(Getty Images). My wife and I were in Page last fall and toured Upper (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We are Rhonda and Mike, a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel every chance we get! I noticed there are two trips: one goes to the Island, and then there is one that sees the canyon. I was with a group of photographers on a tour to this unusual slot canyon located on private land of a local Navajo family. Learn how your comment data is processed. Upper Antelope Canyon is by far the most popular of the two. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. For the Lower Antelope, it is best to take the tour between 10 am to 1 pm. Waterhole Canyon was our last stop on our Page, AZ tour, and we headed to Monument Valley next. It depends on a few things, such as your time constraints (if any), tolerance (or lack thereof) for crowds and fitness level. Hi Konstanze, thank you for your comment. I could spend hours here just taking in the natural creations. But we're here to help show you the ropes, from how to book a Navajo guide to tips on photographing the shifting light. Upper Antelope Canyon is called Ts bighnln, 'the place where water runs through rocks' by the Navajo People in that specific area.It is the most frequently visited by tourists because its entrance and entire length are at ground level, requiring no climbing; and because beams of direct sunlight radiating down from openings at the top of the canyon are much more common all year round . If people knew the real name they might find it by themselves and go there without hiring the outfitter. So, I did my share of online digging and found the Secret Canyon an intimate version of the slot canyon, which was definitely the highlight of our South West USA road trip. Most tours begin in Page or at the park's entrance off Highway 98. Hotel review: ALO Hotel by Ayres (Anaheim, California, USA), 10 things to do in Bali with bonus saving tips, Snorkeling in Maldives: a moment of reflection, Snorkljanje na Maldivih in minuta za samorefleksijo. On the other hand, Lower Antelope Canyon is known to be a more fun experience, due to the different types of passageways and climbing areas. Slot canyons are always significantly deeper than they are wide. I did a review of Hummer Tours, so you might want to look for that under Things to do. The whole tour takes about 2 2.5 hours which is long enough to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the canyon itself, plus you get a plenty of time for taking pictures, even if you are proffessional photographer. We did the hike in converse and me in a green gown. Ill pay more for a smaller, more intimate tour than an assembly line-like one any day. First of all, let me say that your pictures are absolutely amazing! I highly suggest paying the $10 more for 'prime time,' which is when the light beams shine through. I was excited to return and try to capture its beauty with my newer equipment and techniques. Lower Antelope Canyon Tours run around $50 including a $8 Navajo Nation land use permit with a 50% discount for kids. We took the Lower Antelope Canyon Photography Tour and saw first hand how tour guides herded tourists through like cattle. Interesting comparison Donna, thanks. Aceste dou locuri sunt, fr ndoial, dou dintre cele mai magnifice atracii din sud-vest. Canyon vs antelope canyon. Though hardly remote by some Arizona standards, Antelope Canyon is still considered a lengthy drive and hike for many areas of the state. There, youll find several shuttles or tour companies willing to bring you to and from the various outdoors excursions, including Antelope Canyon. You will get an obscene amount of sand in your shoes though! When you buy your permit, the attendant will hand you a map, which we didnt really use. The tour starts at $102 per person, but cost an additional $10 if you want to visit during peak sunlight hours. Or, you can rent a car and do the scenic drive yourself. We hiked aka walked all through the canyon and eventually came to a ladder. Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours also runs outings to Upper Antelope Canyon combined with either Rattlesnake Canyon or both Rattlesnake and Owl canyons. As independent travellers, we appreciated the laid back nature of the tour- not being held back and made to stay with the group, yet having a guide available to answer questions as they came up. Though is looked pretty exciting it also looked a bit narrow for us so we simply walked back the way we came and exited through another set of cairns that marked the way out. Please confirm directly with service providers. Theres no real sign and we actually missed it coming from Page. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers.. The second larger and more impressive part of Canyon X starts about a few hundred feet along a sandy wash where small lizards scampered. The sign reads Lake Powell. Experience. At first I was worried if taking the morning tour was a good idea (I had read that you were supposed to visit slot canyon at noon for the perfect lightning) but that was no issue at all. The company recommends advance reservations, as tickets sell out quickly, and suggests that visitors without them arrive one hour prior to their preferred tour start time. The company's guides consistently earn positive reviews for their knowledge not only of the area's history and culture but also of their photography techniques. Hotel guests can book a boat tour, dinner cruise or rent their own powerboat for an unforgettable day on the water. We both really enjoyed the laid-back nature of our Secret Canyon tour. About Secret Canyon (a.k.a Horseshoe Bend Canyon) Secret Canyon is a branch of the larger Water Holes Canyon that cuts through the Navajo sandstone near Lake Powell. Jackpot! In Flagstaff, take I-40 East towards Albuquerque for roughly 6-miles. Once you get there just dont forget to breathe. In fact, it has become so popular, you have to book your tour a few days ahead (you can't do it alone, as the land is owned by Navajo tribe) especially if you are on a road trip and can't afford to lose time. Horseshoe Bend attracts 2 million visitors every year and is one of the most photographed sites in northern Arizona. Did the Chief Tsosie Upper Antelope tour at 3pm crowds weren't much of an issue. AZ This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. While part of the Antelope Canyon system, this particular canyon is separate from Upper or Lower Antelope Canyons. Whether you start in Page or at the park's entrance, be prepared to ride in a four-wheel-drive vehicle through a sandy riverbed to the canyon. On the company's sightseer tours, you'll spend about an hour in the canyon, plus 40 minutes round-trip travel time to the Antelope Canyon Tours office in Page, Arizona. Even though Secret Canyon is a wonderful alternative to Antelope Canyon, thats not to say that Antelope isnt worth visiting as well. Drivers coming from the north or south can take Route 89, drivers from the west can take Route 89A, and visitors commuting from the east can take Route 98. I guess you never know what style of guide youll get, but the one we had was a good fit for our personalities. Waterhole Canyon and Antelope Canyon are both slot canyons and very similar in appearance. One near the entrance I called the Monster. The cuts are modern and even the white shirts protect you from the sun. Cairns, little piles of rocks, and footprints both mark the trail so we did not have a problem finding our way in and out of the slot canyon. If you want to take great pictures then I recommend the Secret Canyon tour as it is much easier to get the time and space to do that without people constantly wandering into the view of your lens. When it comes to what time of day you should visit, there really isnt a right answer. I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. The trip stops outside the entrance to Secret Canyon and heads out on a 100 yard nature hike through the desert into the canyon. Please note, Canyon X and Secret Canyon are temporarily closed. Because I also wanted to see Horseshoe Bend, we signed up for the Slot Canyon and Overlook Combo tour, as it was a hassle free way to see two of Pages top attractions. Tags: Tours, Vacations, Travel, Arizona Vacations, Southwest Vacations, US Vacations. Hour-long tours of Lower Antelope Canyon cost $40, and up to $80 for deluxe options.The price generallybut not alwaysincludes taxes and the $8 Navajo permit fee. This scenic beauty can be found just east of Page, Arizona. For those reasons, I started to look for an alternative to Antelope Canyon, one where I could enjoy similar scenery, but have plenty of time for capturing photos and absorbing the atmosphere. Over millions of years, rainwater and flooding widens and deepens the opening and the result is a narrow, tall passage through the rocks of the plateau, that can be miles long. Antelope Canyon is beautiful, very accessible and an easy level walk on sand. Additional tour companies depart from Flagstaff, Arizona, or Las Vegas and combine their daylong excursions to Antelope Canyon with trips to other natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. Required fields are marked *. Antelope Canyon is open year-round; however, most people will try to visit mid-day during weekends from March through October, when the light shafts appear. With a DSLR, opt for a high ISO setting and use a wide aperture. One of the steepest slot canyons in the area with hoodoos, corkscrews, multi-colored sandstone and stunning rock formations all without the crowds of the more well-known and popular Antelope Canyons. The first thing to know about Antelope Canyon is that these are slot canyons. It is a very beautiful canyon. Here's the essential information you need for a satisfying visit. The colors of rocks are fantastic even in a complete shade (and also cameras can do miracles) so I didnt regret my decision even for a second. Tickets, which do not include park entrance fees and taxes, cost approximately $50 for visitors 13 and older and $30 for those 4 to 12. Antelope Canyon is like no other spot on earth. VISIT SECRET CANYON: This Hummer tour begins at 12 N. Lake Powell Blvd. We noticed that this group was sticking together while the guide explained things as they went. These hikes, which travelers say are led by knowledgeable and professional guides, usually last 60 to 90 minutes and cover about a mile. This canyon is renowned for the breathtaking shafts of light that break through the narrow canyon roof. Just make sure you take it out with you after the tour.Don't: Bring bags, purses, fanny packs, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, food and drinksall are prohibited in the canyon. At what time did you visit the Secret Canyon? I fear with the improvements made and the ease of access now to this wonderful place that in the years ahead it will no longer be a Secret Canyon of the Navajo. It is locaated in the water holes area. This is more likely to happen from June to September, during Arizona's monsoon season. Antelope Canyon X Taadidiin Tours is the only operator running tours of Antelope Canyon X. For some reason, I always enjoy riding around in the back of a truck- it makes the trip feel more adventurous! Antelope Canyon is just off Highway 98. If Antelope Canyon has made its way on your travel bucket list, and the beautiful imagery has got you feeling some sort of wanderlusty way, we hope youll consider booking a tour with Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours. Tripods and photography gear other than hand-held cameras are forbidden, as are firearms, bags and pets. Learn how to take fantastic photos of Antelope Canyon from a trained guide during a tour of either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. You do not need to purchase a permit to go to Waterhole Canyon beforehand. Your email address will not be published. Get to Antelope Canyon (or, the nearby Page, Arizona). 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Both areas feature the gorgeous curvy walls that beckon visitors from all over the world but you'll find the tourist . Canyon X: This section is named after an area that forms an X-shape. As the previous post indicated, Hummer Tours provides access to Secret Canyon as well as Passage and Staircase Canyons. You didnt really keep the secret did you? It seems we could do the overlook on our own and save the extra $30. You can go to Water Holes Canyon completely on your own without a guide or a tour group. Page. A miniature version of those famous sandstone formations in Utah. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Most 90-minute tours of Upper Antelope Canyon cost between $50 and $90 (slightly less for children), although some operators offer discounts on their early bird and last chance tours. Let's explore the world together. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. (866) 275-5816 | (602) 364-3700, Copyright 2023 VisitArizona.com | Privacy Policy, Don't forget to look up! When you get close, youll find man-made stairs (5 flights of them!) We describe our travel style as "laid back luxe" and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and historic sites. INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS. Upper Antelope Canyon is at ground level, has less than a 2% incline and is the more popular entrance. I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. The colors keep changing because of different angles, so dont worry. On windy days, dust can blow into your nose, mouth and ears. The permit is $12 per person, less than a general sightseeing tour of Antelope and much less than the photo tour of Antelope Canyon. Before I share with you our experience visiting Secret Canyon, heres a brief background about this special location. Discover Canyon X in Antelope Canyon on a guided tour, with timed entry for a hassle-free adventure. It carried me and my gear quickly and comfortably up the hill to my vehicle. From a more logistical standpoint, the quickest way to get there (if youre not near the Four Corners) is to make your way to Las Vegas, which is home to the closest airport. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-22708703', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Antelope Canyon. Keep in mind, bags of any kind, photography equipment, strollers and pets are not permitted on this tour. Since going to Antelope Canyon requires a tour, you really cant spend that much time taking pictures. You just need to buy a permit right before you go and put that permit on the dashboard of your car when you park. Not any longer. Loved it all, so many gorgeous things to see! If you want to keep your water cool for the hike, these jugs Check Prices Here are great for keeping it cold. Gorgeous pics and well def remember the recommendations next time were in the area , Your email address will not be published. The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. 1600 feet long. Answer 1 of 4: My husband and I will travel to Page in May of this year. Tough call if I had to pick just one, but I would probably go with the Hummer tour to see Secret, Passage and Staircase Canyons, ditch the crowds and have the possibility of seeing some wildlife. What's a slot canyon, you might ask? I think this Secret Canyon is near Page. The textures and shapes with the variety of shadows also create potential for stunning black and white images too. The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. Any tips on this? The canyon splits into several tributaries, some which have deep narrow sections known as slot canyons. The company's 90-minute sightseer tours of the Upper Canyon take place several times daily beginning at 7:30 a.m. Prices for these tours, which include the park entrance fee, cost approximately $100 per person (the 11:40 a.m. tour is slightly higher as it is peak time). Its wider at the beginning and shorter in height, but as you hike further in it looks more and more like Antelope Canyon. For tour information and prices clickhere. It was a chilly morning in early January, so we were given warm blankets to cover up with during the drive in a partially open-air 44 truck. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. Tours:Secret Canyon can only be visited by guided tour andHorseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tourshas exclusive access. The canyon forms part of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation. Our tour of Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon started at 9:00 a.m. at the tour office in Page. If you're planning a trip and need help deciding which area to visit, keep these recommendations in mind. Pay whatever they want. For the most part, we had this slot canyon to ourselves. Prime time to visit this slot is mid-day when the sunbeams shine down on the canyon floor; however, everyone and his brother wants to see this phenomenon, so the canyon will be crowded between 10 AM and 1 PM. Theres no special gear you need for hiking this slot canyon unless you plan on hiking the super narrow part beyond the ladder. Anytime I venture out where I know I will be in the sun all day I always wear one of these UV Cut shirts. The celebrated light beams that illuminate the canyon are most likely to be seen during the summer months. The effect is almost surreal, and photographers from around the globe come to capture its beauty. Canyon X is much less crowded and just as stunning.. Along with standard tours to Upper Antelope Canyon, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours also offers tours of the nearby Cathedral Canyon. Specifically, when booking your tour time, Upper's magic hour is the 10:30am tour slot. Our earlier visit was definitely not as nerve-wracking! I remember the cardiac stressing scramble up the sandy and steep exit from my earlier trip. It's a slot canyon, meaning it formed from water carving it out over millions of years. These beams slice through the roof of the canyon most reliably around noon on clear days. Each time has its advantages: select the 10:20 a.m. tour if you want to view the sunbeams at their most photogenic or the 2:30 p.m. tour to capture the afternoon light. The road used to require 4 wheel drive over a narrow bumpy dirt road where one curve was being kept from washing away by old washing machines and appliances. 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