56°F
weather icon Partly Cloudy

Antelope canyons ‘spectacular’

The Upper and Lower Antelope canyons on the Navajo Indian Reservation near Page, Arizona, are two of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world, and, unlike some, they do not require a long trek to reach them.

The slot canyons are just a few miles apart along the usually dry wash of Antelope Creek. Shaped primarily by wind and water, these are classic corkscrew canyons with walls of Navajo sandstone.

Both of these slots are extremely stunning, but the Upper Antelope Canyon is the easier journey, most important if your party includes children or adults who can’t hike very far or handle a bit of rough terrain and metal stairs. Upper Antelope is only a 400-yard round-trip.

Along your hike your Navajo guide will point out the names of the formations within the canyons; some guides even play the flute.

If your priority is something resembling solitude, the first tour in the morning is best, for this is a popular place. But if taking great pictures is more important to you, aim for around midday, when the sun filters light into the canyon. Some tour groups can advise which tour time will be best for photography on the day you are coming.

You must travel to the trailhead with an authorized tour guide. There are two trailheads for Upper and Lower Antelope, and each requires a separate booking. I recommend making a reservation in advance, but tours are usually available even on the day you ask. For reservations or more information, visit www.navajonationparks.org.

You can easily do Upper and Lower Antelope canyons in one half of a day.

Slot canyons are dangerous during and after heavy rains, when powerful torrents of water, mud and vegetation funnel into the slots. On one visit to Upper Antelope, I noticed a juniper log wedged between the walls. It was about 30 feet above the canyon floor.

When visiting, bring along hiking shoes and a small daypack containing water, small snacks and camera. Be sure to check with the tour operators for their restrictions.

Page has numerous lodging choices and camping opportunities. Details are at www.go-arizona.com/Page.

Many of Deborah Wall’s columns have been compiled into books about hiking in the Southwest. She is also the author of “Great Hikes, a Cerca Country Guide” and a co-author of the book “Access For All, Seeing the Southwest With Limited Mobility.” Wall can be reached at deborabus@aol.com.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
BCHS wins four straight on diamond

Getting to .500 on the season with a 4-4 record, Boulder City High School baseball has rallied for four consecutive wins, defeating Mater East and earning a forfeit victory over Mojave in this week’s slate.

School, city to come together for cancer patient

A community will come together on April 2 at Boulder City High School in support of 5-year old Henry Sorenson, who is currently battling Ewing’s sarcoma, a bone cancer in his left leg.

BCHS seeking nominees for Hall of Fame

One just has to stand in the Boulder City High School gymnasium and slowly turn from side to the other to see what sports means to the school and town.

Eagles unbeaten in league play

Remaining perfect in 3A play, Boulder City High School boys volleyball defeated Western, Coral Academy and Canyon Springs during this week’s slate.

Sports Roundup: Softball squad picks up pair of victories

On a roll, Boulder City High School softball won a pair of games this past week, defeating rival Moapa Valley on March 20 and Western on March 25.

Trio of Eagles receive state honors

Honored for their achievements, a trio of Boulder City High School star athletes were named to the All-Southern Nevada team, highlighting the top athletes in the state regardless of classification.

BCHS wins two straight on the diamond

Bringing life back into the program, Boulder City High School baseball has put together a two-game winning streak after a disappointing 0-4 start.

Volleyball squad picks up impressive win

In what felt like a playoff atmosphere, Boulder City High School boys volleyball picked up their best victory to date, routing 5A Foothill.

Lady Eagles win sixth straight

Boulder City High School softball is currently riding a six-game winning streak as they added a trio of wins to their season total this past week.

Lady Eagles dominant so far in softball

Currently riding a three-game winning streak, Boulder City High School softball is on a roll, having not allowed a run yet in 3A play.