Antelope Canyon: Sacred Navajo Natural Wonder
ANTELOPE CANYON
Antelope canyon is a slot canyon east of Page, Arizona that was formed by water erosion + weathering of sandstone. Shadow + light dance around the smooth contours of the canyon as the day progresses. Lines on the walls waver back + forth like the water that created them long ago + reddish tan hues create a warm, inspiring feel. Antelope canyon is truly a unique natural wonder that gave me an even greater appreciation for this wonderful world!
TAKE A TOUR
Since Antelope Canyon is on sacred Navajo Tribal land, the only way to experience Antelope Canyon is to take a tour lead by a Navajo guide. There are two types of tours:
- Regular tour: shorter + less expensive; no tripods allowed
- Photographic tour: longer + more expensive; tripod required
There’s also two canyon locations: lower + upper.
LOWER ANTELOPE
Lower Antelope Canyon is known for its involved journey. There are passageways that can get rather narrow + multiple sets of stairs, so if you don’t like heights or are claustrophobic, this tour might not be for you. Lower Antelope hosts fewer tours, so there will be less people in the canyon. It’s a narrower + longer canyon so sunbeams don’t show up as much as they do in Upper Antelope Canyon. I went on both tours + personally enjoyed Lower Antelope Canyon more because it was less crowded + felt more like an adventure!
Lower Canyon Tours:
UPPER ANTELOPE
Upper Antelope Canyon is more accessible + has an easier walk-through. There are wider passageways + no stairs. To begin this journey, you’ll take a truck ride to the canyon entrance. If you visit between 9:30 AM + 11 AM you have a greater chance of seeing the gorgeous sunbeams! Also for your reference, all photos in this blog post are of Upper Antelope Canyon.
Upper Canyon Tours:
WHAT TO BRING
- Water. It can get hot, so make sure you stay hydrated.
- Sun protection. Bring sunscreen, a hat, + sunglasses.
- Dust protection. Take a scarf or bandanna to tie over your face so you don’t inhale dust.
- Hiking shoes / sneakers. See the shoes I’m wearing in the picture? Don’t do that! Skip the sandy feet + keep your toes protected!
- Camera! This is a bucket list type of place! You’ll be snap happy in there, I assure you!
- Cash. Please tip the tour guide after the tour 🙂
GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
- Expect crowds; there will be multiple tours exploring the canyon. This was honestly the one thing took away from the experience, but seeing the slot canyon was well worth it!
- Antelope canyon is a dangerous place during flash floods; your tour could potentially be canceled for safety purposes.
- Eat + use the bathroom before leaving for the tour because there are no facilities near the canyon.
- Book in advance. These tours are very popular!
Have you ever been to Antelope Canyon? If so, have you been to the Upper or Lower canyon? Let me know in the comments!
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