In the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument , Arizona, USA, there is a region of sandstone with extremely strange colors and shapes. This area is called White Pocket or “cauliflower rock” , located deep in a desert.

The entire area is covered in a strange layer of gray-white stone that makes the landscape look like it is covered in pure icing. In some places, the layers of stone are completely twisted, like a giant marble “cake”.

Unique sandstone region in the US

The strange geology at White Pocket is not easily explained. Some geologists believe that White Pocket is the result of “soft sediment deformation,” deformation that occurred during the Jurassic period while the sand was saturated and before the sand had completely turned to rock.

According to retired geologist Marc Deshowitz, who has studied White Pocket for years, the landscape is the result of a massive mass of sliding sand , caused by an earthquake, that broke away from a high dune and moved rapidly downhill.

As the large mass of sand fell, it filled a large lake or oasis. This large mass of sand was the distinctive gray-white sandstone or “cauliflower rock” seen today.

White Pocket Sandstone Region in the United States.

More than 10 years ago, few tourists knew about White Pocket. The area was known only to local ranchers and a handful of adventurous photographers.

Then, National Geographic magazine published a story about Vermilion Cliffs National Monument that included some beautiful photos of White Pocket. From there, White Pocket quickly became famous. Today, White Pocket is on the list of top destinations for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts.

White Pocket is a relatively small area that is distinctly different from its surroundings. The area is predominantly white or light grey. The landscape is very photogenic and beautiful .

The scenery here is very strange.

Like the Coyote Buttes, some of the rocks at White Pockets are fragile and could be damaged by too many visitors each day. Fortunately, the “cauliflower rocks” are naturally inaccessible, so the crowds are not overwhelming.

To get to White Pocket, visitors need to travel by high-chassis car because the sand here is quite deep. When visiting White Pocket, visitors often “conveniently” combine it with a visit to the Coyote Buttes area. Taking photos at White Pocket is most beautiful at dawn and dusk.