Antelope Canyon is an iconic slot canyon located near Page, Arizona, on Navajo Nation land.
It is considered a sacred and spiritual site by the Navajo people. The Navajo refer to it as “the place where water runs through rocks.” They perform blessings and ceremonies in the canyon every four years to give thanks to the natural forces that created it.
The canyon has been formed over many years by water that floods the canyon when there is heavy rainfall either nearby or far away as the water can travel for miles.
Tours
Antelope Canyon is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation, and only authorized tour companies can take visitors into the canyon. The Navajo website has lists and links to approved tour operators.
There’s an upper and a lower canyon that can be visited separately. We took the upper canyon tour.
Tours are very popular and you must reserve them well in advance, especially in peak seasons. They usually sell out.
If you want to visit similar slot canyons that you’ll likely have all to yourselves, check out the slot canyons in Bluejohn Canyon in Utah.
Photography
Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s dreamscape. The sun comes through the top and creates dramatic photographic opportunities.
The best time to visit Antelope Canyon to see the stunning light beams is between 11am and 1:30pm, during the peak season from May to September when the sun is directly overhead.
Given the popularity of Antelope Canyon for photography, there are special photography tours that provide you with a longer time in the canyon to take photos.
When we went on a regular tour, we felt like we were rushed through and had difficulty taking photos without other tourists in them.
Another stunning photographer option nearby is White Pocket. It is remote and there will be very few people there. It is like a Candyland of swirling colors and definitely worth a visit if you can get there.
Final Thoughts on Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is considered one of the most photographed natural wonders in the American Southwest. Its beauty cannot be denied.
Plan ahead, make a reservation for a tour, and enjoy this amazing natural wonder!
