ANTELOPE CANYON
If you would want to travel to another world without leaving this world, travel to Antelope canyon in Page, Arizona. You will have to go down a flight of metal stairs to descent into the canyon and once there you will be tricked into thinking that you are in Mars or some other planet. Easily one of the most beautiful views on the planet.
Drive to Page from the south rim of Grand canyon typically takes around two and half hours, but with stoppages along the view points on the East rim of the canyon, this drive could easily be around 4 hours.
Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo Nation land, outside Glen Canyon National Recreation area . Antelope is the most visited slot canyon in the southwest US, partly because it is easily accessible and also since it is extremely beautiful, with just the right combination of depth, width, length, rock color and ambient light
The seasonal stream of Antelope creek flows into Lake Powell 3 miles east of Page in far north Arizona. Most of the watercourse is wide and sandy, but it forms two sections of slot canyon near the lake (Upper and lower Antelope Canyon), separated by several miles of flat desert terrain. Lower Antelope Canyon extends between AZ 98 and the lake, and is reached by a short track northwards leading to a parking area from where the escorted tours depart.
At the entrance you have to pay tax to the Navajo tribe and then proceed to the office from where the tours depart. Keep some cash handle as the tours and entrance taxes have to be paid in cash.
Bust of the Queen in the canyon
LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON
Navajo name for Lower Antelope Canyon is “Spiral Rock Arches.” Years ago, herds of Pronghorn Antelope roamed freely in and around the canyon, which explains the English name. This incredible canyon has been created over many thousands of years by the relentless forces of water and wind, slowly carving and sculpting the sandstone into forms, textures, and shapes which we observe today.
Views in Lower Antelope Canyon change constantly as the sun moves across the sky, filtering lights softly across the stone walls. These ever-moving sun angles bounce light back and forth across the narrow canyon’s walls, creating a dazzling display of color, light, and shadow.
You cannot visit Lower antelope canyon on your own and have to book a guided tour. We used Kens tours and the guides were pleasant and knowledgeable.
The Indian Chief
The Eye
Prior to the installation of metal stairways, visiting the canyon required climbing along pre-installed ladders in certain areas. Even after installation of stairways, it is a more difficult hike than Upper Antelope. It is longer, narrower in spots, and even footing is not available in all areas. At the end of the tour , the climb out requires several flights of stairs.
Despite these limitations, Lower Antelope Canyon draws a considerable number of photographers, though casual sightseers are much less common there than in Upper.
Due to the extremely high dynamic range it is challenging to take photographs of the slot canyon without the use of tripods. Special photo tours are conducted with allow use of tripods – not allowed during the general tours. If you are interested in professional looking photos sign up for these tours. Check out Phuket And Krabi Travel Guidelines
Despite these limitations, Lower Antelope Canyon draws a considerable number of photographers, though casual sightseers are much less common there than in Upper. We took the tours from Kens Lower antelope tours.
Stairs leading to the canyon
The Eagle
Due to the extremely high dynamic range it is challenging to take photographs of the slot canyon without the use of tripods. Special photo tours are conducted with allow use of tripods – not allowed during the general tours.
Surreal views of the Antelope canyon
Lion in the Canyon . Made famous by a National Geographic photo of the Lion from almost the same vantage point.