Our recent Arizona trip resulted in so many great memories and photos. This post focuses on Lower Antelope Canyon, part of the Navajo Nation near Page Arizona. Arizona is a photographer’s paradise, and Antelope Canyon is right at the top of the list. One photographer sold a photo taken here at over one million dollars! The canyon was carved by wind and sand over eons. The walls have tiny crystals in them so the light will reflect an array of color. Your eye may not see it all, but the camera picks it up. Of course, bumping up the saturation a bit makes it even more stunning.
There is a lower and upper Antelope Canyon in different locations (not far apart), but I recommend the lower canyon. The upper canyon has an amazing light beam piercing the canyon for a short period, but it is a very short window to capture any good photos – between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. It is also more crowded and the tour is shorter. It is more difficult than lower canyon to get shots without people in them. And there is a lot of sand flying around during the sun beam time (they pour sand down) which can damage your camera.
The lower canyon tour is about an hour and you can get many great shots. Each tour group, led by a Navajo guide, is 12-15 people. In fact, there is a trail of people all along the path – one tour after another, but because there are so many twists and turns you can get many shots without tourist photo bombs. And you are often pointing the camera up toward the light. You do have to climb ladders, the air is thin because this is a high elevation desert, and there are tight twists in the rock, so you have to be somewhat fit, and not claustrophobic. The upper canyon is easier to walk through. We recommend Ken’s Tours which costs about $40 per person.
They are very strict with the rules about not allowing knapsacks or purses. The only thing you can carry is what ever will fit in one of those pouches that wrap around your waist. I had to leave my camera bag in the car which meant I had to carry my camera in one hand (I had no strap) and maneuver the ladders with the other hand. It wasn’t easy and I don’t recommend it. Make sure you have a camera strap with you.
The closest place to stay is Page Arizona (ten minute ride). There are many decent hotels at a reasonable price. We stayed at La Quinta. If you want luxury and good food, then the resort at Lake Powell is the best place. There isn’t really any fine dinning anywhere except at this resort. But it has great views and it isn’t too expensive. We did have pretty good fish and chips at Nemo’s in Page on 636 Elm St.
While you are in Page visit Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell. And of course, Monument Valley is exceptional, but it is about 2.5 hours from Page. More blogs on this wonderful state at Arizona, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Tombstone, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon.
For more photos please go to Wonderland Photography travel section.
Antelope Canyon is a magical place and should absolutely be on your bucket list.
Location of key attractions near Page. It is about a ten minute drive to each area from Page.
