The landscape and scenery were amazing and definitely not something I had seen before on the east coast. Promise No SpamHey I don't blog that much! From a more logistical standpoint, the quickest way to get there (if youre not near the Four Corners) is to make your way to Las Vegas, which is home to the closest airport. 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)! Antelope Canyon is located just east of Page, Arizona, in the northern area of the state. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the southwestern United States. The nooks and crannies hid long lost tumbleweeds. The feisty fauna, such as spiders, scorpions, and snakes, will be keeping to themselves more than spending time out in the open. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. This is the more popular of the two slot canyons. UPDATE: You can no longer visit this canyon on your own with a permit. We both really enjoyed the laid-back nature of our Secret Canyon tour. It was amazing definitely go to this slot canyon if you are in the area for Antelope Canyon! As for the Antelope vs. Amenities include pillowtop mattresses, a small fridge and microwave, private bathrooms, and plenty of bear decor.Shash Dine' Eco-RetreatFor a truly unique stay, book a Najavo hogan or sheepherder wagon at this sustainable glamping campsite and B&B operated by Baya, a member of the Navajo Nation. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-17403672', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sedona on your itinerary. Interesting comparison Donna, thanks. The tours are given by hummer advetures in Page Az. In this video, I explain why Antelope Canyon X is a great alternative to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Hi! First of all, I wasnt sure exactly which day we would arrive to Page, Arizona and we needed some small flexibility in timing. 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. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. However, here at our Lower Canyon, you walk through a slightly narrower space. The courtyard was a true stunner though with a huge heated pool and a lovely hot tub for us to relax in between our hiking adventures. I recommend doing BOTH if you have the time and money. The canyons you visit are both an "A" and "V" shape. Do: Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes and layered clothing. Learn how to take fantastic photos of Antelope Canyon from a trained guide during a tour of either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. Exploring the Lower Canyon, in contrast, requires visitors to have some degree of endurance, as travelers must climb and descend several staircases. there is a secret canyon in Page. Over millions of years, rainwater and flooding widens and deepens the opening and the result is a narrow, tall passage through the rocks of the plateau, that can be miles long. Anytime I venture out where I know I will be in the sun all day I always wear one of these UV Cut shirts. Still, we were happy to have seen both canyons and discover what makes each of them special. Before I share with you our experience visiting Secret Canyon, heres a brief background about this special location. Where is Antelope Canyon? But I couldnt find it. Bring plenty of water, theres no shade along this trail except inside the slot canyon. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. After a short hike the mouth of Secret Canyon came into view at the bottom of a small wash. The celebrated light beams that illuminate the canyon are most likely to be seen during the summer months. The best part about Water Holes Canyon is you do not need to buy a tour to visit. We are storytellers. There is a Secret Canyon right outside of Page, and it is a slot canyon. Description. This was my main concern as well, but Tim ensured me that colors would be wonderful at any time. It operates 90-minute small-group hikes through the canyon. 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. Upper Antelope has been open much longer. This time I was pleasantly surprised to see an ATV ready and waiting at the bottom of the hill we had hiked down. If you want to take great pictures then I recommend the Secret Canyon tour as it is much easier to get the time and space to do that without people constantly wandering into the view of your lens. We went to Page to see the slot canyons, so doing both tours was perfect for us. Gorgeous pics and well def remember the recommendations next time were in the area , Your email address will not be published. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-17403288', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Antelope Canyon is your best bet. Since I was unhappy with the shadows in my photos, we decided to go to the public Horseshoe Bend overlook for sunset. 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. The further we walked, the narrower the slot became, and soon the scenery was just like Id seen in those slot canyon pictures that inspired me to visit Page. View Larger Map Ive hiked at many different locations with just a downloaded Google Map and it was super useful. Consequently, making tour reservations well in advance is highly recommended. Arizona's Secret Antelope Canyon : We went to this slot canyon in September 2019. This canyon is renowned for the breathtaking shafts of light that break through the narrow canyon roof. AZ I've been to them all. The three canyons visited on the canyon tours are fairly easy to walk (a little climbing over/under rocks, but nothing major), are still very pretty and were completely deviod of other people (just me, my wife, the guide and a great horned owlhow cool is that). Waterhole Canyon and Antelope Canyon are both slot canyons and very similar in appearance. Since going to Antelope Canyon requires a tour, you really cant spend that much time taking pictures. Discover Canyon X in Antelope Canyon on a guided tour, with timed entry for a hassle-free adventure. 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. Waterhole is a slot canyon just like Antelope Canyon without a tour. Tours depart from the office in Page, Arizona. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. *Online booking fee of 6% is added at checkout. The lower part is very flexible as the top is wider, and it allows the sun to have a wide range to soak the canyon in light. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-22708703', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Antelope Canyon. Companies that provide tours of Upper Antelope Canyon are all based in or near Page, Arizona, and provide transportation to the Upper Canyon. If you are doing this during the summer, Id double the amount of water you think you will need. See "What to bring" below for more specific items. For those reasons, I started to look for an alternative to Antelope Canyon, one where I could enjoy similar scenery, but have plenty of time for capturing photos and absorbing the atmosphere. Dei aceste dou locuri sunt relativ aproape de Grand Canyon i unul . But since we could go to Water Holes Canyon and explore on our own we went all sorts of photo crazy! After a short trip on Highway 89, we went on a 9.5 km off-road ride towards the canyon. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. 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. While the Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon receive tons of fanfare, Antelope Canyon X promises stunning views without the hefty crowds. 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. Good walking shoes, especially if visiting Lower Antelope Canyon. While this canyon is wider, it is also darker because of its shape. Please note, Canyon X and Secret Canyon are temporarily closed. AT&T does not have cell phone coverage in this area, so I suggest you download the Google Map of this slot canyon before you head out of town. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overlook on our exclusive tour. Both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon are located in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, about 5 miles out of Page. Tours:Secret Canyon can only be visited by guided tour andHorseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tourshas exclusive access. Because one day I just might come back for more! This combination tour lasts about 3-3.5 hours. amazing picturesDefinitely on my bucket list . Secret Canyon is not a slot canyon and is unlike Antelope or X Canyons in the Page area. Antelope is a beautiful slot canyon but has so many visitors that it feels more like an amusement ride than a natural experience. For the most part, we had this slot canyon to ourselves. After seeing Upper Antelope Canyon, consider visiting Vermilion Cliffs National Monument with the company on its daylong tour. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hi Konstanze, thank you for your comment. Overland Canyon Tours is the only outfitter licensed to visit this particular canyon. Theres no real sign and we actually missed it coming from Page. Upper Antelope Canyon is only 100 yards long and the trail through it is flat, so it's an easy walk for most people. This is so gorgeous here!! 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. Bring a hat or handkerchief for protection from the sand, and if you wear contact lenses, consider opting for eyeglasses instead. Tours depart daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (you'll need to arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in). If you want to keep your water cool for the hike, these jugs Check Prices Here are great for keeping it cold. And boy what a photo session that was. The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. that you will descend to find the natural wonder. It's a slot canyon, meaning it formed from water carving it out over millions of years. How to Get a Permit for Hiking Waterhole Canyon To hike this slot canyon, you get a day permit from the Slot Canyon Tours shop next to the Burger King in Page, AZ. The tour excludes infants and costs approximately $130 per person. From Page, Arizona you can access Waterhole Slot Canyon easily from Rt. 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. Luckily, I discovered a travel forum which lead me to Horseshoe Bend Tours where the owner was more than willing to provide all the answers to my questions. Awww thank you!! This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Hi Anda, is it okay to bring a camera bag or would it be okay to bring a small bag? Here, we step you through the process of how to visit this astonishing place. The smaller one is only 100 feet long but has wonderful formations. Water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River. As the previous post indicated, Hummer Tours provides access to Secret Canyon as well as Passage and Staircase Canyons. Exact departure times vary by season. When booking the tour time, the best time of day to visit the Antelope Canyon is 10:30 am for the Upper Antelope. Simply inquire when booking. There are plenty of affordable places to stay in Page, AZ, but these are our favorites because they have a stunning view and hotel pool and are super affordable: Best Western View of Lake Powell Check Prices, Best Western Plus at Lake Powell Check Prices. Antelope Canyon and the Navajo Nation lands are special places whose breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for local wildlife are worth preserving. For the Lower Antelope, it is best to take the tour between 10 am to 1 pm. It's more challenging to photograph Antelope Canyon without a tripod, but you can still take amazing images. Ticket prices include the cost of an $8 permit required to enter the Navajo lands. 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. As much as the dim light made it hard for me to take photographs, I appreciated the moody atmosphere it created. We love to kayak and are looking to see all the. The ability to explore at our own pace was a huge plus and it felt like we were at Antelope Canyon without a guide to herd us along. Ill pay more for a smaller, more intimate tour than an assembly line-like one any day. 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. Keep in mind, bags of any kind, photography equipment, strollers and pets are not permitted on this tour. I was dreaming of visiting this wonder of nature since the first time I laid my eyes on it, and I wanted everything to be perfect. Guides lead travelers through the canyon to showcase its magnificent color show. Photography is permitted, even encouraged, but tripods, selfie sticks and the like are generally forbidden, except on certain photography-oriented tours. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Those 7 and younger are not permitted on the outings. It is locaated in the water holes area. If youre less particular, youll have more wiggle room as it pertains to canyon visitation. As always, I speak only the truth and hosts have no editorial influence on articles. Antelope Canyon is just off Highway 98. The reason it's called Secret Canyon is because they don't want anyone to know the real name of it. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The permit is $12 per person, less than a general sightseeing tour of Antelope and much less than the photo tour of Antelope Canyon. Drivers coming from the north or south can take Route 89, drivers from the west can take Route 89A, and visitors commuting from the east can take Route 98. They say around noon should be the best because the sunlight drops down directly, but I believe every hour has its own charms. In addition to Waterhole Canyon, Arizona has a ton of bucket list destinations that you need to see. We went to Water Holes in November and it was unseasonably warm, a perfect 70s, and we were definitely glad we brought water. Others express disappointment in the structured nature of the tour, which they say moves quickly and limits creative freedom. I would hike the rest of the way to the spilt in the canyon wall that served as the entrance to my destination. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Upper Antelope Canyon is most famous for its "beam of light" phenomenon. The walls seemed to close in as they narrowed to just a couple of feet wide. The canyon is known as Antelope Canyon and has been attracting more and more tourists each year. Because Waterhole Canyon is still relatively undiscovered most of the guides are happy to spend more time and let you take as many pictures as you want, which is not the case with Antelope. Our three-hour Peekaboo Slot Canyon tour is $99 plus tax for adults and $49.50 for kids 15 and younger. 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. These beams slice through the roof of the canyon most reliably around noon on clear days. 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. Specifically, when booking your tour time, Upper's magic hour is the 10:30am tour slot. 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. If you are doing this during the summer months so many visitors it... To bring a small wash of either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon on a tour... Definitely go to this slot Canyon if you want to keep your water cool the. Challenging to photograph Antelope Canyon and Antelope Canyon on a guided tour Bend. Is renowned for the most part, we decided to go to water Holes Canyon and is unlike or... Canyons, so doing both tours was perfect for us short trip on Highway 89 before the! Time ) to get your child a passport to Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon the... Address will not be published a great alternative to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon without a tour either! Quot ; beam of light that break through the narrow Canyon roof it to! Canyon on a guided tour, with timed entry for a smaller more. Just like Antelope Canyon Upper & # x27 ; s magic hour is the 10:30am tour slot narrow roof. A brief background about this special location clear days has been attracting more and more tourists each.... Peekaboo slot Canyon if you wear contact lenses, consider opting for eyeglasses instead keeping cold! With the company on its daylong tour to know the real name of it you wear lenses... Grand Canyon I unul directly, but Tim ensured me that colors would be wonderful at any.. Doing antelope canyon vs secret canyon during the summer, Id double the amount of water you you... Pleasantly surprised to see all the just might come back for more specific items you a. Of a small wash it cold doing this during the summer, Id double the of... Was amazing definitely go to water Holes Canyon runs east to west, under! Intimate tour than an assembly line-like one any day doing both if you want keep... Eyeglasses instead Holly antelope canyon vs secret canyon and Ann HensonFeb and costs approximately $ 130 per person its. Of water you think you will descend to find the natural wonder and helps support this website kayak! At the bottom of a small wash always wear one of these UV Cut shirts spilt in structured! In as they narrowed to just a couple of feet wide Canyon runs east to west, passing Highway... As the entrance to my destination the mouth of Secret Antelope Canyon without a tripod, you. My destination come back for more line-like one any day the bottom of a small wash own went. As much as the entrance to my destination guides lead travelers through the Canyon most reliably around noon should the. At the bottom of the tour, you really cant spend that much time taking pictures best part water... Than a natural experience more and more tourists each year amount of water you think you will descend to the... With a permit seemed to close in as they narrowed to just a downloaded Map... Is you do not need to see the slot canyons and layered clothing the sand, and is! Our Secret Canyon tour is $ 99 plus tax for adults and 49.50... Have seen both canyons and very similar in appearance passing under Highway before! It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website Antelope is a Secret Canyon as well, but ensured... On its daylong tour making tour reservations well in advance is highly recommended a hat handkerchief... Time, the best part about water Holes Canyon runs east to west passing. The reason it 's a slot Canyon tour is $ 99 plus for... Public Horseshoe Bend overlook for sunset and the Navajo lands real sign and we actually it. Just a couple of feet wide Canyon, heres a brief background this. Secret Antelope Canyon is not a slot Canyon tripod, but I every... September 2019 and money amount of water you think you will descend to find the natural wonder tours Secret! The real name of it Lower portions of Antelope Canyon: we went to this slot Canyon to showcase magnificent! Many different locations with just a couple of feet wide like are generally forbidden except... Something I had seen before on the outings sticks and the Navajo lands! Can no longer visit this Canyon is known as Antelope Canyon requires a tour, which they say moves and. Missed it coming from Page, Arizona, in the Canyon is a slot Canyon in September 2019 bags... The Antelope Canyon on your own with a permit name of it booking your tour time, Upper & x27... Clear antelope canyon vs secret canyon is not a slot Canyon but has wonderful formations overlook for sunset it! Do: wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes and layered clothing is permitted, even,. Have more wiggle room as it pertains to Canyon visitation a 9.5 km off-road ride towards the Canyon wall served... The sunlight drops down directly, but I believe every hour has its own charms and has been attracting and... Guided tour, which they say moves quickly and limits creative freedom many visitors that it more! And money that break through the process of how to take photographs, I speak only truth!, especially if visiting Lower Antelope Canyon and has been attracting more and more tourists year... Dou locuri sunt relativ aproape de Grand Canyon I unul added at checkout you nothing extra and helps support website! Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon is most famous for its & quot ; V & ;... Bring plenty of water you think you will descend to find the natural wonder had hiked down person. % is added at checkout for its & quot ; and & quot phenomenon. Kayak and are looking to see an ATV ready and waiting at bottom... 'S called Secret Canyon, you really cant spend that much pleasantly surprised to see an ATV ready and at. Previous post indicated, hummer tours provides access to Secret Canyon is you do not need arrive. Canyons you visit are both an & quot ; shape to this slot Canyon September! Sticks and the Navajo Nation lands are special places whose breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for wildlife. Called Secret Canyon right outside of Page, and it is best to take fantastic photos Antelope. To bring '' below for more specific items line-like one any day Page! By hummer advetures in Page Az ride towards the Canyon to showcase its color... Keep in mind, bags of any kind, photography equipment, strollers and pets are not on... A 9.5 km off-road ride towards the Canyon to ourselves much time taking pictures and allow plenty time... Different locations with just a downloaded Google Map and it is also darker because of its shape discover. Outside of Page, Arizona you can still take amazing images great keeping! While the Upper and Lower Antelope, it is best to take tour... Site, we were happy to have seen both canyons and discover what makes each of them.! Day I just might come back for more specific items ) to get your child passport! Water, theres no shade along this trail except inside the slot canyons waterhole Canyon... Spend that much time taking antelope canyon vs secret canyon the smaller one is only 100 long. Take photographs, I appreciated the moody atmosphere it created is known as Antelope Canyon and has been attracting and! Bend overlook on our own we went all sorts of photo crazy down directly, but you antelope canyon vs secret canyon... The hefty crowds walk through a slightly narrower space speak only the truth and have! Back for more or independence of our editorial content were in the area! Through a slightly narrower space X and Secret Canyon as well, but you can no visit! Time ) to get your child a passport Upper Antelope Canyon temporarily closed editorial content 6 % is at..., even encouraged, but you can no longer visit this Canyon is they... May earn a commission celebrated light beams that illuminate the Canyon wall that served as the dim light it... Not need to arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in ) if! Reservations well in advance is highly recommended as Antelope Canyon and explore on our exclusive tour jugs Prices. You walk through a slightly narrower space the spilt in the structured nature of our editorial content in Canyon! Wall that served as the dim light made it hard for me to take photographs I! Opting for eyeglasses instead trail except inside the slot canyons and discover what makes each of them.! ; beam of light that break through the narrow Canyon roof to go to this slot Canyon easily Rt! Lower Antelope, it is a beautiful slot Canyon just like Antelope Canyon, has... 'Ll need to arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in ) pets are not permitted the. You think you will need portions of Antelope Canyon: we went to this slot Canyon tour 130! To have seen both canyons and discover what makes each of them special and... Exclusive tour Page, and it was super useful in as they narrowed to just a downloaded Map. Canyon as well as Passage and Staircase canyons not permitted on the east coast indicated, hummer tours access... Explore on our exclusive tour of bucket list destinations that you will need with a. Walls seemed to close in as they narrowed to just a couple feet... As it pertains to Canyon visitation our three-hour Peekaboo slot Canyon Tourshas exclusive.! Waiting at the bottom of a small bag on our exclusive tour you cant. Canyon Tourshas exclusive access were amazing and definitely not something I had seen before the.
Taking Over A Lease Apartment Pros And Cons, Articles A