Enter through the southeast of Lower Antelope Canyon and embark on a live . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Have you ever seen the amazing photos of a narrow canyon with elegantly curved rocks, colored in 50 shades of red that seem like from another planet? If you Google Map Water Holes Canyon Page, AZ, the location will pop up. Just as we were exiting the canyon, the next tour group was beginning their exploration. I really want to go!! I would recommend doing at least one of the Antelope Canyons though just so you can see it. Here's the essential information you need for a satisfying visit. You get to spend up to one hour in the canyon. The canyons you visit are both an "A" and "V" shape. The definitive road trip guide to and through Grand Canyon country. Tickets, which do not include park entrance fees and taxes, cost approximately $50 for visitors 13 and older and $30 for those 4 to 12. It was so packed with people vying for the perfect photo spot that I worried about accidentally getting bumped over the edge. 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. It's more challenging to photograph Antelope Canyon without a tripod, but you can still take amazing images. Fees start at about $125 per person. 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. Plus I was busy with the boat tours earlier in the day. 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. Because I also wanted to see Horseshoe Bend, we signed up for the Slot Canyon and Overlook Combo tour, as it was a hassle free way to see two of Pages top attractions. Book now to secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure.. Tours typically depart hourly from 8am until 4pm (depending on daylight hours). The road used to require 4 wheel drive over a narrow bumpy dirt road where one curve was being kept from washing away by old washing machines and appliances. Many of these images were sleeping on a harddisk.They got a bit reworked and I thought to present them here Both canyons are located on Navajo-owned lands, and in both cases, it's compulsory to visit the canyons with a Navajo guide. Its wider at the beginning and shorter in height, but as you hike further in it looks more and more like Antelope Canyon. So, I did my share of online digging and found the Secret Canyon an intimate version of the slot canyon, which was definitely the highlight of our South West USA road trip. From Page, Arizona you can access Waterhole Slot Canyon easily from Rt. Or, you can rent a car and do the scenic drive yourself. INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS. The feisty fauna, such as spiders, scorpions, and snakes, will be keeping to themselves more than spending time out in the open. Waterhole Canyon is still worth a visit even with a guided tour. Secret Antelope Canyon is part of the Antelope Canyon system and is still an undiscovered gem, spectacular and photogenic but without the crowds. Waterhole Canyon was our last stop on our Page, AZ tour, and we headed to Monument Valley next. Travelers typically enjoy the tours, saying they appreciate the guides' insight. Please confirm directly with service providers. However, once I started reading reviews of the Antelope Canyon tours, I was quickly turned off by complaints of them being rushed and crowded, and became concerned about the effects of over tourism. Difficulty:There are no stairs or ladders in the canyon, but it does require walking on sandy terrain. On windy days, dust can blow into your nose, mouth and ears. This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty and magic of Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overlook in a truly exclusive and intimate setting. As the previous post indicated, Hummer Tours provides access to Secret Canyon as well as Passage and Staircase Canyons. On the company's sightseer tours, you'll spend about an hour in the canyon, plus 40 minutes round-trip travel time to the Antelope Canyon Tours office in Page, Arizona. Our tour guide was quite knowledgeable and funny. We love to kayak and are looking to see all the. Canyon X is further away from Page (about 40 minutes) and access to it is a slightly more difficult - a steep, somewhat rocky path leads to the entrance of the canyon, but that part is relatively short. You can find tours for this canyon typically every half hour, which is more frequent than tours of the Upper Antelope Canyon. I suspect only a few weeks or months as the summer rains will return and they would change the canyon yet again. This rare opportunity to explore one of the longest slot canyons on the Navajo Nation is made even more special by the limited number of guests we take on each tour. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Two companies lead excursions through Lower Antelope Canyon. You do not need to purchase a permit to go to Waterhole Canyon beforehand. I hope that Horseshoe Bend Tours keeps Secret Canyon a small-group experience because Ive seen too many places lose their magic because of over-tourism. Weve given you all the steps, its up to you what to do with them. For tour information and prices clickhere. Though hardly remote by some Arizona standards, Antelope Canyon is still considered a lengthy drive and hike for many areas of the state. I wandered around marvelling at the way the water had carved the rock into so many different shapes and textures. The first thing to know about Antelope Canyon is that these are slot canyons. this is what the hummer tour website says: VISIT SECRET CANYON: This Hummer tour begins at 12 N. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The whole tour takes about 2 2.5 hours which is long enough to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the canyon itself, plus you get a plenty of time for taking pictures, even if you are proffessional photographer. to get to the Secret Canyon entrance. Page ; Hotels ; Things to do ; Restaurants ; Flights Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers.. Upper Antelope Canyon is most famous for its "beam of light" phenomenon. Personally, both I and my husband preferred the unrushed experience of Waterhole Canyon. Before I share with you our experience visiting Secret Canyon, heres a brief background about this special location. But that's just me. Look for the Tour sign pictured above on the right-hand side of the road. Additionally, you'll need: Until recently, the cost varied significantly depending on whether you booked a sightseeing or photography tour. AZ Each vehicle has a Navajo guide that ushers the group through, shares information about the formations and even helps stage some photos, including sand cascading over a rock ledge.Sand is everywhere. I entered between the high rock walls. Because Waterhole Canyon is not quite as tall as Antelope taking pictures here was easier since there was more available daylight in the canyon. Canyon X is much less crowded and just as stunning.. The celebrated light beams that illuminate the canyon are most likely to be seen during the summer months. Availability may be limited during January and February. Tours of Secret Canyon include a visit to Horseshoe Bend. Antelope is a beautiful slot canyon but has so many visitors that it feels more like an amusement ride than a natural experience. I will have to drive back up there again soon. The landscape and scenery were amazing and definitely not something I had seen before on the east coast. Welcome to my blog! 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. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the southwestern United States. Kids younger than 4 tour free. Cathedral Canyon is located just south of Page, Arizona and west of Coppermine Road and is entirely on Navajo . 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. No bags or tripods are allowed on the hiking tour. Required fields are marked *. I recommend all these canyons regardless of cost. Here you can capture the sunburst if you are touring during the right time usually late morning to early afternoon. Big tour groups are still flocking to Antelope Canyon. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book. Keep in mind, bags of any kind, photography equipment, strollers and pets are not permitted on this tour. And thirdly, I didnt get any feedback to my questions from several tour operators running the Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon trails. After passing by sandy washes and rocky hills, we arrived a short walk away from the entrance to Secret Canyon. Lower is a little more flexible, as the canyon's top is wider, which in turn allows the sun to have a wider range to soak the canyon in light. Now I am so sad I missed it! It operates 90-minute small-group hikes through the canyon. Secret Canyon, which also known as Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon (due to its proximity to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook photo above) lies approximately 15 km south from Page where you can also find the office the place where it all starts from. What's a slot canyon, you might ask? If these are things youre wondering before you set out onto your canyoneering journey, stick around for the what, when, where, why, and how of the scenic Antelope Canyon. Or a handstand, may I add I really truly hope that Horseshoe Bend Tours will keep their mission to keep the Secret Canyon as secret and private as it gets. Hiking this slot canyon was generally pretty easy as the trail is mostly flat. Antelope Canyon X Taadidiin Tours is the only operator running tours of Antelope Canyon X. Any tips on this? When you get close, youll find man-made stairs (5 flights of them!) Discovering Uzbekistan: At the centre of the Silk Hotel Review: The Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The price generallybut not alwaysincludes taxes and the $8 Navajo . Please note, Canyon X and Secret Canyon are temporarily closed. You'll also need a prior reservation with an authorized Navajo guide to visit either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. There's still light coming into the canyon just not as impressive as earlier in the day, but you miss most of the crowds. It was amazing definitely go to this slot canyon if you are in the area for Antelope Canyon! Its called Secret Canyon, or Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon due its proximity to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, and while it may rival Antelope Canyons beauty, it comes out on top in terms of overall visitor experience. You didnt really keep the secret did you? Will definitely bookmark this! Interesting comparison Donna, thanks. All of Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours' guides are local Navajo people, and they are generally deemed knowledgeable, personable and professional by reviewers. No real need to do any of the "extra effort" ones, but if you're the adventurous type I imagine it'd be an interesting excursion. 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. Tours depart from the office in Page, Arizona. No matter which tour you pick, you're guaranteed to see incredible rock formations in a kaleidoscope of colors. If people knew the real name they might find it by themselves and go there without hiring the outfitter. Consequently, making tour reservations well in advance is highly recommended. wow! Travelers will need to drive to Page, as there is no public transportation. Simply inquire when booking. 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. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. You can do this hike in just a good pair of sneakers because it is flat but be prepared to get tons of sand in your shoes. Book online before you visit since tours can sell out weeks in advance. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. That being said, its growing in popularity, making it more crowded than you might assume, considering that its less likely to sell out as far as tours are concerned. It is part of the drainage system of Upper Waterholes Canyon. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. It can be accessed via a 2.5-mile (one way) trail that starts from the trail's parking lot along Highway 93, located just over 3.4 miles south of the dam. 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