Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is also called "The Soul of the Navajo Nation." The name "Navajo" comes from the late 18th century via the Spanish (Apaches de) Navajó "(Apaches of) Navajó", which was derived from the Tewa navahū "fields adjoining a ravine". The Navajos call themselves Diné, literally meaning "The People."

Navajo people consider the Canyon to be sacred; before entering they stop and frame their minds in the correct, respectful manner. Every four years, the Navajo people have the Canyon blessed to give thanks to the natural elements of the world that created its unusual shape.

A slot canyon, Antelope Canyon was carved from the red sandstone for millennia by rain and wind it forms a long, narrow, deep, tortuous channel and a flat floor. Slot canyons are subject to flash flooding. For this reason, Antelope Canyon is visited exclusively through guided tours.

On August 12, 1997, eleven tourists, including seven from France, one from the United Kingdom, one from Sweden and two from the United States, were killed in Lower Antelope Canyon by a flash flood.

Pets, backpacks, tripods or any other baggage are not allowed in the canyon in order to protect the walls from scratches and preserve its natural beauty.

Tours are guided by members of the Navajo Nation. They show you the most popular areas of the Canyon and provide you with ample time to take photographs of its most famous sights. Along the way, you will learn about the Canyon’s history as well as the Navajo people.

Tours between 11:00AM and 12:15PM between March and early September provide the best opportunity to see and photograph the most fascinating display of light beams, sand and walls changing colors.

Cost is $69 for adults and $59 for children at the 11:00AM tour. At the other times is $54 and $44 respectively. There is an additional $8 Navajo Park Fee for those aged 8 and older. Due to very high popularity, you need to book months in advance to secure the desired date and time.

Accommodation is available in the nearby Page, AZ city, including hotels, motels and RV parks. Camping is not allowed within Antelope Canyon. The closest campsite available is at Wahweap Marina on Lake Powell.

Antelope Canyon in Pictures

Antelope Canyon aerial view (Google Earth)

DANIEL ŞTEFĂNIŢĂ

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