What is Antelope Canyon, or Antelope Canyon Grand Canyon, Known For? Everything to know before your trip! Everything you always wanted to know about Antelope Canyon Grand Canyon but were afraid to ask can be found here. This includes everything from the hours of operation, to what kind of weather you can expect, and where to stay while visiting this amazing national park. If you’re planning a trip, this article has everything you need to know about Antelope Canyon!
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Table of Contents
History of Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon has become one of Arizona’s most-visited landmarks. It was created by erosion from monsoon season rains and summer heat – creating a hole or slot canyon (otherwise known as antelope slot canyon). The Navajo name for Antelope Slot Canyon is Tsé bighánílíní, meaning a place where water runs through rocks. If you were to call it anything, you would most likely call it a photoshoot paradise or getaway spot! This sandstone canyon was designated a national monument in November 2000.
In 2014, it became a national park. To date, there are four different tours offered: Upper Antelope Canyon Tour, Lower Antelope Canyon Tour, Combination Upper & Lower Tours, and Full Moon Tours. What makes these tours so popular? They offer some of the best views of natural beauty that you can find on earth. With amazing rock formations, smooth flowing waters, and gorgeous sunset colors; you will not be disappointed with your experience here. Many people come back year after year just to see if they can find something new about these beautiful places each time they visit. One thing that doesn’t change at all is how stunningly beautiful they are every single time they are visited.
Overview of the canyon
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in northern Arizona, United States, near Page. The sandstone canyon features spectacular twisting passages and formations that include fins, stalactites, and other speleothems. It is located within Navajo Nation (formerly known as Navajo Indian Reservation) land and requires permission from Navajo authorities to visit. It has been called one of the most photographed places on Earth because of its unusual light beams created by sun rays shining through narrow gaps in its walls. It was formed by erosion of thick layers of hard rock that were deposited during the Precambrian to Jurassic periods (approximately 540 million years ago). The upper parts of these layers are composed of limestone with large deposits of calcium carbonate; the lower parts are composed mostly of shale; both are resistant to erosion. Water seeped into cracks within these layers and later evaporated, leaving behind travertine deposits which formed columns and other shapes found today.
How to get there
Grand Canyon Antelope Canyon is located at Lees Ferry on highway 89. It can be accessed by car. Those planning to visit should also plan on a 2-mile round trip hike. After parking in a designated lot, visitors will cross a bridge and make their way down an easy trail that follows a drainage until it comes to an opening inside canyon walls through which one enters for exploration of these spectacular geological features. As you move forward you’ll notice many obstacles within these narrow rock walls; some present challenging situations for those who venture forth, but with proper guidance and instruction all find their way.
Visitors are encouraged to bring water, wear sturdy shoes and watch children closely as they play along unstable sandstone surfaces. The best time of year for viewing these amazing formations is from late spring through early fall when temperatures remain mild throughout Arizona’s high desert country (70-80 degrees F). Winter months can be cold but offer stunning views as sunlight casts its glow upon surrounding snow-capped mountains providing a magical backdrop for your adventure!
When to visit
Visit in April and October. To avoid crowds, head to Arizona during April and October. During these months, temperatures are milder, and fewer people visit due to cold weather in some areas of North America. You can also visit from May to September, though beware that peak summer months in July and August tend to bring a large influx of tourists as well as higher summer rates for hotels. Additionally, May to early June is monsoon season in Arizona, so make sure you keep an eye on weather forecasts before traveling during those months.
A number of tours, including helicopter tours and rafting trips, require reservations. If your trip includes one of these excursions, book at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability. It’s worth noting that airfare prices are generally cheaper during spring and fall; if possible, plan your trip around public holidays like Labor Day or Thanksgiving when many airlines offer sales. Keep in mind that off-season (i.e., winter) will be much colder than typical U.S. desert conditions—expect highs around 50°F/10°C instead of 70°F/20°C—and plan accordingly with clothing layers!
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Things you can do in the Antelope Canyon include photography tours and weddings
Antelope Canyon’s unique environment gives it a magical quality that makes it, unlike any other Grand Canyon feature. Each view you encounter seems different than what you saw in every previous location. Antelope Canyon provides an unparalleled photography experience, with every turn presenting a new challenge and visual delight to capture. Since there are not many places where it’s possible to take photos within Antelope Canyon, many visitors choose to have their photos taken by professional photographers at one of several Antelope Canyon photography tours offered. Tour guides work with each visitor to find that perfect angle for that perfect shot! Some visitors choose to have their special day within Antelope Canyon as well; whether a wedding or vow renewal ceremony, Antelope Canyon can provide an intimate and memorable setting for these memories.
Antelope Canyon is truly amazing. Need more? Here are five reasons to visit Antelope Canyon. If you don’t believe it, just google it, and you will see for yourself. Better yet, take a trip and see for yourself. After all, seeing is believing right?
