Antelope Slot Canyon

Antelope Canyon is in northern Arizona, just outside Page. It has two parts. Upper and lower. We ended up doing the upper canyon purely because we turned right instead of left.

To see the canyon you have to book a tour. They leave quite frequently throughout the day. We got there in tine for the 1 pm tour. It costs $25 per person and lasts for about 1 1/2 hours. There is an option for a photographic tour which was $40 and lasted an hour longer than the regular one.

The canyon is a 10 min off road dash through the desert sand on the back of a pick up truck. There wasn't much in the way of restraints so we just hung on for dear life.

There seemed to be several tours going on at the same time as this is a very popular stop for photo fans. But the guides are quite used to this and were very organised and shouted at anyone who was lagging behind. The canyon is so beautiful. Words or even photos really can't describe what it is like. The one and only thing I got annoyed with was some of the photographers. There were tripods everywhere! One lady in particular was extremely rude and kept pushing people out of the way so that she could get her shot. I think that it's probably like this all year round.

Definitely a must see is you are in the area.

What ever you do in Page DON'T miss a tour to wonderful Antelope Slot Canyon, a short distance (a 15 minute drive) from Page. The slot canyon is not large at all but it more than makes up for its lack in size in sheer beauty, a truly magical place! The play of sunlight filtering in from the narrow opening above creates wonderful colors, shapes and shadows on the rock walls. This place is a photographers dream! I posted some of the pictures I took but I have tons more, everywhere you look are more beautiful shapes to record.

Practicalities: The Canyon is situated on Navajo Tribal land and run by the Navajo authorities. It used to be possible to visit the canyon on your own (only paying the entrance fee) but due to vandalism (incredible!) to the rock walls and the fact that people often don't realise the danger of going into slot canyon (10 German tourists died in a flash flood a couple of years ago) this is no longer possible, So you have two choices: go with an arranged tour or go on your own and wait at the visitor center (opposite the coal power plant) for a large enough group to form so you can be led into the cave by a Navajo park guide. We chose for an arranged tour so I don't know what they charge for the last option. Park entrance fee is $5,- regardless which option you choose.
There are four agencies in town that organise tours to Antelope Canyon. Two are Navajo owned and operated. I recommend using one of these ( Antelope Slot Canyon Tours (www.antelopeslotcanyontours.com) or Antelope Canyon Tours). We use the last one and and were quite satisfied with their service.
A tour costs $20,- (worth every penny) and takes 1,5 hrs., leaving about 5 times daily. A specialty photography tour of 2,5 hrs is also available.