Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon near Page where flash floods have carved the sandstone into flowing, sculpted walls that seem to ripple like fabric. In its narrow depths, shafts of sunlight pierce down at midday to light the swirling orange rock, making it one of the most photographed canyons on earth. It lies on Navajo land and is seen only with a guide.

Highlights

• The flowing walls - the sculpted, wave-like sandstone of the slot canyon.
• The light beams - the shafts of sunlight piercing down at midday.
• Upper and Lower canyons - the two main sections, each with its own character.
• The colours - the orange, purple and pink glow of the rock in the filtered light.

When to go

Late spring to early autumn for the sun high enough to send beams down, best around midday from about March to October. Booking a Navajo-guided tour well ahead is essential.

Practical notes

It can only be visited on a guided tour, which books up and is not cheap, and the popular slots are crowded and rushed. Flash floods are a real risk, so tours run only in safe conditions. It is on Navajo land, so respect the guides and rules.

Nearby

Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell are minutes away at Page; the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley are within reach.

Key facts