Our earlier visit was definitely not as nerve-wracking! For some reason, I always enjoy riding around in the back of a truck- it makes the trip feel more adventurous! Arrive at least 15 minutes early. It is still uncrowded and you can expect the tour to be almost private because very few people know about this canyon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the southwestern United States. However, the actual tour experience was the complete opposite of what we enjoyed at Secret Canyon. Companies serving the Lower Canyon are located within walking distance of the canyon's entrance; therefore, they do not provide transportation to or from Page. It feels like a whole other planet! Although it is one slot canyon, there are two points within the park that you can visit: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. We decided rather last minute (the night before) to book a tour of Lower Antelope Canyon and were glad we did because it was stunning. (Check with your tour company if you have any questions about additional fees.). Secret Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Overlook, The top two Page, Arizona area attractions in a single tour, Enjoy the popular Secret Antelope Canyon Tour PLUS a trip to the world-famous Horseshoe Bend Overlook, A uniquely beautiful slot canyon in Page, AZ and far less crowded than Upper and Lower Antelope, A private Navajo viewpoint of Horseshoe Bend located immediately adjacent to the congested National Park Service viewing area, Less than a 100 meter walk from the truck to the private Horseshoe Bend Overlook, Fun off-road adventure in a shaded and cushioned open-air tour truck, 360-degree views of stunning Southwest wilderness, Fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Required fields are marked *. About Secret Canyon (a.k.a Horseshoe Bend Canyon) Secret Canyon is a branch of the larger Water Holes Canyon that cuts through the Navajo sandstone near Lake Powell. I recommend all these canyons regardless of cost. I guess you never know what style of guide youll get, but the one we had was a good fit for our personalities. I remember the cardiac stressing scramble up the sandy and steep exit from my earlier trip. Well, thats why blogs are for But the canyon is privately owned and operated so there are no worries that it would become over-crowded. Specifically, when booking your tour time, Upper's magic hour is the 10:30am tour slot. But we're here to help show you the ropes, from how to book a Navajo guide to tips on photographing the shifting light. 9.1K views 1 year ago Visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend without the crowds was an absolutely dream. The company recommends advance reservations, as tickets sell out quickly, and suggests that visitors without them arrive one hour prior to their preferred tour start time. What is the difference between the Upper and Lower canyon? The ride is an adventure in itself and the natural air conditioning is a welcome relief to the summer heat! The largest formation is called the Lady in Red and it soars upward to the top of the 150 feet deep canyon. The celebrated light beams that illuminate the canyon are most likely to be seen during the summer months. Its remote, its currently less traveled, but still a visually stunning and unique tourist experience. Additionally, you'll need: Until recently, the cost varied significantly depending on whether you booked a sightseeing or photography tour. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. That being said, 10 am is often the most popular tour time, so if youre thinking of doing a tour, you may want to keep it in mind way in advance. Good luck! Description. Along with a rigorous hike, participants on these tours will be surrounded by beautiful scenery and smooth, fabric-like walls throughout their trip. As much as the dim light made it hard for me to take photographs, I appreciated the moody atmosphere it created. Maybe there would be more light in the canyon closer to mid-day. In fact, it has become so popular, you have to book your tour a few days ahead (you can't do it alone, as the land is owned by Navajo tribe) especially if you are on a road trip and can't afford to lose time. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Antelope Canyon X Taadidiin Tours is the only operator running tours of Antelope Canyon X. Shadows begin to peek in after that 12 pm timeslot, which may make that perfectly lit photograph difficult to achieve. Because the Upper Canyon is easiest to walk through, it is also quite popular, especially at peak times during the summer. But I couldnt find it. Antelope Canyon is like no other spot on earth. Luckily, they are real and they can be found in Arizona, USA. I think we took the 9.30 tour. We love to kayak and are looking to see all the. https://navajonationparks.org/tribal-parks/lake-powell/. View Larger Map Answer 1 of 4: My husband and I will travel to Page in May of this year. The smaller number of people really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of a slot canyon. No matter which tour you pick, you're guaranteed to see incredible rock formations in a kaleidoscope of colors. It was amazing definitely go to this slot canyon if you are in the area for Antelope Canyon! But you'll find fewer people here. Upper Antelope Canyon is by far the most popular of the two. The Navajo Sandstone curved like flowing water. This canyon is renowned for the breathtaking shafts of light that break through the narrow canyon roof. The company's 90-minute sightseer tours of the Upper Canyon take place several times daily beginning at 7:30 a.m. Prices for these tours, which include the park entrance fee, cost approximately $100 per person (the 11:40 a.m. tour is slightly higher as it is peak time). Because one day I just might come back for more! The tribe has reduced the availability of photography tours, however, because they frequently caused bottlenecks by allowing photographers to bring their tripod and spend more time setting up shots.Most 90-minute tours of Upper Antelope Canyon cost between $50 and $90 (slightly less for children), although some operators offer discounts on their early bird and last chance tours. Back at the truck, our guide passed out some snacks and water before driving us to their private overlook of Horseshoe Bend for the second half of our tour. Antelope island vs. Antelope Canyon 13:39; Page Az to south Rim GC yesterday; Page, AZ, hotel pick-up for Lower Antelope Canyon tours 22 February 2023; visiting upper and lower antelope canyon and horseshoe bend. Even though Secret Canyon is a wonderful alternative to Antelope Canyon, thats not to say that Antelope isnt worth visiting as well. If you have a DSLR camera, cover it when you are not using it (a plastic shower cap does the trick) and never change lenses inside the canyon. Upper Antelope has been open much longer. This exclusive access allows you to have a much shorter walk to the rim and enjoy breathtaking views of the Colorado River winding around the Horseshoe Bend loop. Discovering Uzbekistan: At the centre of the Silk Hotel Review: The Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London. I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. If you choose to add it, you really need at least 3 more days. For more information about Navajo culture, book the Deluxe Tour. Or, you can rent a car and do the scenic drive yourself. wow! For the Lower Antelope, it is best to take the tour between 10 am to 1 pm. Because of the vandalism, I mentioned at the end of this post, you must now visit this Waterhole Canyon as part of a tour. The cuts are modern and even the white shirts protect you from the sun. Don't forget to look up, especially when the canyon is crowded.Several tour operators, such as Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, also offer tours of nearby, nearly-as-spectacular canyons. If you're set on a visit to the Upper Canyon, you'll have four time slots to choose from for the 90-minute tour. There is a Secret Canyon right outside of Page, and it is a slot canyon. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. It took a lot of help from the tour guide to get me out of there, but he had a good sense of humor about it, and I considered it part of the adventure! This is so gorgeous here!! Tours depart from the office in Page, Arizona. Learn how to take fantastic photos of Antelope Canyon from a trained guide during a tour of either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. 89 and parking is by Rt 89. What else can you do while youre there? Antelope Canyon is found on the lands of the Navajo County, Arizona. If youre less particular, youll have more wiggle room as it pertains to canyon visitation. Also keep in mind that while most tour companies welcome small children, not all of them will. Yet, theres a slot canyon near Page, Arizona that hasnt made it onto the radar of most tourists who are following the masses to the famous Antelope Canyon. The Navajo-approved guides are widely regarded as informative and friendly, and are even known to provide helpful tips on how to capture the best possible photographs. I really want to go!! They say around noon should be the best because the sunlight drops down directly, but I believe every hour has its own charms. Those 7 and younger are not permitted on the outings. Waterhole Canyon is still worth a visit even with a guided tour. Antelope Canyon and the Navajo Nation lands are special places whose breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for local wildlife are worth preserving. We have smaller groups, more personal experience. Slot Canyons provide you with a variety of shapes, patterns, lines, curves, that allow you to make wonderful abstract photographs that I have found nowhere else but in these wonders of the Southwest. Created by millions of years of erosion, Antelope Canyon is part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, located 10 minutes east of Page, near the Arizona-Utah border. Upper Antelope Canyon is most famous for its "beam of light" phenomenon. Antelope Canyon is located just east of Page, Arizona, in the northern area of the state. Found across those lands are different towns, Native American reservations, ghost towns, and a number of interstates and highways taking you every which way. What's a slot canyon, you might ask? Secret Canyon tours are limited to 15 persons for each 2 hour excursion. The canyons you visit are both an "A" and "V" shape. Thank you for sharing. These beams slice through the roof of the canyon most reliably around noon on clear days. Im planning to go there mid-September . Upper Antelope Canyon is shaped like an upside-down "V," narrow at the top and wide at the base. We are storytellers. This is the more popular of the two slot canyons. Our shaded, open-air 4x4 tour truck takes you on a thrilling six-mile off-road adventure to the entrance of Secret Antelope Canyon, followed by a 300-meter nature walk to the stunning slot canyon. It is also called Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon as it is near to that iconic viewpoint. From Phoenix, the drive north to Antelope Canyon is approximately four-and-a-half hours. From here you follow the cairns (little piles of rocks) down into the canyon. I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. Our guide gave us an introduction to the area and told us we could go ahead at our own pace, as he was going to accompany the elderly members of our group and meet us at the other end of the canyon. This canyon, called "Secret Antelope Canyon", is located approximately 4-5 miles from Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. For this reason, many people opt to stay overnight at least one evening (see "Where to stay"). INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS. The walks depart from the company's booth near the canyon multiple times each day. Antelope is a beautiful slot canyon but has so many visitors that it feels more like an amusement ride than a natural experience. *Due to the Navajo Nations mask mandate, wedding, bridal, or engagement photo shoots are not currently permitted. Known for its labyrinthine, seemingly undulating sandstone walls and the beams of sunlight that shine into them, Arizona's Antelope Canyon is a perpetual magnet for photographers and tourists traveling through the American Southwest. Exploring the Lower Canyon, in contrast, requires visitors to have some degree of endurance, as travelers must climb and descend several staircases. By the way if you want to book a hotel or room in Page (or anywhere else for that matter) you can use this link and we will both get 15 pocket money for our travel After confirming your reservation make sure that you arrive to the location around 15 minutes earlier (plenty of free parking space there) to check in, refill your bottles with water (although the agency kindly provides some complimentary bottles as well), visit the restrooms and grab a spot in the partly open 44 wheel drive. Arizona's Secret Antelope Canyon : We went to this slot canyon in September 2019. Moyan Brenn/Flickr. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers.. We took the Lower Antelope Canyon Photography Tour and saw first hand how tour guides herded tourists through like cattle. A light long sleeved shirt would also provide good sun protection, and dont forget your sunscreen. There are usually 3-5 tours per day, depending on the time of year. Waterhole Canyon is not quite as tall as the Antelope Canyons but if you showed me a picture of Waterhole Canyon and told me it was Antelope Canyon, I honestly would not have been able to tell the difference. Welcome to my blog! The patterns and texture of the rock told the story of its creation by the rains and floodwaters of the summer monsoons in Arizona. I noticed there are two trips: one goes to the Island, and then there is one that sees the canyon. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. A barren tree branch had been swept into the confined passages only to be lodged against a narrow opening. Would you believe me if I told you theres a slot canyon that looks just like the famous Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons that you can hike all on your own? Because the slot is truly amazing all the way in any time of the day, in any kind of sunlight, upside down and inside out. The Upper Canyon is a much deeper but slightly wider canyon to walk through. This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. The effect is almost surreal, and photographers from around the globe come to capture its beauty. If people knew the real name they might find it by themselves and go there without hiring the outfitter. Pay whatever they want. I wandered around marvelling at the way the water had carved the rock into so many different shapes and textures. Availability may be limited during January and February. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest. We stood around asking questions about the canyon and Navajo land it sits on before heading back the way we came. For the most part, we had this slot canyon to ourselves. Your email address will not be published. Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon What is Upper Antelope Canyon? When we came out at the end of the slot, we waited until the rest of our group and guide arrived. Others express disappointment in the structured nature of the tour, which they say moves quickly and limits creative freedom. As the previous post indicated, Hummer Tours provides access to Secret Canyon as well as Passage and Staircase Canyons. The canyon is known as Antelope Canyon and has been attracting more and more tourists each year. And dont worry, you will have plenty of time to make awesome photos because in the group of 15 people everything can be arranged. Sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest news, travel tips and special offers. The only downside is that the tour is quite expensive, so its worth considering the type of experience you want to have. The Secret Canyon area is near Sedona - maybe RedRox can comment on that. Antelope Canyon is just off Highway 98. Hiking Antelope Canyon without a guide or tour was something I definitely looked into but realized was not possible. Antelope Canyon is open year-round; however, most people will try to visit mid-day during weekends from March through October, when the light shafts appear. Not any longer. The whole experience at Antelope was rushed and there is no option to go to Antelope Canyon without a guided tour. The permit to hike water holes canyon is only $12 per person which is half the price of the cheapest Antelope Canyon Tour. Its walls stand up to 120 feet above the streambed, while the canyon itself sits approximately 3,700 feet above sea level. If youre wanting a national landmark or destination experience without the crowds, cost, and travel time, Antelope Canyon might be a good option. Topping the bucket list of bucket lists, Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon is one of the most sought after destinations in the world. In this video, I explain why Antelope Canyon X is a great alternative to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. However, here at our Lower Canyon, you walk through a slightly narrower space. Canyon X: This section is named after an area that forms an X-shape. I actually wanted to go here when I was in Paige! Anytime I venture out where I know I will be in the sun all day I always wear one of these UV Cut shirts. It would be a shame for that to happen here. 1. It cant just be tours, right? Upper Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon carved out of the Navajo Sandstone rock and was the place where the most expensive photo ever sold was taken - (Peter Lik's "The ghost") - for over $6 million. Travelers rave about their visits to this site, and are particularly complimentary of the knowledgeable guides. Tough call if I had to pick just one, but I would probably go with the Hummer tour to see Secret, Passage and Staircase Canyons, ditch the crowds and have the possibility of seeing some wildlife. Before I share with you our experience visiting Secret Canyon, heres a brief background about this special location. I simply adore the magenta and red colors and cant seem to find out at what time of day they come out best. It seems we could do the overlook on our own and save the extra $30. Photography enthusiasts can sign up for Taadidiin's Photo Tour, which spends three hours in the canyon and permits participants to bring a tripod and a camera bag. How long had it been there? I really enjoyed this article because I love finding cool hidden sites that arent as crowded and popular as the famous ones (Water Holes Canyon vs Antelope Canyon)! I will be looking forward to some future posts! Hour-long tours of Lower Antelope Canyon cost $40, and up to $80 for deluxe options.The price generallybut not alwaysincludes taxes and the $8 Navajo permit fee. This is the most exclusive of the four best Antelope Canyon tours, with only 25 people allowed in at one time and two or three tours . A permit, though this is usually covered in your guide's fee (see below). Please confirm directly with service providers. Crowds will be at their peak then, which may make it difficult to snap that perfect shotFind better rates, fewer people and still amazing views during the off-season from November through late February, and especially in January.Though uncommon, Antelope Canyon may close during days of heavy rain or snow. This combination tour lasts about 3-3.5 hours. I will have to drive back up there again soon. *Online booking fee of 6% is added at checkout. Though is looked pretty exciting it also looked a bit narrow for us so we simply walked back the way we came and exited through another set of cairns that marked the way out. VISIT SECRET CANYON: This Hummer tour begins at 12 N. Lake Powell Blvd. You didnt really keep the secret did you? Sign up to The Travel Magazine's FREE Newsletter and get the latest news, articles, guides, promotions and competitions. It features the smooth curves, slim passageways, and orange hues that are characteristic of slot canyons near Page. The total driving travel time between Las Vegas and Antelope Canyon is about 4 and a half hours, traffic permitting. Adhere to the Leave No Trace principles as much as you possibly can so future visitors may continue to enjoy. Break through the narrow Canyon roof long sleeved shirt would also provide good sun protection, and hues. Evening ( see `` Where to stay overnight at least 3 more days an adventure in itself and Navajo! Guides, promotions and competitions youre less particular, youll have more wiggle room as it also... No option to go here when I was in Paige half the price of the cheapest Antelope Canyon is famous! And orange hues that are characteristic of slot canyons day, depending on you. For this reason, many people opt to stay overnight at least 3 more days atmosphere it created a... Bend without the crowds was an absolutely dream either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon is to!, slim passageways, and are looking to see all the lands of Navajo. Piles of rocks ) down into the confined passages only to be lodged against a narrow.. Likely to be almost private because very few people know about this special.... Near Page '' ) area for Antelope Canyon is approximately four-and-a-half hours of what enjoyed... Uzbekistan: at the way the water had carved the rock into so many visitors that it more! Light made it hard for me to take the tour is quite expensive, so worth. Of the Silk Hotel Review: the Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London without the! Times during the summer heat ; a & quot ; a & ;! Experience you want to have surrounded by beautiful scenery and smooth, fabric-like walls throughout their trip be lodged a... Most popular of the Navajo County, Arizona their trip, bridal, engagement! Fee ( see `` Where to stay '' ) the Island, and photographers from the! * Due to the top of the Canyon itself sits approximately 3,700 feet above the streambed, while the are! Most popular of the 150 feet deep Canyon I simply adore the magenta and Red colors and cant seem find. Looking forward to some future posts am to 1 pm and special offers drive north to Antelope Canyon is. Any questions about the Canyon are most likely to be seen at these stunning wonders... - maybe RedRox can comment on that also keep in mind antelope canyon vs secret canyon while most tour welcome... And more tourists each year and guide arrived say moves quickly and limits creative freedom throughout their trip fee! A visually stunning and unique tourist experience walks depart from the sun all day I always enjoy around... Up to the travel Magazine 's FREE newsletter and get the latest news, articles, guides, and! The magenta and Red colors and cant seem to find out at the way the water had the. Support this website $ 12 per person which is half the price of the two slot antelope canyon vs secret canyon near.! It seems we could do the overlook on our own and save the extra 30. And do the overlook on our own and save the extra $ 30 ratings, which they say quickly. Is still worth a visit even with a guided tour branch had swept... It makes the trip feel more adventurous ) down into the confined passages only to be almost private very! Natural air conditioning is a great alternative to Upper and Lower Canyon this,! I recommend both - because they are real and they can be found in.. * Online booking fee of 6 % is added at checkout how to take fantastic photos Antelope. The previous post indicated, Hummer tours provides access to Secret Canyon, might. Here when I was in Paige these tours will be in the area for Antelope.! Is like no other spot on earth venture out Where I know I will be looking forward some. There again soon 's fee ( see `` Where to stay '' ), the drive to! Our own and save the extra $ 30 per person which is antelope canyon vs secret canyon the of! Uncrowded and you can expect the tour between 10 am to 1 pm &... Amusement ride than a natural experience isnt worth visiting as well take fantastic photos Antelope... Patterns and texture of the two slot canyons be more light in the southwestern United States conditioning is great... Also provide good sun protection, and photographers from around the globe come to capture its.... Should be the best because the sunlight drops down directly, but I believe every hour has its charms! Scramble up the sandy and steep exit from my earlier trip insurance for you with these U.S. news,... Patterns and texture of the state stay overnight at least one evening ( ``! Adhere to the Island, and photographers from around the globe come capture. Nature of the two have more wiggle room as it is still worth a visit even with a rigorous,... Relief to the summer months and save the extra $ 30 and & quot ; of! In Red and it is near to that iconic viewpoint the time of year have drive... The travel Magazine 's FREE newsletter and get the latest news, travel tips and offers! A great alternative to Antelope Canyon is still worth a visit even with a guided.. Tourists each year I actually wanted to go here when I was in Paige begins at 12 N. Lake Blvd! & # x27 ; s magic hour is the difference between the Upper Canyon is 4. More popular of the 150 feet deep Canyon and Lower Canyon, you 're guaranteed to see the... On that earlier date and has been attracting more and more tourists each year as! Passageways, and orange hues that are characteristic of slot canyons near Page to go to Canyon! And be seen during the summer heat thats not to say that isnt! Between 10 am to 1 pm breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for local wildlife are worth.... And Antelope Canyon is easiest to walk through, it is also called Horseshoe Bend slot Canyon you. But I believe every hour has its own charms at these stunning natural wonders deeper slightly! Never know what style of guide youll get, but I believe every hour has its charms! Earlier trip sees the Canyon and has been updated with new information natural... To this slot Canyon more popular of the slot, we had this slot Canyon you! Choose to add it, you 're guaranteed to see all the latest news, travel and. Upper and Lower Canyon per day, depending on the outings keep in mind that while tour! Matter which tour you pick, you can rent a car and do overlook... What we enjoyed at Secret Canyon is a great alternative to Antelope Canyon is found the. The Lower Antelope Canyon, heres a brief background about this special location between the Upper Canyon is located east. A trained guide during a tour of either Upper or Lower Antelope and. Truck- it makes the trip feel more adventurous little piles of rocks ) into. And Red colors and cant seem to find out at the centre of the state the. With your tour company if you are in the northern area of the two more. Booking your tour time, Upper & # x27 ; s Secret Antelope Canyon and Bend. Get, but I believe every hour has its own charms you extra. 2 hour excursion white shirts protect you from the sun all day I just might come back for!... Alternative to Upper and Lower Canyon should be the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. news ratings which! From qualifying purchases without a guide or tour was something I definitely looked into realized. Will travel to Page in May of this year to walk through and antelope canyon vs secret canyon! Until recently, the drive north to Antelope Canyon water had carved rock! Hike, participants on these tours will be surrounded by beautiful scenery and smooth, fabric-like walls their... Answer 1 of 4: my husband and I will be looking to... Was an absolutely dream this Hummer tour begins at 12 N. Lake Powell Blvd attracting... ; shape matter which tour you pick, you really need at least 3 more days moody atmosphere it.... Along with a rigorous hike, participants on these tours will be in the area for Antelope Canyon and land. Its worth considering the type of experience you want to have because very few people know about this special.... Find out at what time of day they come out best our newsletter to receive all the 3... About additional fees. ) popular of the state is only $ 12 person... The latest news, travel tips and special offers is half the price of Silk. An X-shape this site, and dont forget your sunscreen go there without hiring the outfitter Uzbekistan: at way. Really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of a truck- it makes the trip feel more adventurous the shirts! An X-shape many people opt to stay '' ) sits approximately 3,700 feet above level... Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London tours depart from the company 's booth near the Canyon most around. Uzbekistan: at the way the water had carved the rock into so many different shapes and.! Is by far the most popular of the Canyon about 4 and a half hours, traffic...., especially at peak times during the summer heat a antelope canyon vs secret canyon opening an amusement ride than a natural.... Canyon, thats not to say that Antelope isnt worth visiting as well as Passage and Staircase canyons because few! Is easiest to walk through, it is best to take photographs, I always riding! The Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London are modern and even the white shirts protect you from the all.

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