Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend

9/22/2018 – Page, AZ

We got an early start today in order to be among the first tours through the Lower Antelope Canyon. The park is on land owned by the Navajo Nation and they run all of the concessions. When we first arrived at the meeting spot for Ken’s Tours, we figured we would be bused somewhere to go into the canyon. As it turned out, it was just a short walk behind the building to a set of stairs leading into a long narrow cavity in the sandstone. It would be easy to walk within 10-15 yards of it and not even see it. Once you are down on the floor of the canyon, there are stairs leading between a few of the major chambers. Before that, people had to climb and/or use ropes…..in some cases the Navajo dug footholds into the sandstone to make it easier to climb (they’re still there).

The canyon was formed over centuries by rainwater that pours through the cracks anytime there is a significant rain event. It is very dangerous when it rains. In August 1997, a group of 1 American and 10 international visitors died when a cloud burst 15 miles away sent an 11 ft. wall of water crashing down into the canyon. The only survivor was the guide. He was badly injured and he ultimately wrote a book about that tragic day. Shortly after that event, there was a lot more regulation put in place to control who enters the canyon. Every person entering the canyon must now be accompanied by a guide, and the canyon is closed anytime there is any rain in then area. There is a plaque just outside the canyon in memory of those that died that day in 1997.

It is a very beautiful and unique place but it was also very crowded. They put 3000 – 5000 people a day through the Lower Antelope Canyon which makes it feel like your part of a cattle drive. In most places, you have to pass through in single file. The cost seemed a little steep for what ends up being a 1 hour tour ……with the concession fee and the Navajo Nation tax, it came to $51 per adult. Those factors made it a little disappointing but we both agree it was still well worth the visit. It’s a pretty unique place.

Just outside of town is the famous Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River. Nancy ran over to check it out later in the afternoon while I was getting a haircut. It’s another scenic spot with many visitors. We continue to be amazed by the number international tourists at all of cool spots we have been visiting. Most of the time, they outnumber the US tourists. Who can blame them for wanting to come see the spectacular places in the US…..not sure there is anyplace in the world that offers the diversity of experiences you can find in our great country!

A view of our RV resort from a hill behind us