The slot canyon’s formation began 5 to 6 million years ago and continues to change with every flash flood and rainfall. Here’s a brief timeline of the history of the canyons.
The flash floods that shaped the passageways of Antelope Canyon filter sunlight in a way where you can see light beams pass through the canyons creating a natural light show. It’s a spectacular sight that draws visitors from all over the world.
Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its light beams that shine down through the narrow openings, especially around midday. This canyon is easy to navigate, with its flat floor making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The tall sandstone walls create a dramatic play of shadows and colors, making it the most photographed section of Antelope Canyon. It’s the most popular out of the three canyons, so if you want to take this tour, you should book at least a few weeks in advance to get the slot of your choice.
Why visitors love Upper Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon gives you a more adventurous experience with its winding paths, steeper descents, and narrower slots. Visitors need to navigate a series of stairs and ladders to be able to explore the canyon, but the effort is easily worth it. The walls of Lower Antelope Canyon are more intricately shaped and textured as compared to the upper section. It also tends to be less crowded because it requires more dexterity and a higher fitness level so it’s less accessible. Its dynamic angles make it a favorite among photographers looking for less conventional shots.
What makes Lower Antelope Canyon special
Antelope Canyon X, a lesser-known part of the canyons, offers a quieter and more relaxed experience. It’s named after the X-shaped patterns formed by intersecting rock layers, which are just as striking. Canyon X has wider paths and fewer stairs to navigate when compared to Lower Canyon. Because it sees fewer visitors, it provides a more peaceful way to enjoy the canyon’s beauty, making it perfect for those who want to take in the views without the hustle of larger crowds.
Why visiting Antelope Canyon X is recommendedThe canyon is named after the pronghorn antelopes that once roamed freely in the area in large herds.
Upper Canyon is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, except for pregnant women and those with mobility issues. Lower Canyon requires navigating stairs and ladders, making it less accessible. Antelope Canyon X is fairly accessible compared to Lower Canyon, but more challenging than Upper Canyon.
Antelope Canyon has multiple sections that each offer a different type of experience, making it suitable for all types of visitors. Whether you're exploring the canyons as a family with children, a seasoned adventurer, a photographer, a traveler seeking cultural significance, or a tourist looking for scenic sights, you'll have a great time here. The history, legends, and culture of the Navajo people, the sandstone walls, world-famous light beams, and countless opportunities for photographs, when combined, make it stand out from other slot canyons.
While the foundation of the canyon remains the same, flash floods and natural erosion subtly reshaped its passageways, adding new textures and layers. Over time, natural erosion caused by wind, water, and sand added fine details to its structure, ensuring that the canyon remains a dynamic, evolving masterpiece of nature.
Antelope Canyon holds a lot of importance and meaning to the Navajo people. Your Navajo tour guide will tell you about the history of the canyons and more about their legends surrounding spiritual energies, the whistling winds, and mystical light beams during your tour.
No, Antelope Canyon is not wheelchair accessible.
Yes, the canyon is open daily, but tour availability may vary depending on weather conditions, especially during monsoon season when flash floods can occur.
