ANTELOPE CANYON

On Navajo Nation property, Antelope Canyon requires guided tours. In the area, several tour operators guide groups to the canyon and impart their knowledge about the area's geology and history. The magnificent canyon was carved by millions of years of water and wind erosion, and it was named for the herds of pronghorn antelope that once roamed the area. Since there is more sunlight entering Upper Antelope Canyon and the walls reach up to 120 feet, it is the most popular tour route. In the Lower Antelope Canyon tour, visitors are immersed in the swirling embrace of sandstone walls.

Photography

In Northern Arizona, nature photographers travel to Glen Canyon and Lake Powell to capture the beauty of the scenery. However, the most popular destination for photographers is Antelope Canyon. Guided tours are available year-round, but professional photographers plan ahead and arrive at the canyon midday between March and October. When the sun is in a certain position, light shafts reach the canyon floor and illuminate the pink, red, orange, and gold patterns on its walls. Although muted, the colors of the canyon are still spectacular during the winter months. Remember to look up at Antelope Canyon even if there are other visitors all around you.

Hiking

Even though most of the hiking terrain in the area is flat, the sand and sandstone surfaces are always difficult to navigate. It's easier to hike Upper Antelope Canyon since it has ground-level entry. On the way back to the parking area, visitors trek on sandy trails with steep metal stairs and walkways along the way for 20 minutes. Getting to the Lower Antelope Canyon requires a longer sandy hike and several elevation changes with ladders and stairways. Page Rimview Trail offers hikers 9.8 miles of trail time. Canyonlands, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam and dramatic rock formations are all visible from the trail.

Weekend Getaway

Make Page your base for exploring Antelope Canyon and other slot canyons and geological wonders in the area. The area, which lies on the south shore of Lake Powell, is a year-round attraction for roadtrippers because of its natural beauty. Plan a weekend getaway from Page by visiting other attractions nearby. A road trip through Northern Arizona includes Horseshoe Bend and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.