While the vistas of the main clefts of the Grand Canyon should be on travelers' agendas for Arizona tours, the elegant dance of colors and light at Antelope Canyon provide a surreal experience through one of the United States' most enchanting landscapes.
Sitting just beyond the small city of Page, Arizona, the Antelope Canyons are found in the heart of the Navajo's traditional homelands. The Navajo name for this unique formation is, "Tse' bighanilini," which means the place where water runs through rocks. While bone dry through much of the year today, both the upper and lower parts of Antelope Canyon encompass narrow trails flanked on both sides by towering, yet elegant, swirls of vibrant sandstone.
Guests will find that the slot canyon's colors change throughout the day, moving from deep purples and reds to brilliant yellows and rich ribbons of orange. Between the narrow openings, beams of light will shine down onto the narrow sandy trails, making this sacred space a truly spiritual experience.
Each canyon provides equally stunning views, albeit each in its own way. The less-visited Lower Canyon has fewer guides, and is recommended for travelers wanting a more private hike, while the Upper Canyon's popularity results in more guides to lead guests on the best trails.
