Antelope Canyon

7 08 2009

[Click on the images for larger and better versions]

Antelope Canyon is what is called a slot canyon, meaning it is very narrow and is formed by water rushing through rock. Those are usually very dangerous to visit when there is a chance of rain because of flash floods. In 1997, Antelope Canyon was hit by a 3-meter high wall of water that rushed inside the canyon through a wash and killed 11 people inside.

Antelope Canyon Wash

The wash leading to Antelope Canyon

Looking up in Antelope Canyon

Looking up in Antelope Canyon

Access to the canyon is managed by the Navajo people. It is not possible to visit it without being in a group led by a Navajo and this is a good thing. The drive in the wash leading to the canyon is filled with shifty sand and only certain vehicles can make their way in there. Also, the guides do check the weather for any sign of rain in the region. Finally, most of them are really good at photography and can give tips as well as take fantastic pictures with your own camera. They know where the cool spots and angles are!

Antelope Canyon Heart

Antelope Canyon Heart

Antelope Canyon Light Beam

Antelope Canyon Light Beam

Antelope Canyon is also very popular for its beams of light. During certain months of the year, the sun rays are able to enter the slot canyon and, at certain times of the day, even hit the ground. The rock textures all around are silky and wavy, giving the place an outherworldly look.

Antelope Canyon Firelight

Antelope Canyon Firelight

Antelope Canyon Contrasting Colors

Antelope Canyon Contrasting Colors

We chose the 10:30AM tour and while the place was packed, it still was possible for us to take a lot of pictures and ask questions to our guide. This lesser known canyon is definitely worth a stop if you are ever around the city of Page, Arizona. It is a refreshing and original change from the surrounding National Parks.


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7 responses

7 08 2009
davecandoit

Holy crap!!! Man, those are some sweet photos. Great work!

7 08 2009
elmarto

Thank you very much! It was an amazing visit on a perfect day.

10 08 2009
Kerstin

Awesome pictures and colors. Some look like the digestive tract of a giant creature ;)

10 08 2009
elmarto

Thank you very much! I really like your analogy :)

10 08 2009
Kerstin

LOL. Too much House, I suppose :)

10 08 2009
elmarto

Remember: “it’s never lupus!”

10 08 2009
Kerstin

but it always comes up :)

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