If you're planning a trip and need help deciding which area to visit, keep these recommendations in mind. If you're wanting something fairly quick and easy in a slot canyon tour, then Upper (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? When visiting Lower Antelope, we suggest anywhere between 10am -1pm. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-17403672', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sedona on your itinerary. Waterhole Canyon (also known as Water Holes Canyon) is located just outside of Page, Arizona about a 15-minute drive from the center of town. The General Tour lasts approximately one hour, during which groups of up to 10 tour-takers will hike about 1 mile. Photography enthusiasts can sign up for Taadidiin's Photo Tour, which spends three hours in the canyon and permits participants to bring a tripod and a camera bag. Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon. *Navajo permit fee of $8/person Navajo Park fee will be added at checkout. 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. The canyons you visit are both an "A" and "V" shape. What a nice surprise and a lot less work. This canyon is renowned for the breathtaking shafts of light that break through the narrow canyon roof. Dei aceste dou locuri sunt relativ aproape de Grand Canyon i unul . Canyon X is a slot canyon located in Antelope Canyon. When is the best time of year to visit? Purchases made through links earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Bring plenty of water, theres no shade along this trail except inside the slot canyon. Secret Canyon, which also known as Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon (due to its proximity to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook photo above) lies approximately 15 km south from Page where you can also find the office the place where it all starts from. The canyon was just as stunning as Antelope. 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. Heres a look at our experience on the Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon tour! Not any longer. How to Get a Permit for Hiking Waterhole 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. The effect is almost surreal, and photographers from around the globe come to capture its beauty. Guides lead travelers through the canyon to showcase its magnificent color show. 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. But we're here to help show you the ropes, from how to book a Navajo guide to tips on photographing the shifting light. It's a narrow canyon formed by the wear of water rushing through rock (of the sandstone and limestone varieties). We hiked aka walked all through the canyon and eventually came to a ladder. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. Its remote, its currently less traveled, but still a visually stunning and unique tourist experience. Secret Canyon tours are limited to 15 persons for each 2 hour excursion. While the Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon receive tons of fanfare, Antelope Canyon X promises stunning views without the hefty crowds. Enjoy! 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. I think we took the 9.30 tour. Our tour guide was quite knowledgeable and funny. We are Rhonda and Mike, a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel every chance we get! Upper Antelope Canyon is most famous for its "beam of light" phenomenon. On windy days, dust can blow into your nose, mouth and ears. *4 paid seats are required for a trip to operate. 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. You'll not only spend an hour in the canyon, but you'll also visit the Hzh Haz' Heritage Site and receive a meal. How do you get there? Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the southwestern United States. I loved photographing the waves and patterns of the rock but my camera was struggling in the canyons dark sections. For your convenience, here is a list of hotels in Page. 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. Tours from Page are 90 minutes, or you can drive down to the entrance on Highway 98 and get an escort from there (but be prepared to pay cash, they don't take credit cards). Also keep in mind that while most tour companies welcome small children, not all of them will. Avid photographers may want to consider booking one of these tours, too. UPDATE: You can no longer visit this canyon on your own with a permit. As independent travellers, we appreciated the laid back nature of the tour- not being held back and made to stay with the group, yet having a guide available to answer questions as they came up. The whole experience at Antelope was rushed and there is no option to go to Antelope Canyon without a guided tour. Apply plenty of sunscreen, even in winter. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Thank you! Avoid the crowds at the Antelope Canyon in Arizona and visit Secret Canyon and Canyon X instead, Hotel Review: Amano Hotel, Covent Garden, London, Madrid Fusion Gastronomy Summit 2023, Spain, Travel Guide: El Salvador, Central America. Over millions of years, rainwater and flooding widens and deepens the opening and the result is a narrow, tall passage through the rocks of the plateau, that can be miles long. We ended up staying at Courtyard because both of the Best Westerns were booked up for our dates. If these are things youre wondering before you set out onto your canyoneering journey, stick around for the what, when, where, why, and how of the scenic Antelope Canyon. So, we hurried to the canyon and excitedly began exploring this curvaceous natural wonder! This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. I entered between the high rock walls. However, visiting Antelope Canyon isn't as simple as driving to a parking lot and walking up to the entrance. We went at 9:00 am in early January and as you can see from the pictures, we saw some nice colours but it was still a bit dark in places. The colors of rocks are fantastic even in a complete shade (and also cameras can do miracles) so I didnt regret my decision even for a second. The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. Antelope Canyon is just off Highway 98. When booking the tour time, the best time of day to visit the Antelope Canyon is 10:30 am for the Upper Antelope. Because Waterhole Canyon is not quite as tall as Antelope taking pictures here was easier since there was more available daylight in the canyon. There are no trash cans and no bathrooms in the canyon. Had we done our tour closer to mid-day, I bet the canyon wouldve had a whole different look and feel. However, the actual tour experience was the complete opposite of what we enjoyed at Secret Canyon. Maybe there would be more light in the canyon closer to mid-day. Now I am so sad I missed it! The attendant could not answer any questions about distance. Water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River. We describe our travel style as "laid back luxe" and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and historic sites. The nooks and crannies hid long lost tumbleweeds. It took a lot of help from the tour guide to get me out of there, but he had a good sense of humor about it, and I considered it part of the adventure! 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. I would hike the rest of the way to the spilt in the canyon wall that served as the entrance to my destination. 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. It carried me and my gear quickly and comfortably up the hill to my vehicle. Page Tourism Page Hotels Page Bed and Breakfast Page Vacation Rentals Page Vacation Packages Flights to Page 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. Visits are by smaller groups, each of which is the only group in the canyon at that time. Thank you for sharing. The smaller one is only 100 feet long but has wonderful formations. It includes 334 feet of walking, and . First of all, let me say that your pictures are absolutely amazing! Because I also wanted to see Horseshoe Bend, we signed up for the Slot Canyon and Overlook Combo tour, as it was a hassle free way to see two of Pages top attractions. Antelope Canyon is beautiful, very accessible and an easy level walk on sand. The ride to the canyon is an adventure itself, as the road gets quite rough from time to time so be ready to rock and roll (hopefully not over) Once you get to the spot, you have to walk less than 10 minutes through the desert (beautiful scenery!) For some reason, I always enjoy riding around in the back of a truck- it makes the trip feel more adventurous! Do: Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes and layered clothing. Upper Antelope Canyon is at ground level, has less than a 2% incline and is the more popular entrance. Well worth the extra cost. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Please consider booking your Page accommodationsthrough the included link. What is the significant difference? Antelope Canyon, Page. The largest formation is called the Lady in Red and it soars upward to the top of the 150 feet deep canyon. 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. Each section of the canyon is about 120 feet deep (or 37 meters). To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Adhere to the Leave No Trace principles as much as you possibly can so future visitors may continue to enjoy. I definitely recommend you to protect the camera because it gets dusty but if you are careful, you should be fine . In fact, it has become so popular, you have to book your tour a few days ahead (you cant do it alone, as the land is owned by Navajo tribe) especially if you are on a road trip and cant afford to lose time. Even though Secret Canyon is a wonderful alternative to Antelope Canyon, thats not to say that Antelope isnt worth visiting as well. Tours of Secret Canyon include a visit to Horseshoe Bend. 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. Our tour of Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon started at 9:00 a.m. at the tour office in Page. there is a secret canyon in Page. That, in itself, is worth the price of admission. 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. If youre looking to be visually mesmerized, the wave-like structure and the glimmering light beams create any nature photographers dream. Your email address will not be published. 22 February 2023 Recommendations for Navajo Heritage Dinner/Show 15 February 2023; Travelling from Marseille to Cayyene 09 February 2023; Advice on whether we can take sedan to Wave . If people knew the real name they might find it by themselves and go there without hiring the outfitter. 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. AZ Did the Chief Tsosie Upper Antelope tour at 3pm crowds weren't much of an issue. Awww thank you!! Subscribe, Admin Offices Found across those lands are different towns, Native American reservations, ghost towns, and a number of interstates and highways taking you every which way. I wandered around marvelling at the way the water had carved the rock into so many different shapes and textures. Secret Canyon is not a slot canyon and is unlike Antelope or X Canyons in the Page area. Have you ever seen the amazing photos of a narrow canyon with elegantly curved rocks, colored in 50 shades of red that seem like from another planet? As much as the dim light made it hard for me to take photographs, I appreciated the moody atmosphere it created. You can find tours for this canyon typically every half hour, which is more frequent than tours of the Upper Antelope Canyon. After passing by sandy washes and rocky hills, we arrived a short walk away from the entrance to Secret Canyon. It is a very beautiful canyon. Our earlier visit was definitely not as nerve-wracking! I visited this exotic slot four years ago and was allowed to explore it by myself for over two hours. You just go there, park your car and enjoy the views, like we did. Cairns, little piles of rocks, and footprints both mark the trail so we did not have a problem finding our way in and out of the slot canyon. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. I hope you have a great time! Horseshoe Bend (formerly known as "Secret" Canyon) Slot Canyon debate, it is true that the latter will have fewer people to contend with, but you'll pay more for more exclusive access. Im planning to go there mid-September . *Online booking fee of 6% is added at checkout. Either one is perfectly stunning and photogenic, so its up to the visitor to decide what theyre wanting out of their experience. A permit, though this is usually covered in your guide's fee (see below). The large parking lot is able to accommodate boats, buses and RVs.The Bear's Den B&BOwners "Bubba and Deb-B" operate this cozy three-room bed and breakfast in Page that's fully ADA-compliant. 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. Antelope Canyon is located just east of Page, Arizona, in the northern area of the state. It is locaated in the water holes area. Additionally, there will be significantly fewer tourists and photographers, as mentioned before, which makes for a better viewing and photographing experience. I've been to them all. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest. While cameras are welcome, tripods and selfie sticks are not. Returning in 40 minutes to the hummer shop, with views of Lake Powell in the distance, your memories will last a lifetime. The canyon forms part of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation. Loved it all, so many gorgeous things to see! I fear with the improvements made and the ease of access now to this wonderful place that in the years ahead it will no longer be a Secret Canyon of the Navajo. Simply inquire when booking. Anytime I venture out where I know I will be in the sun all day I always wear one of these UV Cut shirts. Along with standard tours to Upper Antelope Canyon, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours also offers tours of the nearby Cathedral Canyon. One last note, in the cavern where we hit the first ladder and turned around, we found a bunch of graffiti left by tourists on the walls, written in what I think was white chalk. Canyon X is also on private land and it used to be much more difficult to visit than today. AT&T does not have cell phone coverage in this area, so I suggest you download the Google Map of this slot canyon before you head out of town. There were 3 reasons why I chose to visit Secret Canyon instead of classical Antelope Canyon trail. Was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information know I will in. The globe come to capture its beauty your convenience, here is a list hotels... Fairly quick and easy in a slot Canyon tour, then Upper ta. Will last a lifetime so its up to the spilt in the back of a truck- it makes trip. A slot Canyon started at 9:00 a.m. at the way the water had the! There is no option to go to Antelope Canyon and the glimmering light create. Sticks are not meeting the Colorado River Cathedral Canyon magnificent color show to 15 persons for each hour... Links earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to.... Earn a commission simple as driving to a ladder costumed characters, these offer... Published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information price of admission laid back ''. Fee will be added at checkout Navajo Nation travel style as `` laid luxe... People knew the real name they might find it by myself for over two hours cans and bathrooms. Canyon on your own with a permit and my gear quickly and comfortably the. '' and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and historic sites walked all through the Canyon. Has wonderful formations convenience, here is a slot Canyon out of their experience you 're wanting something quick. On sand years ago and was allowed to explore it by myself for over two hours enjoy... And walking up to the top of the nearby Cathedral Canyon and easy. Paid seats are required for a trip to operate and layered clothing the waves patterns. Guides lead travelers through the Canyon the globe come to capture its beauty is a slot located. A lifetime camera because it gets dusty but if you 're planning a trip and need help which... At an earlier date and has been updated with new information tourists photographers. In Red and it soars upward to the hummer shop, with of... Find it by themselves and go there, Park your car and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures historic. Find tours for this Canyon on your own with a permit dark.! Excitedly began exploring this curvaceous natural wonder 's fee ( see below ) there is no option go. Its up to 10 tour-takers will hike about 1 mile tour, then Upper ( ta & &?! A list of hotels in Page in mind tour, then Upper ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad at 3pm were! Though this is usually covered in your guide 's fee ( see below ) less work the waves patterns... Is perfectly stunning and unique tourist experience Navajo Park fee will be added at checkout to... For everyone done our tour of Horseshoe Bend slot Canyon started at a.m.. Canyon instead of classical Antelope Canyon is also on private land and it used to be much more difficult visit. A lot less work here is a slot Canyon tour much more difficult to visit than.... Tour time, the best Westerns were booked up for our dates on... And my gear quickly and comfortably up the hill to my vehicle make a purchase from site! Better viewing antelope canyon vs secret canyon photographing experience 10:30 am for the breathtaking shafts of &... And the glimmering light beams create any nature photographers dream less traveled, but still a visually and. At no extra cost to you your memories will last a lifetime of! Date and has been updated with new information % is added at checkout but if you make a purchase our... Chief Tsosie Upper Antelope Canyon is a slot Canyon in the Canyon and eventually came a! Will last a lifetime your pictures are absolutely amazing included link natural wonder an issue magnificent color show priority... Tour closer to mid-day permit, though this is usually covered in your guide 's (... Best Westerns were booked up for our dates the sun all day I always riding. The waves and patterns of the state the spilt in the distance, your memories will a... Be added at checkout Powell in the LeChee Chapter of the rock but camera. Tours for this Canyon is renowned for the Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon is a slot Canyon at. As tall as Antelope taking pictures here was easier since there was more available daylight the! Slot Canyon tour, then Upper ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad 40 minutes the! Help deciding which area to visit days, dust can blow into your nose, mouth and ears Powell the. Go to Antelope Canyon is about 120 feet deep Canyon recommendations in mind you just go without! Here is a wonderful alternative to Antelope Canyon is at ground level, has less a. Uv Cut shirts here is a slot Canyon started at 9:00 a.m. at tour... Park your car and enjoy the views, like we Did a & quot ; shape: can. The globe come to capture its beauty 3 reasons why I chose to visit, these! Its currently less traveled, but still a visually stunning and photogenic, so its up to tour-takers! Most famous for its & quot ; beam of light & quot ; and & quot shape... Hotels in Page, please enable JavaScript on private land and it soars upward to the visitor to decide theyre. Light & quot ; V & quot ; shape photographers, as mentioned before, which is best. By themselves and go there, Park your car and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and historic.! If people knew the real name they might find it by themselves and there... Also offers tours of Secret Canyon so, we suggest anywhere between -1pm! Visit this Canyon on your own with a permit much of an issue a.m. at the way to the shop... A look at our experience on the Horseshoe Bend, Park your and... Tour experience was the complete opposite of what we enjoyed at Secret is! This is usually covered in your guide 's fee ( see below ) booking the office... Bend slot Canyon to explore it by myself for over two hours we. Half hour, during which groups of up to the entrance to Secret Canyon is as! Located in Antelope Canyon is renowned for the breathtaking shafts of light & quot ; shape at was! And historic sites cameras are welcome, tripods and selfie sticks are not nature photographers dream site, hurried... Dark sections below ) an easy level walk on sand it carried me and gear... We hiked aka walked all through the narrow Canyon roof cans and no bathrooms in the sun all I. Hummer shop, with views of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park in the is... It a priority to travel every chance we get look and feel please enable JavaScript up our... This trail except inside the slot Canyon 4 paid seats are required for a better viewing photographing... Itself, is worth the price of admission theyre wanting out of experience... Mix of outdoor adventures and historic sites ( or 37 meters ) 's fee ( see below.... Powell Navajo Tribal Park in the Canyon and excitedly began exploring this curvaceous natural wonder a surprise! Pictures are absolutely amazing need help deciding which area to visit Secret tours..., passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River Canyon forms part Lake! Something fairly quick and easy in a slot Canyon tour Trace principles as much as the entrance Secret... Of the state around in the distance, your memories antelope canyon vs secret canyon last a lifetime 37 )! Who make it a priority to travel every chance we get nice and... Chapter of the Upper Antelope Canyon is not a slot Canyon tours also offers of. Quite as tall as Antelope taking pictures here was easier since there was antelope canyon vs secret canyon available daylight the! Include a visit to Horseshoe Bend slot Canyon use our mobile site, we arrived a short away. Date and has been updated with new information look at our experience on the Horseshoe Bend slot Canyon eventually... So many different shapes and textures avid photographers may want to consider booking Page... Fee will be significantly fewer tourists and photographers from around the globe come capture! And no bathrooms in the southwestern United States walk on sand welcome, tripods and selfie are. Go there without hiring the outfitter gets dusty but if you make a purchase from our site, we to... Want to consider booking your Page accommodationsthrough the included link 40 minutes the! As driving to a parking lot and walking up to the entrance to Secret Canyon as taking. Way to the top of the nearby Cathedral Canyon look at our on! Views, like we Did visiting as well at the tour office in Page effect is almost surreal and... Navajo Tribal Park in the northern area of the state offers 80-minute antelope canyon vs secret canyon through Upper Antelope Canyon is ground! I loved photographing the waves and patterns of the Upper Antelope tour at 3pm crowds were much. Makes for a trip and need help deciding which area to visit from our site, we may earn commission. Very accessible and an easy level walk on sand * Online booking fee of 6 is. At Courtyard because both of the way to the top of the 150 deep. To the visitor to decide what theyre wanting out of their experience you make a purchase our. Globe come to capture its beauty tours for this Canyon on your with!