From being a location I didn’t know existed, to becoming one of my favorite destination – Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona is magic. Most people think Grand Canyon when they hear Arizona (its a beauty too, read all about my adventure at the canyon here!), but this gem is a must visit as well!
The only way to get to Antelope Canyon is through guided tours because the land is private and belongs to the Navajo tribe, it’s also little bit of a drive through rough terrain to get here, and it helps keep employment/tourism alive.
We took the Antelope Canyon Slot tours, and at around 8:00 am they loaded a bunch of us onto a pickup truck and drove to the Upper Antelope Canyon. This place is an absolute photographers paradise. They have tours throughout the day, and when the light is right, laser-like beams of sunlight that seem shot from heaven bring the place to life.
Antelope canyon is an incredible formation of smooth, flowing rock caused by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone, due to flash flooding other sub-aerial processes. In 1997, the Navajo tribe turned the area into a Navajo Tribal Park, opening up the Canyon for tourism.
Upper Antelope Canyon is called Tsé bighánílíní, “the place where water runs through rocks” by the Navajo. Although winter colors are a lot more muted than in the summer, the most popular shot is of shafts of direct sunlight radiating down from openings in the top of the canyon.
The tour takes you through the canyon, and out the other side, and then back the same way to the entrance. Expect lots of foot traffic and frequent stops as everyone tries to get perfect shots! Morning tours are less crowded if you want a peaceful walk through the canyon, but also have lesser light coming through.
Our tour guide was pretty silent for the most part, but was amazing at pointing out different angles and locations to click pictures from, and giving them very creative names!
Crowds not withstanding, this really is one of the most magnificent places I’ve seen. One never knows in what ways the light rays hit surfaces, bringing out so many shapes, patterns and colors depending on how you capture it! I’m a very basic photographer and still managed to get some decent shots, and all the credit goes to this beautiful canyon, she doesn’t have a bad angle you guys!
So there you have it! The next time you’re in the area, don’t miss out on this amazing place!
Stay tuned for more places as stunning and gorgeous, and as always, thanks for reading!
dustyshoesandbeautifulviews 
Wow! I’ve seen photos of this place before but had no idea where or what it was. I just did an awesome road trip around Utah and discovered so many stunning places as well. I really want to go back out West so I’ll have to add Arizona and the Slot Canyons to my list for sure. This place is a photographers dream!
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The light is incredible. Love all the curves and angles of the rock formations too. Nature is truly amazing
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The swirls in the rocks are so surreal, its almost as if they’re in motion. One of the most unbelievable places on earth!
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I’ve heard so much of this canyon already and seeing you’re pictures, I can’t wait to see it myself! I didn’t know that you had to take a guided tour, though, so that was some very useful info!
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Okay I’ve seen these photos a lot and never knew where they were from! Thanks for sharing! These canyons look absolutely beautiful! I’d love to take a tour.
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Amazing photos! I’ve never heard of this canyon before but I’d love to visit in some day.
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I am in the area and I am not missing out on this bucket list place of mine! Going to Antelope day after!!! 😀
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These are splendid images that is hard to missed. I wish to visit the Canyon someday!
-blairvillanueva
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This place looks amazing, I would love to visit it and see those rock formations with my own eyes. You took some really beautiful photos, I love how you captured the light coming through the crevasses.
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Wow! Incredible pictures!
I feel like reaching out and touching them., such smooth lines!
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Antelope Canyons is indeed a surreal wonder of the mother nature. I went to Grand Canyons, Arizona last year during Christmas but couldn’t get a chance to visit Antelope Canyons!
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What amazing lines and colors. Really a wonder of nature. And your pictures are just amazing. It must have been an experience down there. Did you get lost? Is the place well marked?
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This is the first time I have heard of this beautiful place. Your images are amazing they look like paintings.
Love the fact that locals are employed in the tour aspects this is a great way to give back.
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Wow these canyons don’t even look real! Such beautiful shots with the light shining through
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Antelope Canyon is such a breathtaking site. I wonder how come it became like this? Its imperfection becomes perfect!
-blairvillanueva
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Wow those shapes and the light are incredible! It looks like the perfect place to visit for a photography lover, will definitely stop in there if I get the chance to visit Arizona!
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