Unlocking the mystery: 8 Facts about Antelope Canyon you probably didn’t know

The Navajo name for the canyon is Tsé bighánílíní, translating to “the place where water runs through rocks,” which is how the Canyon was formed. Its English name comes from Navajo stories that state that the Pronghorn Antelopes used to roam in the canyons during winter.

Antelope Canyon is made of Navajo Sandstone which is a sedimentary rock formation that dates back to the Jurassic period, approximately 190 million years ago.

The vibrant red, orange, and pink hues of the walls of the Antelope Canyon are created by the oxidation of iron-bearing minerals in the sandstone. This, combined with the intricate textures caused by erosion due to flash floods and the interplay of light throughout the day, creates an ever-changing spectrum of colors.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot Gila lizards hidden in the many layers of the Canyon, a snake (most species are non-venomous), and see birds such as bluebirds, cardinals, ravens, and owls flying across the sky on your tour!

You can hear a humming sound when wind flows through the Canyon’s narrow passages, making it seem like the Canyon itself is singing. The deeper you go, the more distinct the “whistling” gets. And if you stand in the right spot, some guides claim there’s even a mini vortex that creates a swirling effect in the air around you, adding another layer of mystery.

The sandstone at Antelope Canyon is prone to damage even with the slightest touch, so visitors are asked to refrain from touching the walls. The moisture and oils from human skin can accelerate the erosion process. The Canyon holds spiritual significance for the Navajo tribe and respecting this rule also honors the sacred nature of the site.

Phantom, a photograph by Peter Lik was taken inside Upper Antelope Canyon. It was reported to have sold for $6.5 million to an anonymous buyer, making it the third most expensive photograph ever sold. However, there is a lot of skepticism surrounding the truth behind this sale since there are no official records of it.

Antelope Canyon was opened to public tours fairly recently, in 1983, by the Pearl Begay Family. Today, the canyon is only accessible when accompanied by a Navajo guide.