You know the stunning screensaver photos that pop up every time you ignore your TV for more than a minute? Ever walked through one? You can, at Arizona’s Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
While on a weekend trip to Sedona, we took the 3-hour drive north to Page, Arizona. Located just outside Page within the Navajo Nation, Antelope Canyon is unlike any place else. The Navajo Sandstone was formed by deposits swept there by swirling wind 180 million years ago, during the Jurassic Period (sadly we saw no dinosaurs). The breathtaking slot canyon was then carved by years of erosion and flash flooding as monsoon rainwater rushed through the narrow space, creating groovy grooves that are an art all their own.
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours
As it is on Navajo land, Upper Antelope Canyon can only be visited on an official tour. There are several companies, but we booked through Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours and they were awesome. You’ll meet at a group holding area and they shuttle you a few dusty miles to the canyon. Bring water! You’ll need it and as of my visit they weren’t selling any at the modest tour waiting area.
Our Navajo guide, Mikea, was not only knowledgeable about the canyon’s geology and history, but also knew every camera angle and lighting trick. She rocked.
Arizona’s Horseshoe Bend puts the AZ in crAZy
Just south of Page, Arizona is the incredible Horseshoe Bend. A horseshoe-shaped meander reveals the Colorado River far, far below. The cliffs are a thousand feet high and it’s a total rush coming close to the edge. It’s a short 1.3 mile walk from the parking lot (right off US 89) to the observation deck. There’s a small $10 fee but totally worth it. Bring water, it’s hot and the sun is intense.
I feel like you can sorta see a face on the peninsula’s rock formation. You and your selfie will be smiling too if you make the trip to Arizona’s Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.