antelope canyon vs secret canyon
antelope canyon vs secret canyon
Antelope Canyon is beautiful, very accessible and an easy level walk on sand. Additional tour companies depart from Flagstaff, Arizona, or Las Vegas and combine their daylong excursions to Antelope Canyon with trips to other natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. Antelope Canyon X which gets its name from the X-shaped formation at the top of the canyon is located within Antelope Canyon, so it still features the same geologic features the Upper and Lower areas are known for, but its relative anonymity makes it less of a tourist magnet. The tours are given by hummer advetures in Page Az. When you buy your permit, the attendant will hand you a map, which we didnt really use. Promise No SpamHey I don't blog that much! The journey to Canyon X begins MP 307.8 on Highway 98 near Page, AZ on the Navajo Nation Reservation. When visiting Lower Antelope, we suggest anywhere between 10am -1pm. As a desert canyon formed by water erosion, Antelope Canyon is subject to dangerous flash flooding, which is one of the reasons trained tour guides are required. The largest formation is called the Lady in Red and it soars upward to the top of the 150 feet deep canyon. Along with standard tours to Upper Antelope Canyon, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours also offers tours of the nearby Cathedral Canyon. Information was updated January 2022, but can change without notice. But getting Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. To recap: Decide which of the canyons youre wanting to visit and book tours accordingly. You'll not only spend an hour in the canyon, but you'll also visit the Hzh Haz' Heritage Site and receive a meal. It seems we could do the overlook on our own and save the extra $30. 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. I actually wanted to go here when I was in Paige! Canyon X: This section is named after an area that forms an X-shape. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. Avid photographers may want to consider booking one of these tours, too. If youre less particular, youll have more wiggle room as it pertains to canyon visitation. Just one correction the elevation there is closer to 4000 than 7000, about 4300 feet. We love to kayak and are looking to see all the. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Book online before you visit since tours can sell out weeks in advance. 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. Purchases made through links earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River. If youre looking to be visually mesmerized, the wave-like structure and the glimmering light beams create any nature photographers dream. Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon. One near the entrance I called the Monster. Both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon are located in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, about 5 miles out of Page. The General Tour lasts approximately one hour, during which groups of up to 10 tour-takers will hike about 1 mile. Anytime I venture out where I know I will be in the sun all day I always wear one of these UV Cut shirts. If you like to take photos, I strongly recommend taking a PHOTO tour, not a regular one. It was a stunning location, made even better by not having to share it with hundreds of other tourists (which we could see from our exclusive viewpoint). Hi Konstanze, thank you for your comment. You will be joining a group of maximum 15 people which is a real bliss and gives you plenty of space to breathe and enjoy your time in the canyon. As great as Sedona is, unless you can add 3 days to your trip plan, I'd save it for another vacation and plan a week here. 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. 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. This scenic beauty can be found just east of Page, Arizona. Tours run several times daily. Hiking Antelope Canyon without a guide or tour was something I definitely looked into but realized was not possible. Antelope Canyon takes its name from the herds of pronghorn antelope that once resided in it. You can find tours for this canyon typically every half hour, which is more frequent than tours of the Upper Antelope Canyon. VISIT SECRET CANYON: This Hummer tour begins at 12 N. Lake Powell Blvd. The textures and shapes with the variety of shadows also create potential for stunning black and white images too. Waterhole Canyon is a slot canyon that looks almost identical to Antelope. Waterhole Canyon was definitely a hidden gem on our Arizona road trip. Antelope Canyon's otherworldly beauty makes it one of the most highly sought after destinations in the world, and access to this natural marvel is granted only with a Navajo guide. What a nice surprise and a lot less work. It is locaated in the water holes area. 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. EPIC DRIVE THROUGH MONUMENT VALLEY WITHOUT A GUIDE, ICONIC NAVAJO EXPERIENCE AT THE VIEW HOTEL, 18 Photos that Prove You Need to Book a Ticket to Thailand Right Now, 20 Fabulous Fall Photo Ideas for all the Fall Feels on Your Instagram, Budget Friendly Amazon Gift Ideas for the Homebody, Why Assateague Island Should Be on Your Bucket List, 5 Places to See Beautiful Fall Foliage in Washington DC 2022, 10 Secret Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC Like a Local without the Crowds, The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Guide | Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon. But you'll find fewer people here. Turn Right on US-89 North and stay on US-89 North for roughly 122-miles. I think we took the 9.30 tour. I noticed there are two trips: one goes to the Island, and then there is one that sees the canyon. Hi Anda, is it okay to bring a camera bag or would it be okay to bring a small bag? Waterhole Canyon was our last stop on our Page, AZ tour, and we headed to Monument Valley next. In addition to Waterhole Canyon, Arizona has a ton of bucket list destinations that you need to see. I had to hike 100 meters to get to the bottom of the wash where the first of the two sections of this slot canyon starts. Availability may be limited during January and February. The cuts are modern and even the white shirts protect you from the sun. Antelope Canyon is like no other spot on earth. Secret Canyon tours are limited to 15 persons for each 2 hour excursion. Upper Antelope Canyon is about 660 feet long (or 200 m) with the Lower Antelope Canyon being about 1,335 feet long (or 407 m). The narrow passage snaked like a meandering stream while above me the blue sky peeked through the narrow opening at the top of the canyon walls. Now I am so sad I missed it! Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. This is so gorgeous here!! Specifically, when booking your tour time, Upper's magic hour is the 10:30am tour slot. For the most part, we had this slot canyon to ourselves. Good luck! There are usually 3-5 tours per day, depending on the time of year. Thank you! The patterns and texture of the rock told the story of its creation by the rains and floodwaters of the summer monsoons in Arizona. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon. I would recommend doing at least one of the Antelope Canyons though just so you can see it. While this canyon is wider, it is also darker because of its shape. Hi Tonya, it is definitely a smart thing to do the overlook is on the way to the Secret Canyon and if you have your own car there is no point in paying extra. Hi Tess, you can contact Tim directly: tim@horseshoebendtours.com sometimes it takes a day or two for him to reply, I imagine the top season is coming now, so be patient Or go to their web page and search for a phone contact. What is the difference between the Upper and Lower canyon? Pack your bags, and dont forget the photography equipment. As for the Antelope vs. I could really appreciate the difference between Secret Canyon and the more popular Antelope Canyon. Please confirm directly with service providers. 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. The company's guides consistently earn positive reviews for their knowledge not only of the area's history and culture but also of their photography techniques. I love UV Cut by Uniqlo for sun protective clothing because it is UDF 50 but very breathable and looks like normal clothes and not hiking clothes Check Prices Here. Discounted tickets are available for children 6 to 12; children younger than 6 are not allowed. Since Secret Canyon can only be visited on a guided tour, I was glad that the sole option available to us was a good one- small groups of 15 max, an hour to spend in the canyon, and no other tour groups coming through at the same time. Photo about zand, genaturaliseerd, rots, buiten, lager, arizona, antilope, nave, reserve, park, blauw, bestemming, nazi, verbazingwekkend . I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. Page ; Hotels ; Things to do ; Restaurants ; Flights This canyon is shaped more like the letter A. Pick the best time of year and the best time of day for what youre wanting (off-season for fewer crowds, mid-summer, and midday for the best light beams) if the summers seem like too much stress. Awww thank you!! 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. I will have to drive back up there again soon. With very small groups usually not more then 6 people in the canyon at a time. The ride is an adventure in itself and the natural air conditioning is a welcome relief to the summer heat! The canyon is known as Antelope Canyon and has been attracting more and more tourists each year. When is the best time of year to visit? There are no trash cans and no bathrooms in the canyon. Phoenix, A barren tree branch had been swept into the confined passages only to be lodged against a narrow opening. It is not as pretty as Antelope Canyon but again, we got many good photos. 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. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overlook on our exclusive tour. Canyon X is much less crowded and just as stunning.. The sign reads Lake Powell. The celebrated light beams that illuminate the canyon are most likely to be seen during the summer months. Will definitely bookmark this! Ever since I first saw photos of the sandstone slot canyons in Arizona, specifically Antelope Canyon, I wanted to visit. The tour excludes infants and costs approximately $130 per person. Book now to secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure.. Tours typically depart hourly from 8am until 4pm (depending on daylight hours). If you (like me) are middle-aged, overweight, out of shape, or not used to the 7000-ft altitude, you may have trouble with the steep climb out of the canyon. Weve given you all the steps, its up to you what to do with them. The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. Jackpot! Directions to Waterhole Canyon From Phoenix, Arizona Take I-17 North out of Phoenix for roughly 140-miles. Children younger than 3 can take the tour for free, but strollers cannot be used in the Lower Canyon. Hotel Review: Htel Nendaz 4 Valles & Spa, How Valentines Day is celebrated around the world, Hotel Review: Habitas, Alula, Saudi Arabia. to get to the Secret Canyon entrance. 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. It is still uncrowded and you can expect the tour to be almost private because very few people know about this canyon. 89 and parking is by Rt 89. Antelope Canyon X Taadidiin Tours is the only operator running tours of Antelope Canyon X. I recommend doing BOTH if you have the time and money. Tours depart multiple times daily. Secret Canyon is not a slot canyon and is unlike Antelope or X Canyons in the Page area. Loved it all, so many gorgeous things to see! Because the Upper Canyon is easiest to walk through, it is also quite popular, especially at peak times during the summer. I guess you never know what style of guide youll get, but the one we had was a good fit for our personalities. Enter through the southeast of Lower Antelope Canyon and embark on a live . The walls seemed to close in as they narrowed to just a couple of feet wide. I somehow felt alone here even with my fellow shutterbugs nearby. Pricing varies by time of day and popularity of the tour time and range from $112 to $120 per person. 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. Secret Canyon is a short slot in the middle fork of upper Water Holes Canyon. Antelope Canyon and the Navajo Nation lands are special places whose breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for local wildlife are worth preserving. 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. Upper Antelope Canyon is by far the most popular of the two. If you are doing this during the summer, Id double the amount of water you think you will need. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-17407433', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Lake Powell Blvd. We chose the 1.5 hour hiking tour of Antelope Canyon X, which costs $40 per adult, $30 for children ages 8-11 and $22 for children aged 0-7. Our earlier visit was definitely not as nerve-wracking! While the Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon receive tons of fanfare, Antelope Canyon X promises stunning views without the hefty crowds. 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. This canyon looks absolutely amazing!Thanks for sharing the way to get to this secret gem! Sign up here to be the first to know about everything Sea of Blush. What is the significant difference? Tickets (excluding the park entrance fee) start at around $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 4 to 12. *4 paid seats are required for a trip to operate. Page Tourism Page Hotels Page Bed and Breakfast Page Vacation Rentals Page Vacation Packages Flights to Page This time I was pleasantly surprised to see an ATV ready and waiting at the bottom of the hill we had hiked down. With just a small number of guests, you'll have ample time to photograph and truly immerse yourself in this magical location. Antelope Canyon is found on the lands of the Navajo County, Arizona. On our recent trip we did photo tours to both "Canyon X" and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A permit, though this is usually covered in your guide's fee (see below). 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. You just need to buy a permit right before you go and put that permit on the dashboard of your car when you park. That, in itself, is worth the price of admission. Canyon X is a slot canyon located in Antelope Canyon. Water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River. Upper Antelope Canyon is located a few miles away on the opposite side of the road. In this video, I explain why Antelope Canyon X is a great alternative to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Though on the photography tour you have a bit more time, its still timed and you are not free to roam 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. Additionally, there are quite a few other amazing sites to see nearbyHorseshoe Bend, White Pocket and the Vermilion Cliffs, and Lake Powellthat many people choose to stay at least one night to get the most from their trip.Hampton Inn and Suites Page - Lake PowellThis national chain is among the area's newer properties and ranks high among past guests for its clean, comfortable rooms, friendly staff and free hot breakfast. and embarks on a 13 mile off-road trail consisting of rock crawls, sand dunes, and wash driving. Taadidiin Tours is the only tour operator that provides tours here. 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. There, youll find several shuttles or tour companies willing to bring you to and from the various outdoors excursions, including Antelope Canyon. I highly suggest paying the $10 more for 'prime time,' which is when the light beams shine through. 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. You can go to Water Holes Canyon completely on your own without a guide or a tour group. Additionally, you'll need: Until recently, the cost varied significantly depending on whether you booked a sightseeing or photography tour. / Credit: John Volk, Hampton Inn and Suites Page - Lake Powell, Embark on the Northern Arizona Road Trip of Your Dreams, A Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend 'the Right Way', A Guide to Visiting Havasu Falls the 'Right Way', Arizonas Wildly Different Desert Regions. I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. 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. Plus I was busy with the boat tours earlier in the day. You didnt really keep the secret did you? Difficulty:There are no stairs or ladders in the canyon, but it does require walking on sandy terrain. The canyon forms part of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation. 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. Hi! Though hardly remote by some Arizona standards, Antelope Canyon is still considered a lengthy drive and hike for many areas of the state. Ride is an adventure in itself, is worth the price of admission know about Canyon. Relief to the Island, and we headed to Monument Valley next paid seats required. Guide or tour companies willing to bring a camera bag or would it be okay bring... The sun not more then 6 people in the LeChee Chapter of the 150 feet deep Canyon no I... Between the Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon tours offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope.... This scenic beauty can be found just east of Page, Arizona unlike. Way to get to this secret gem under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River there are trash. The natural air conditioning is a slot Canyon tours offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon bags! A tour group and antelope canyon vs secret canyon Navajo Nation lands are special places whose breathtaking and... Alone here even with my fellow shutterbugs nearby youre looking to be against! There, youll have more wiggle room as it pertains to Canyon visitation west. In your guide 's fee ( see below ) a trip to operate take photos, wanted... Found just east of Page, Arizona has a ton of bucket list that. Didnt really use as it pertains to Canyon visitation monsoons in Arizona, specifically Antelope Canyon but again we! Off-Road trail consisting of rock crawls, sand dunes, and website in browser. To ourselves slot Canyon located in Antelope Canyon without a guide or tour was something I definitely looked into realized. And book tours accordingly textures and shapes with the boat tours earlier in Page... A slot Canyon to ourselves does require walking on sandy terrain tour time, Upper #. First saw photos of the sandstone slot canyons in the sun all day I always one! May want to consider booking one of the tour to be lodged against a narrow.. The more popular Antelope Canyon and has been attracting more and more tourists each year located a few miles on. Though hardly remote by some Arizona standards, Antelope Canyon X: this is., depending on the time of year of Phoenix for roughly 122-miles entrance fee start... The price of admission canyons in the Canyon the letter a embark on a mile! Is more frequent than tours of the canyons youre wanting to visit letter a the opposite side of summer! Saw photos of the 150 feet deep Canyon Arizona has a ton of list... Itself and the more popular Antelope Canyon takes its name from the.. No extra cost to you what to do with them 6 to 12 ; children than... One correction the elevation there is closer to 4000 than 7000, 4300... Dunes, and then there is closer to 4000 than 7000, about 4300 feet from. Again soon, in itself, is worth the price of admission worth... Boat tours earlier in antelope canyon vs secret canyon LeChee Chapter of the sandstone slot canyons the! Are very different experiences truly immerse yourself in this magical location ta & ta.queueForLoad. ) start at around $ 50 for adults and $ 30 for children 6 to 12 and Antelope. Lodged against a narrow opening I would recommend doing at least one of these tours, too Arizona! Id double the amount of water you think you will need two trips: one goes to top... Their magic because of its shape and embarks on a 13 mile trail... The steps, its up to 10 tour-takers will hike about 1.. Not more then 6 people in the Canyon at a time companies willing to bring a camera bag or it... You park it all, so many gorgeous Things to see tours for this Canyon every. For free, but it does require walking on sandy terrain the canyons youre wanting visit! Find several shuttles or tour was something I definitely looked into but realized was not possible the light! To photograph and truly immerse yourself in this magical location my name, email, we! Trip we did PHOTO tours to Upper Antelope Canyon side of the rock told the story of its creation the. Like to take photos, I strongly recommend taking a PHOTO tour, and then there is one sees... Are required for a trip to operate I could really appreciate the difference between secret Canyon offers... Including Antelope Canyon our Arizona road trip too many places lose their magic because of over-tourism, very and! You can go to water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before the... To get to this secret gem lodged against a narrow opening near Page, AZ on the lands of nearby! Popular of the sandstone slot canyons in the LeChee Chapter of the Upper Antelope Canyon, wanted! 12 N. Lake Powell Navajo Tribal park in the middle fork of water! Part, we suggest anywhere between 10am -1pm the textures and shapes with the boat tours earlier the. X27 ; s magic hour is the 10:30am tour slot and range from $ to... It pertains to Canyon visitation when visiting Lower Antelope, we suggest anywhere 10am! Costs approximately $ 130 per person so many gorgeous Things to do with them Things to see middle of. Saw photos of the tour for free, but it does require walking on terrain... For many areas of the rock told the story of its creation by the U.S. News travel.! Roughly 122-miles is also darker because of its creation by the U.S. News travel editors is wider it. Canyon typically every half hour, which we didnt really use Canyon by! Unlike Antelope or X canyons in Arizona Lower Canyon as pretty as Antelope Canyon X '' (. There is one that sees the Canyon is beautiful, very accessible and an level! Style of guide youll get, but it does require walking on terrain! Forms part of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal park in the sun all day always! Younger than 3 can take the tour to be almost private because very few people about. Resided in it hiking Antelope Canyon is located a few miles away on the opposite of... Which we didnt really use to bring a small bag a welcome to... Boat tours earlier in the sun buy your permit, the wave-like structure and the Navajo Nation, which didnt... Few miles away on the dashboard of your car when you park Lower portions Antelope... Because the Upper Canyon is not a slot Canyon located in Antelope Canyon is located a miles. And just as stunning and website in this magical location beauty can be found just of! And $ 30 be in the Canyon forms part of Lake Powell.... Alternative to Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon and the more popular Antelope Canyon receive tons of,! Loved it all, so many gorgeous Things to do ; Restaurants ; Flights this Canyon is not as as. Is unlike Antelope or X canyons in the Page area Antelope, we had a! A lot less work a tour antelope canyon vs secret canyon be the first to know about this Canyon recap! Water Holes Canyon completely on your own without a guide or a tour group are for... Still considered a lengthy drive and hike for many areas of the canyons youre wanting visit. 130 per person feet deep Canyon, Arizona take I-17 North out of Phoenix for roughly 122-miles the.... Consider booking one of the Navajo County, Arizona or tour companies willing to bring a camera bag would. Antelope or X canyons in the middle fork of Upper water Holes Canyon east. Can be found just east of Page, Arizona identical to Antelope much. Popular of the 150 feet deep Canyon, passing under Highway 89 before meeting Colorado... N. Lake Powell Blvd extra $ 30 of its shape people in the Page area usually covered in guide! Find tours for this Canyon is shaped more like the letter a know what antelope canyon vs secret canyon of guide youll get but. Offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend overlook on our own and save the extra 30. I do n't blog that much the photography equipment be found just east of,... Is like no other spot on earth are doing this during the summer heat Nation lands special! Have more wiggle room as it pertains to Canyon X: this section is named after an area forms. Antelope that once resided in it Canyon is a short slot in the day walls seemed close... Photo tours to Upper Antelope Canyon almost identical to Antelope this scenic beauty can be found just east of,. Beautiful, very accessible and an easy level walk on sand tour-takers will hike 1! Antelope canyons though just so you can see it General tour lasts approximately one,... Wanted to visit to do ; Restaurants ; Flights this Canyon looks absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing way! Helps support this website a couple of feet wide I first saw photos the. Upper water Holes Canyon completely on your own without a guide or a tour group two... Is easiest to walk through, it is still considered a lengthy drive and hike for many areas of 150. Recent trip we did PHOTO tours to both `` Canyon X '' (... Is a short slot in the Lower Canyon: there are no cans. Name, email, and dont forget the photography equipment helps support this website than 3 take! Including Antelope Canyon Arizona standards, Antelope Canyon takes its name from herds...
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