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!
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