Antelope Canyon is Mother Nature's most beautiful place in northern Arizona, United States of America. The area where this unique park lies belongs to the Navajo Indian tribe, so the entrance to the territory is paid. The fee will need to be given to the local population, and they, in turn, will allow you to hire a guide.
Short description
Antelope Canyon in the USA is a unique phenomenon, but still little known for some reason. This is for the best, because thanks to the unknown, there are not so many tourists here. It is an offshoot of another canyon - Glen. A stream flows through it into the Colorado River in spring, and in the warm season it dries up. Antelope Canyon is not a national park, unlike its neighboring canyons. Around the territory are lands belonging, as already mentioned, to the Navajo Indians. That is why not everyone can get here, and you will have to pay a small fee for the right to pass. Despite the fact that tourists will not see anytoilets, no water stalls (this is in the desert), no map, the indicated place is worth a visit. The beauty of the gorges is beyond description. It's amazing how nature could create such a miracle.
History of the canyon
This unique natural area was discovered relatively recently - only in the 20th century. Local Indians have put together a legend that the place was discovered quite by accident by a little girl. She went to look for a lost goat in the mountains and accidentally came across a stunningly beautiful gorge. The admission of outsiders to them was allowed only at the end of the twentieth century - in 1997. Prior to this, only local Indians were allowed to do this.
What does the territory include
On this plateau lies the upper (Upper) and lower (respectively Lower) Antelope Canyon. Photos and reviews of visitors indicate that the first is more beautiful. Its depth reaches six meters, and the bottom is sandy, smooth, and it is pleasant to walk along it. Also, the Upper Canyon is more passable and even tourists on crutches and with movement restrictions can visit it. But at the same time, both gorges are very similar and extremely good. The Lower Canyon also has its advantages. It is picturesque and unusual. You need to go down the beautiful stairs. In addition, the Lower Canyon has more time to take good pictures because it is less deep.
When is the best time to descend into the gorges
The most successful time of the year for an excursion to the canyons is autumn and spring, or rather, from October to the beginningDecember, and also in March-April. It was then that the sun's rays, penetrating into the gorges, reach to the very bottom. Thus, the canyons look absolutely fabulous, as if the lights are on in some marvelous palace of the underground king.
It's too hot here in summer, so the trip can become unbearable. In addition, during the hot season, thunderstorms and showers are frequent - then visits are prohibited even with a guide.
In winter, the gorges are quite gloomy and therefore may not be the best photos. But in winter you can see interesting deep shadows on the walls. Whatever time of year you go there, Antelope Canyon (Arizona) will hit you in the heart and be remembered forever. This is a unique nature reserve.
Photos - and after all, this is what most tourists go for - they are most successful in the afternoon. That's when the sun is at its zenith. In the Lower Canyon, this is the time interval from 10 am to 2 pm, and in the Upper Canyon, it is noon (11.00–13.00). However, one nuance should be kept in mind. In the Upper Canyon at exactly noon, the Sun shines so brightly that it floods the entire gorge with rays. Then it is better to wait a little with photographing and postpone it for at least an hour, otherwise all the charm and magic of the place disappears.
Antelope Canyon: how to get there
It is very difficult to get there by public transport, so it is good if you are driving your own car. Antelope Canyon is located in Arizona (USA). Photos and maps show that the nearest settlement here would bethe town of Page (in English Page), which is closer to the Utah border. The territory lies four miles east of the city. We need to move along highway number 98 towards a large coal-fired power plant. So, the Upper Canyon will be on the right side of the road, and the Lower, respectively, on the left. It is worth noting that the signs are rather inconspicuous, because they are made by hand, and are not official road signs. There is only a small notice board along the road towards the Upper Antelope Canyon. The mentioned coal station can serve as a reference point. If you drove past it, this is a sign to turn around.
From the major city of San Diego, the journey will take about 10 hours (700 miles). Take i-15 towards Barstow and take the exit onto i-40 east. Then the path leads to the city of Flagstaff - about 200 miles, and from there there is a direct road to Page along Highway 89 (northbound).
How to enter the territory
There are two ways to enter Antelope Canyon (Arizona). The United States is a market economy country, so it has a wide variety of companies. There are tour operators in every town. In the village closest to the canyon - Page - there are four travel agencies involved in showing this natural wonder. The easiest way to get into the canyon is to book a tour through these companies.
The second way to get into the territory is more economical. You just need to drive yourself by car to the hut, which is on the turn from highway number 98. They are usually on dutylocal Indians, who are engaged in collecting groups of tourists. By paying a fee of 3 euros, you can get inside. However, you will still have to pay for the services of a guide. They are hourly, but in principle, an hour is enough. In any case, it will turn out to be cheaper than booking an excursion in travel agencies, and the guide will provide information to you personally. The only disadvantage of this method is that when approaching the territory, there may be no one in the duty hut. Then you have to wait a bit.
Without a guide, they will not let you into the gorge anyway. This rule is very strict. Especially carefully monitor this in the rainy season. Then at any moment the canyon can be filled with water. In addition, during a thunderstorm, visiting the territory is prohibited at all.
How much does an excursion to the canyon cost
The cost of the tour is from 25 euros to 50. Any of the excursions includes the road from the town to the place itself, fees and charges. On average, travel agencies make several visits per day. Usually the tour of the canyon itself lasts an hour, and the road takes half an hour in each direction. A three-hour tour is recommended for photographers. It is very difficult to set up the equipment in an hour, and the differences in shadows and light inside the caves are quite strong. It will be difficult for ordinary people to walk for so long between crevices, and for some it may seem simply boring to roam the desert areas for so long. It is quite cold in the canyon, if you take a tour for three hours, then you need to take care of warmer clothes.
One of the most profitable tour operators in Page: Antelope Canyon Adventuresat Safeway Plaza. The office is located at the intersection of the main artery of the city - Lake Powell Boulevard and the small Elm Street.
Which tour is better to choose
It is best to book the first of three day trips. It starts around 10 am, and by half past ten the group is already in the canyon. Thus, whichever of the gorges the tourists go to, they will be fascinated by the magic of light and shadows here, and friends and relatives after some time will be fascinated by their pictures. If you take a tour for 12 hours, then in the Upper Antelope Canyon you will get not the best pictures. Unless you book a three-hour trip at this time. Then it will be possible to wait out the sun at its zenith.
After two hours (that's when it's time for the third tour) the light is not so bright anymore, more shadows and not the best light in both places. An alternative option would be to take a three-hour tour. Then, even if the departure is at 12 o'clock, you can admire all the options for the play of light and shadows on the walls of the crevices.
But the best way to enjoy the canyons to the fullest is to book a three-hour and earliest excursion. It will be possible to see how the sun enters the crevices, and then leaves them. In addition, you can visit both canyons, but not run "gallop across Europe", but enjoy the unique natural spectacle in full. Yes, a three-hour tour is 1.5 times more expensive, but when will you come here again?
What to visit near the canyon
From Antelope Canyon to a larger park - Grand Canyon -about 150 miles. You can get there in a few hours if you drive. Therefore, if you have a few days in Arizona, then you can drive from here and admire the Grand Canyon. At the same time, it will be possible to compare these two beautiful natural sites: a popular national park and a rather closed area, but just as attractive and beautiful.
