Less than 10 miles from the shores of Lake Powell near Page, Arizona, shafts of light play through the narrow walls of one of the most-photographed slot canyons on earth. Although Antelope Canyon empties into Lake Powell, the part near the lake is unspectacular, and you'll want to visit the twisted slots found farther inland on the Navajo Reservation. A guide licensed by the Navajo Nation must accompany you and will escort you directly to the most scenic spots.
The Water Runs Through It
- "Tse' bighanilini" -- meaning the "place where water runs through rocks" in the Dine language of the Navajo -- is where you photograph the twisted sandstone pierced by shafts of light. Tours depart from the town of Page and last between 50 minutes and two hours, depending on your tour preference. A four-wheel drive vehicle transports you to scenic areas in the canyon where you can go ahead on foot. Contact Antelope Canyon Tours to make reservations.
Sculpted Spirals
- Lower Antelope Canyon is known as "Hasdeztwazi" -- "spiral rock arches" -- by the Navajo. You won't need reservations for this tour, which departs every half-hour from the parking area at Lower Antelope Canyon 6 miles east of Page. Ken's Guided Tour operates year round, with hours varying slightly from winter to summer. Colors and shadows on the twisted sandstone rock change from hour to hour and season to season, creating stunning photo opportunities on every tour.
- Picture This
- Professional photographers can book a two-hour tour in Upper Antelope Canyon to catch midday lighting pouring the famous shafts of light into the narrow slots. As the sun progresses through the sky, the canyon walls intensify in color, allowing you to capture deep blues, purples and reds. The level canyon floor makes it easy to carry in all the photographic equipment you care to use, but use protective coverings as the canyon's fine sand easily penetrates moving parts.
Tribal Lands Etiquette
- While just 6 miles from Page, Antelope Canyon belongs to the Navajo Nation and is inhabited by tribal members. Stay with your tour guide and heed his instructions about where you can take pictures. Do not photograph homes, people, ceremonial items or sacred sites on tribal lands without first asking permission. Do not wander away from the tour. Should you meet a tribal member, extend the same respect you would expect from a visitor in your own home.
