Antelope Canyon is a popular tourist attraction located in the heart of Navajo Indian Territory in the eastern region of US State of Arizona. Antelope Canyon, also known as Slot Canyon, is divided into two major regions; Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. The ancient settlement of Navajo tribe termed this majestic wonder “Tsé bighánílíní” which means a place where the water runs through the rocks. The lower region of Antelope Canyon was named as “Hasdestwazi” means a place of twisted and winding rocks. Upper Antelope Canyon is the most visited site in the entire region since it offers a magnificent array of awe-inspiring sand rock formations. It is additionally the only site where visitors don’t have to climb because the entrance is at the ground level. including its entire length. Despite the flamboyant sand rock formations, it is best known for its beams of light radiating directly from slots at the top of the canyon. In fact, the majority of tourist explore Upper Antelope Canyon during the summer months; when the sun is bright and directly over the slots of Upper Antelope Canyon, making a picturesque scene and a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Unlike in winters, the sun is subdued by muted sunlight. However, the perfect time to explore Upper Antelope Canyon is during the summer months starting from March and disappearing in the early October.
Geology
Antelope Canyon was formed approximately 200 million years ago by persistent erosion of sub-aerial processes and Navajo Sandstone. Rainwater played a vital role in shaping the underground slot canyons. Above the slot canyon sections, seasonal monsoon rainwater ran through the extensive basin bringing sand and force of water to the narrow passageways. Over time, those narrow passageways eroded into much deeper corridors, meanwhile smoothing the boundaries with a characteristic “curving” figures. However, flooding still occurs in the lower region; as in fact, On October 30th, 2006, Antelope Canyon was severely flooded and the flood lasted for two days. And for five months, the Tribal Park Authorities had to close for public due to security concerns.
Tourism
Antelope Canyon is a major source of tourism business for the Navajo Indian Territory. Upper Antelope Canyon is known to be a world-renowned tourist attraction and a paradise for photographers and sightseeing enthusiasts. In early 1997, Antelope Canyon was designated as a Navajo Tribal Site, which made visitors to explore this wonder only under the guidance of licensed tour operators, and not undependable. For photography enthusiasts, Upper Antelope Canyon is a paradise, wide exposure range of colorful Sandrock formations attracts several million visitors from all around the globe.
Experience
To visit Upper Antelope Canyon, visitors begin the tour from Navajo Park Headquarters located at 22 South Lake Powell Boulevard, near the intersection of North Navajo Drive and Lake Powell Boulevard. The rugged and comfortable 4-wheel drive take the visitors to the entrance of Upper Antelope Canyon. Tour Operators lead the group to popular attractions and deliver the information regarding the geology, cultural, history of the Upper Antelope Canyon.
Things To Know
In fact, Antelope Canyon is the world’s most photogenic place; visitors can point the camera anywhere in 360-degree and get a wonderful photo. Taking a tour at Upper Antelope Canyon has gotten much easier by the assistance from the licensed tour operators, who lead visitors to the most popular angles and spots inside the Upper Antelope Canyon. However, there are still few things visitors should know before taking a trip to the Upper Antelope Canyon. To take a tour at the Upper Antelope Canyons, visitors have to choose between the two tour packages; Standard Guided Tour OR Photography Tour. Upper Antelope Canyons is crowded during the mid-day, especially during the summer months. Photography Tour is slightly expensive than the Standard Guided Tour. The narrow pathways receive an immense number of people exploring the top-notch sites; thus, photography enthusiasts have to take to Photo Tour in order to take photographs, especially by using the tripod stand, because the Standard Guided Tour only offers walking through the famous spots and not stopping by to take photographs.
Reservations Recommended
The enigmatic and haunting attractiveness of Antelope Canyon attracts a massive number of visitors; therefore, reservations are highly recommended as the tours occasionally sell out week in advance.