We noticed that this group was sticking together while the guide explained things as they went. Now I am so sad I missed it! So I asked around, did some research and discovered Horseshoe Bend Tours, a company that has exclusive access to Secret Canyon and a private Navajo viewpoint of Horseshoe Bend. What a nice surprise and a lot less work. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. The guided tour is $48 per person and lasts about 90 minutes. If you choose to add it, you really need at least 3 more days. Travelers on a Lower Canyon tour will need to drive to the tour operator's location. 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. Antelope Canyon hosts tons of visitors and, in order to protect the canyon walls from damage, no bags of any kind are permitted in either the Upper or Lower section. The tour starts at $102 per person, but cost an additional $10 if you want to visit during peak sunlight hours. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. Or a handstand, may I add I really truly hope that Horseshoe Bend Tours will keep their mission to keep the Secret Canyon as secret and private as it gets. Welcome to my blog! The trip stops outside the entrance to Secret Canyon and heads out on a 100 yard nature hike through the desert into the canyon. 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. It is a very beautiful canyon. What's a slot canyon, you might ask? Approximately 3 hoursfrom departure at 821 US 89 in Page, AZ. 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. I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. From Phoenix, the drive north to Antelope Canyon is approximately four-and-a-half hours. 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. Get to Antelope Canyon (or, the nearby Page, Arizona). The best part about Water Holes Canyon is you do not need to buy a tour to visit. With its light beams, falling sands, and very high canyon walls, this is the more photogenic of the two canyons. Horseshoe Bend attracts 2 million visitors every year and is one of the most photographed sites in northern Arizona. 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. to get to the Secret Canyon entrance. Pay whatever they want. Discover Canyon X in Antelope Canyon on a guided tour, with timed entry for a hassle-free adventure. Both canyons are located on Navajo-owned lands, and in both cases, it's compulsory to visit the canyons with a Navajo guide. 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. Well worth the extra cost. The smaller number of people really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of a slot canyon. Its supposed to keep water cold for up to 24 hours and it works! The canyon forms part of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation. This is so gorgeous here!! Page Topping the bucket list of bucket lists, Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon is one of the most sought after destinations in the world. I wandered around marvelling at the way the water had carved the rock into so many different shapes and textures. Shadows begin to peek in after that 12 pm timeslot, which may make that perfectly lit photograph difficult to achieve. 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. Do: Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes and layered clothing. You don't have (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Waterhole is a slot canyon just like Antelope Canyon without a tour. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-17409430', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Antelope Canyon one day (Chief Tsosie Tour) then took the three canyon tour with Hummer tours. Waterhole Canyon was definitely a hidden gem on our Arizona road trip. I suspect only a few weeks or months as the summer rains will return and they would change the canyon yet again. Though I forgot to download the map this time and didnt get lost, its a good precaution. If Antelope Canyon has made its way on your travel bucket list, and the beautiful imagery has got you feeling some sort of wanderlusty way, we hope youll consider booking a tour with Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours. What else can you do while youre there? Tours depart multiple times daily. Both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon are located in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, about 5 miles out of Page. For the Lower Antelope, it is best to take the tour between 10 am to 1 pm. It was so packed with people vying for the perfect photo spot that I worried about accidentally getting bumped over the edge. 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. Ive hiked at many different locations with just a downloaded Google Map and it was super useful. I was excited to return and try to capture its beauty with my newer equipment and techniques. When we came out at the end of the slot, we waited until the rest of our group and guide arrived. I recommend doing BOTH if you have the time and money. and embarks on a 13 mile off-road trail consisting of rock crawls, sand dunes, and wash driving. You just go there, park your car and enjoy the views, like we did. Theres no real sign and we actually missed it coming from Page. It was amazing definitely go to this slot canyon if you are in the area for Antelope Canyon! Lower Antelope Canyon is pretty too, but it is longer and requires more exertion: there are ladders and boulders that one has to be able to navigate. This canyon is shaped more like the letter A. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Upper Antelope Canyon is only 100 yards long and the trail through it is flat, so it's an easy walk for most people. Canyon vs antelope canyon. I had to get down on my knees and pointed my camera almost straight up to capture the blue sky against the reddish orange sandstone. As a result, it is almost always FULL of people. Most tours begin in Page or at the park's entrance off Highway 98. VISIT SECRET CANYON: This Hummer tour begins at 12 N. Lake Powell Blvd. 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. Upper Antelope Canyon is at ground level, has less than a 2% incline and is the more popular entrance. Tickets (excluding the park entrance fee) start at around $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 4 to 12. Canyon X is further away from Page (about 40 minutes) and access to it is a slightly more difficult - a steep, somewhat rocky path leads to the entrance of the canyon, but that part is relatively short. 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. Description. It was a chilly morning in early January, so we were given warm blankets to cover up with during the drive in a partially open-air 44 truck. 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. What is the difference between the Upper and Lower canyon? Consequently, making tour reservations well in advance is highly recommended. Upper Antelope Canyon is the more popular (and well-known) of the two and is more photogenic but is also generally darker (and gets darker quicker) due to the narrow canyon walls. Before I share with you our experience visiting Secret Canyon, heres a brief background about this special location. Beautiful!!! The price generallybut not alwaysincludes taxes and the $8 Navajo . This is Navajo Land, we are guests, and should be thankful that they have let us hike the majestic canyon. We did the hike in converse and me in a green gown. When is the best time of year to visit? The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. You can check the rest of my photos in my Facebook album. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overlook on our exclusive tour. It is part of the drainage system of Upper Waterholes Canyon. Hi Anda, is it okay to bring a camera bag or would it be okay to bring a small bag? Awww thank you!! Antelope is a bit prettier, but a LOT more crowded. 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)! 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Will definitely bookmark this! Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon. It's a slot canyon, meaning it formed from water carving it out over millions of years. 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 was able to hit both canyons during their prime times by booking . With just a small number of guests, you'll have ample time to photograph and truly immerse yourself in this magical location. *Infants & children under age 6 are not permitted. That being said, its growing in popularity, making it more crowded than you might assume, considering that its less likely to sell out as far as tours are concerned. I could really appreciate the difference between Secret Canyon and the more popular Antelope Canyon. About Secret Canyon (a.k.a Horseshoe Bend Canyon) Secret Canyon is a branch of the larger Water Holes Canyon that cuts through the Navajo sandstone near Lake Powell. Directions to Waterhole Canyon From Phoenix, Arizona Take I-17 North out of Phoenix for roughly 140-miles. It feels like a whole other planet! Additionally, there will be significantly fewer tourists and photographers, as mentioned before, which makes for a better viewing and photographing experience. Hotel review: ALO Hotel by Ayres (Anaheim, California, USA), 10 things to do in Bali with bonus saving tips, Snorkeling in Maldives: a moment of reflection, Snorkljanje na Maldivih in minuta za samorefleksijo. 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. Upper Antelope has been open much longer. There are no trash cans and no bathrooms in the 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. We hiked aka walked all through the canyon and eventually came to a ladder. Though on the photography tour you have a bit more time, its still timed and you are not free to roam on your own. I loved photographing the waves and patterns of the rock but my camera was struggling in the canyons dark sections. 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. For this one, you'll climb into a 4 x 4 truck and be caravanned over to the entrance. Information was updated January 2022, but can change without notice. Let's explore the world together. Arizona Hot Springs Canyon This slot canyon is located in the Lake Mead Recreational Area, just south of the famous Hoover Dam. Just make sure you take it out with you after the tour.Don't: Bring bags, purses, fanny packs, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, food and drinksall are prohibited in the canyon. The walks depart from the company's booth near the canyon multiple times each day. Jackpot! 1. Several miles after leaving Highway 89 we came to the end of the road where our transport stopped. Tours run several times daily. Would you believe me if I told you theres a slot canyon that looks just like the famous Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons that you can hike all on your own? Antelope Canyon is found on the lands of the Navajo County, Arizona. Ever since I first saw photos of the sandstone slot canyons in Arizona, specifically Antelope Canyon, I wanted to visit. I simply adore the magenta and red colors and cant seem to find out at what time of day they come out best. / 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. You can do this hike in just a good pair of sneakers because it is flat but be prepared to get tons of sand in your shoes. I noticed there are two trips: one goes to the Island, and then there is one that sees the canyon. 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). This rare opportunity to explore one of the longest slot canyons on the Navajo Nation is made even more special by the limited number of guests we take on each tour. You didnt really keep the secret did you? Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers.. 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. 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 canyon splits into several tributaries, some which have deep narrow sections known as slot canyons. (Keep in mind if you can't book a child's ticket, it means there are no more car seats available.) In fact, the most expensive photo in the world was taken in Upper Antelope Canyon, and it sold for $6.5 million. Location is the biggest difference. In this video, I explain why Antelope Canyon X is a great alternative to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. When it comes to Antelope Canyon, however, its unique because it contains two different and separate slot canyon sections (equally beautiful and scenic) that are known as Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Sign up to The Travel Magazine's FREE Newsletter and get the latest news, articles, guides, promotions and competitions. The feisty fauna, such as spiders, scorpions, and snakes, will be keeping to themselves more than spending time out in the open. At what time did you visit the Secret Canyon? There, youll find several shuttles or tour companies willing to bring you to and from the various outdoors excursions, including Antelope Canyon. Since going to Antelope Canyon requires a tour, you really cant spend that much time taking pictures. 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. Back at the truck, our guide passed out some snacks and water before driving us to their private overlook of Horseshoe Bend for the second half of our tour. I noticed there are two trips: one goes to the Island, and then there is one that sees the canyon. The path inside the Lower Canyon can be quite narrow, which may be an issue for visitors uncomfortable with confined spaces. We bought our permit for Waterhole Canyon right before we went and put the permit on the dashboard of our car. Ill pay more for a smaller, more intimate tour than an assembly line-like one any day. The Navajo Sandstone curved like flowing water. Upper Antelope Canyon is called Ts bighnln, 'the place where water runs through rocks' by the Navajo People in that specific area.It is the most frequently visited by tourists because its entrance and entire length are at ground level, requiring no climbing; and because beams of direct sunlight radiating down from openings at the top of the canyon are much more common all year round . Water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Even though Secret Canyon is a wonderful alternative to Antelope Canyon, thats not to say that Antelope isnt worth visiting as well. To recap: Decide which of the canyons youre wanting to visit and book tours accordingly. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. For me, the price was worth it to avoid being rushed through in a crowd. wow! But since we could go to Water Holes Canyon and explore on our own we went all sorts of photo crazy! We only met a few other tourists along the way. Rest assured, no matter which canyon you visit, you're guaranteed incredible scenery. My 90 minutes in the canyon was soon over and I dreaded the hike out. At Horseshoe Bend Overlook, we'll avoid the congested public parking lot and take a private dirt road that leads to within 100 meters of the edge of the canyon. 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. Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours: Secret Antelope Slot Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour - See 3,452 traveler reviews, 1,525 candid photos, and great deals for Page, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Where is Antelope Canyon? I would recommend doing at least one of the Antelope Canyons though just so you can see it. 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