Summary
Antelope Canyon is a gorgeous park in northern Arizona. It is a popular addition to a trip to the Grand Canyon. However, before you go, there are a few essential things you should know.
Getting to Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is located near Page on Navajo Nation land, close to AZ 98 a few miles east of town (at milepost 299). Furthermore, entry to the canyon is by guide only. Guided, 4-wheel tours are available from Page. Alternatively, you may also drive to the Antelope Canyon parking lot and take the 3.5-mile ride to the canyon entrance in a tribal vehicle.
About the Canyon
There are actually two canyons: upper and lower Antelope. Most visitors opt for a tour to upper Antelope Canyon. From your jeep or van, it is just a short sandy walk into the flat canyon. In contrast, Lower Antelope Canyon is more challenging, featuring ladders for entry and some access via sheer drops. Tragically, this is the same place where in August 1997, water 50 feet deep from a thunderstorm five miles away swept through the canyon resulting in the deaths of 11 visitors.
Assuming you will be visiting upper Antelope Canyon, here are some important things to know:
- The canyon is a sacred place and considered spiritual by the Navajo. Therefore, please treat it with quiet reverence.
- If you want a better chance to experience some solitude in the canyon, go either very early or very late in the day. Moreover, visiting during the off-season may provide a quieter experience.
- For the best photographs, keep in mind that the stunning light beams can be seen from April to September. Additionally, Chief Tsosie’s photo tours take place mid-day and last longer than the standard 1.5-hour tours.
- No matter when you visit, be sure to take the time to gaze at the narrow canyon walls and look up toward the light. A visit to Antelope Canyon is undeniably a breathtaking experience.
History
The vibrant red you see in the canyon is Navajo sandstone, formed through the erosion caused primarily by flash flooding. Interestingly, when the canyon was discovered, herds of prong-horned antelope roamed the area.
Other Canyon Experiences
- Lower Antelope Canyon: This presents a challenging entry, making it ideal for those who are fit and adventurous.
- Cathedral Canyon: Included in Chief Tsosie’s list of tours, providing a route less traveled experience.
- Water Holes Canyon: Accessible through Slot Canyon Hummer Adventures, which holds exclusive permits for Secret, Passage, Staircase, and Water Holes Canyon tours.
Words of Warning
It is crucial to note that slot canyons are not accessible without a guide. During rainfall, particularly in the Monsoon Season, the slot canyons can become treacherous. When you visit, observe both the back and front entries to the canyon. Between these wide expansive washes lies a very narrow canyon. Water does not soak into the earth; instead, it gathers and can break through the canyon much like a dam bursting. Consequently, when you are inside the canyon and look up, you will see tree trunks and debris as high as the canyon walls. That is the water line during flash floods.
