep sand roads and had no problems but would be great if someone’s done it and can advise.

We will also be dricing to Toroweap, any recent experiences?

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[DesertRat19]

That’s White Pocket, not picket.

 

[Robink]

I've done it many many times in my Exterra with 4wd but I have been very hesitant to take the Bronco out there so I haven't. I live in this area. I'd suggest you go out on a weekend so if you need a pull there will be someone nearby. Or wait until it rains and the sand is wet. On the other hand White Pockets is so popular there are tour groups that go out there two or three times a day and beat the roads down. It's a risk but if you go only staying on the roads that go to White Pocket and not where else. If you don't you will definitely get stuck. It's really deep soft sand. Good luck and if you go let us know how it went!!

 

[Dude]

When I was researching that area I ran across this article. Might answer some of your questions or provide other useful information..

https://www.myfeetwillleadme.com/how-to-get-to-white-pocket-vermilion-cliffs-arizona/

I liked this section…

A Subaru, Rav4, or AWD is unlikely to be sufficient, although possible. You’ll be on roughly 18 miles of progressively deeper and deeper sand. Consider deflating the pressure in your tires, have a shovel and tracks, extra water and food, and emergency supplies. There is no cell reception out here, you may not pass another vehicle for hours, and vehicle recovery services would be costly. The types of vehicles we saw at White Pocket were Jeeps, an Expedition, a Toyota Tacoma, and 4Runner.

 

[DesertRat19]

I've done it many many times in my Exterra with 4wd but I have been very hesitant to take the Bronco out there so I haven't. I live in this area. I'd suggest you go out on a weekend so if you need a pull there will be someone nearby. Or wait until it rains and the sand is wet. On the other hand White Pockets is so popular there are tour groups that go out there two or three times a day and beat the roads down. It's a risk but if you go only staying on the roads that go to White Pocket and not where else. If you don't you will definitely get stuck. It's really deep soft sand. Good luck and if you go let us know how it went!!

Any suggestions for camping near vermillion cliffs or Page while entire to the north rim?

 

[DesertRat19]

When I was researching that area I ran across this article. Might answer some of your questions or provide other useful information..

https://www.myfeetwillleadme.com/how-to-get-to-white-pocket-vermilion-cliffs-arizona/

I liked this section…

A Subaru, Rav4, or AWD is unlikely to be sufficient, although possible. You’ll be on roughly 18 miles of progressively deeper and deeper sand. Consider deflating the pressure in your tires, have a shovel and tracks, extra water and food, and emergency supplies. There is no cell reception out here, you may not pass another vehicle for hours, and vehicle recovery services would be costly. The types of vehicles we saw at White Pocket were Jeeps, an Expedition, a Toyota Tacoma, and 4Runner.

Thanks. OnX rates it a 5/10 but one trail reviewer said it was more a 2/3. Seems highly dependent on comfort level and recent weather. I’m headed to my local BLM office later.
If not white pocket any rec for 1 night of camping on way to the north rim?

 

[Dude]

Thanks. OnX rates it a 5/10 but one trail reviewer said it was more a 2/3. Seems highly dependent on comfort level and recent weather. I’m headed to my local BLM office later.
If not white pocket any rec for 1 night of camping on way to the north rim?

Arizona is pretty much pull in anywhere and camp unless the area is restricted assuming your type of camping is self contained

I have not camped much in that area but on way to north rim would be where I’d look

 

[Robink]

Any suggestions for camping near vermillion cliffs or Page while entire to the north rim?

There are quite a few after the turnoff for vermillion cliffs off of House Rock valley rd. If you are going to the North Rim there is plenty of camping in the Kaibab forest just before you get to the entrance to the park. Both east and west sides.

 

[Robink]

Thanks. OnX rates it a 5/10 but one trail reviewer said it was more a 2/3. Seems highly dependent on comfort level and recent weather. I’m headed to my local BLM office later.
If not white pocket any rec for 1 night of camping on way to the north rim?

It's definitely your comfort level but I've spent a lot of time out there. And it also depends on how well you drive. I went out with a boyfriend with a hybrid Escape and we got stuck a few times but managed to dig ourselves out. I would have never taken it out there but you know - men.
BLM will probably tell you no - at least I hope so. That way people in rentals don't get stuck. It truly is a sandbox.

 

[DesertRat19]

It's definitely your comfort level but I've spent a lot of time out there. And it also depends on how well you drive. I went out with a boyfriend with a hybrid Escape and we got stuck a few times but managed to dig ourselves out. I would have never taken it out there but you know - men.
BLM will probably tell you no - at least I hope so. That way people in rentals don't get stuck. It truly is a sandbox.

? I’ll skip it this trip as I’m just looking for 1 night. May do lone rock in page or close to 89A in vermillion.

 

[DesertRat19]

There are quite a few after the turnoff for vermillion cliffs off of House Rock valley rd. If you are going to the North Rim there is plenty of camping in the Kaibab forest just before you get to the entrance to the park. Both east and west sides.

Heading past Jacob Lake (which I e camped near before). I’m not sure if the road south from Fredonia allows dispersed camping. I figured it would be worth asking in case there’s a scenic spot. Friend arrives at PHX around 10am so may not make trip in one day before sunset. Rather not drive any dirt roads at night.

 

[Mt Goat]

I drove in there several years ago in my Nissan Frontier Nismo with a four wheel camper on it. I had no problems but aired down and kept the speed up in the deeper sandy sections.

I don't have a BS yet, but plan on ordering a badlands after seeing what the 2025 MY refresh has and seeing if I want to wait for it. A question for you badlands owners.

I have been doing way too much reading and research on the BS badlands, and from what I have gathered, it should do quite well, especially with something like 245/65/17 KO2's. I have had the opportunity to ride in a friend's badlands on some rough roads in the Colorado San Juans and was impressed with how it handled the terrain.

What is the hesitation in taking a badlands like the OP has into White Pocket compared to the Xterra's, Jeeps, 4Runners? It's got 4WD lock, power, and rides higher. I know the clearance is lower, but with 235's/245's should have pretty decent clearance. Just wanting to get a better understanding of what I can expect/not expect to do with my future badlands.

Thanks!

 

[NMhunter]

I don't know about White Pockets, but I've been very impressed with my Badlands with Falken Wildpeaks. it has handled some pretty sandy spots with no issues at all. At Moab Offroadeo I drove though the sandy spots without switching to 4WD.

Airing down your tires to around 20 PSI will make a huge difference. A couple of 2X8s and a Hi LIft jack will get you out of almost anything. Just make sure you air back up before going hiway speeds.

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