Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona, in the United States. Millions of years of flash floods and desert winds carved tall sandstone walls into flowing shapes that glow orange, pink, and purple when sunlight shines through the narrow openings above. Navajo guides call the upper section Tsé bighánílíní, meaning “the place where water runs through rocks,” and they share stories that connect the canyon to their culture.

The canyon has two main sections open to visitors: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. The upper section is wider at the bottom, creating famous light beams between late spring and early autumn when midday sun angles straight down. Lower Antelope requires climbing metal stairs and ladders through tighter twists, rewarding travelers with swirling patterns and heart-shaped chambers. Guides explain how flash floods continue to shape the passage, reminding guests that the canyon is a living landscape.

Because the walls are fragile and the canyon can flood quickly, the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department controls access using guided tours only. Groups must stay with their guide, follow posted paths, and keep backpacks small to avoid brushing the walls. Rangers study weather forecasts, use upstream rain gauges, and close the canyon if storms approach even if the sun is shining locally. These safety rules were strengthened after a deadly flood in 1997.

Photographers visit Antelope Canyon to capture the shifting colors created by reflected light. Dust tossed into sunbeams makes bright columns that look like glowing curtains. However, photography tours now limit tripods and time slots so that all visitors can enjoy the narrow passages fairly. Local artists sell sand paintings, jewelry, and crafts in Page and at the tour entrances, turning tourism into important income for Navajo families.

Scientists study the canyon to understand how sedimentary rock responds to stormwater and how slot canyons store clues about ancient climates. School groups learn about erosion, desert plants, and respect for sacred places. Visitors are asked to leave no trash, avoid writing on the stone, and listen to their guides, ensuring the sandstone corridors stay beautiful for future generations.