We usually avoid mass tourism but for natural wonders we sometimes make an exception. The Antelope Canyon in Arizona seemed impressive enough to bend our own rules a bit…

The town of Page has no shortage on god’s mercy.

Located near Page Arizona in Navajo country the Antelope Canyon is a spectacular display of eroded sand stone due to flooding. There are 2 different canyons to visit, Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon. We chose to visit the A-shaped LAC as it is the less visited one. The UAC is easier to acces and far more popular. Still, you”ll be far from alone.

Cattle being driven to the money pit

In 1997 flash floods in these canyons killed 11 tourists. Because of this incident, you are not allowed to visit without a guide. Too bad visiting the canyons has become tourist “business”. Be prepared to be treated like cattle with a wallet…

The fun starts when they charge you 20 $ to park your car, 8$ Navajo park entrance fee and 25$ admission fee for the actual visit. A tour starts every 20 minutes. There’s also a “special photographer’s tour” for 47$, this ticket buys you more time in the canyon. We opted for the normal tour, as a consequence we were pushed to complete the tour as quickly as possible.

Is it worth it? You should definitely visit but too bad it leaves you with a uncomfortable feeling of being squeezed like a lemon. Nonetheless, you”ll make great pictures. The guide will advice you where and how to take the best pictures. What setting -Chrome filter- your iPhone should be set at, where to take a picture with your loved one, etc…

On finishing the tour, I had a big argument with a Navajo tour guide. I was trying to take a picture of the exit of the Canyon without Japanese tourists on it. However, as our guide had already rushed out to drink his coffee, my lens was blocked by the hand of another guide. She did not let me take the picture as it appeared I was without a guide. Anyway, I still managed the take the shot.

Keep exploring!

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