Road trips are the quintessential American adventure, and when the US Travel Dad hits the open road, you can expect an unforgettable journey. We were on our big Colorado-Utah-Arizona roadtrip, and were exploring the Page and Lake Powell area. Now it was time to make - what turned out to be - one of our most favorite stops ever: the Antelope Canyon, nestled on the border of Arizona and Utah.
The Antelope Canyon is actually made up of two different canyons; the Lower and the Upper.
They are not connected, but in the same area and only a short drive from each other. We opted for the Lower Antelope Canyon. While both are unforgettable, we liked that the lower one is actually underground (the upper one is a slot in a rock formation, hence the name 'Upper').
You need to take quite a lot of stairs to descend into the canyon and once on the bottom, it is very narrow, with several ladders you need to climb up and down. That is exactly the adventure our kids like a lot. As a bonus, the Lower Canyon therefore is a bit less crowded.
How the Antelope Canyons Were Sculpted
The Antelope is a slot canyon, which means it is a narrow, deep, and winding canyon with high walls, formed over millions of years through the erosional forces of water. Rushing waters from occasional flash floods wore away the sandstone, leaving behind the curved, undulating passageways that make the canyon famous today. The play of light and shadow within the narrow walls make it a surreal otherworldly landscape that you just cannot stop but want to take pictures of. My wife is a photographer, and she had tears in her eyes during the whole tour.
Do not bother to spontaneously visit the canyons, they are only accessible through a pre-booked tour. And that has to do not only with money but also with the nature of this natural wonder. We are talking about so-called 'Slot Canyons' here. They have been carved out by the water, and still today sudden flash floods, caused by the occasional rain in the area, will rush through the canyons and are hardly survivable. In 1997, 11 tourists died as a result of a flash flood in Antelope Canyon, justifying the need for experienced tours.
Navajo Land and the Canyon's Spiritual Significance
The canyons are on Navajo land, and our tour guides were members of the Navajo Nation. To them, the canyons are sacred and hold a connection with the Navajo culture. Within Navajo culture, there are myths and stories associated with the creation of the canyon.
The Navajo people hold ceremonies and rituals within the canyon, connecting with the land and seeking blessings from the spiritual world. Efforts are made to maintain the canyon's integrity while allowing limited tourism to generate income for the Navajo community.
Five Must-See Features in Lower Antelope Canyon:
Let me first tell you about what to expect when you visit the Lower Antelope Canyon aka The Corkscrew. The best place to stay the night is in or around the city of Page, just a 15-minute drive from the canyons. You can park your car there and the group will be gathered. Expect the sun burning on you on most of the days in the main season (May - September) so make sure to bring water and a cap/hat.
Once the tour starts about three guides will bring the group down the stairs into the canyon, about 120 feet/37 meters down. The floor of the canyon is very narrow and winding (the canyon has a V-shape), and there are several points where you have to climb up a few ladders.
Totally doable for most, and for kids it is a great adventure. Less ideal for the elderly or disabled. Then the Upper Antelope Canyon might be a better idea (A-shaped).
Once descended, the hike starts, slow-paced, with constant awe, and a lot of photographs. After approx. 45 minutes you come up again at the end of the canyon, about 1,200 feet/600 meters further.
1. Woman in the Wind:
The layers of the woman's hair showcase how the sandstone has been sculpted by nature subtly through the millions of years.
2. The Beams of Light:
The sunlight filters through the narrow openings high up in the slot canyon, creating beams of light. Mid-morning and early afternoons are the best times to capture this magic.
3. The Crack:
As we continued through the narrow winding trail on the canyon floor, the tour guide showed us 'The Crack', which is known for the amazing contrast in light and colors.
4. The Eagle:
We spotted the Eagle with its sharp beak, eye, sitting and watching for its prey, contrasted by the light beams that enters the V-shaped canyon high up.
5. The Shark:
The final animal we spotted was The Shark, hidden behind a few layers, but clearly recognizable with its pointy nose and opened beak.
And that concluded our Antelope Canyon adventure. 45 Minutes that none of the US Travel Dad family will ever forget, and memories - plus pictures - that we regularly revisit!
Bonus Adventure: The Horseshoe Bend
Before concluding our journey, we couldn't resist a detour to Horseshoe Bend. A short drive from Lower Antelope Canyon, this iconic natural wonder offers great panoramic views of the Colorado River's dramatic meander. It's a perfect addition to the Arizona-Utah road trip itinerary.
Tips for Planning Your Visit:
Getting There: Of course, I will always recommend doing a bigger roadtrip. In our case, we started in Denver, and traveled through Colorado and Utah, before setting up camp in Page Arizona, and visiting the Antelope Canyon. But if you do not have the time, you can start your journey by flying into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport or even Las Vegas and then driving to Page, Arizona, the nearest city to Lower Antelope Canyon.
Booking Tours: Due to access restrictions, it's essential to book guided tours in advance. Without a tour, you will not be allowed into either canyon. Several tour operators offer guided experiences. You can find them on the Navajo Nation Park page.
Accommodation: Page offers various accommodation options, from hotels and motels to campgrounds. Reserve your stay ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Pack Wisely: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes, as well as sunscreen and a hat. Be mindful of the weather, as it can be hot in summer and cold in winter.
Respect the Land and Culture: Follow your guide's instructions, adhere to photography regulations, and respect the Navajo Nation's guidelines throughout your visit.
Useful Links:
Navajo Park Nation recommended Tours
Join the debate of which is the better and more difficult canyon
Read more about the Navajo Nation
