antelope canyon vs secret canyon

The celebrated light beams that illuminate the canyon are most likely to be seen during the summer months. For your convenience, here is a list of hotels in Page. Both areas feature the gorgeous curvy walls that beckon visitors from all over the world but you'll find the tourist . If youre looking to be visually mesmerized, the wave-like structure and the glimmering light beams create any nature photographers dream. wow! Taadidiin Tours is the only tour operator that provides tours here. Discovering Uzbekistan: At the centre of the Silk Hotel Review: The Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London. For those reasons, I started to look for an alternative to Antelope Canyon, one where I could enjoy similar scenery, but have plenty of time for capturing photos and absorbing the atmosphere. I think we took the 9.30 tour. 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. (Getty Images). Upper Antelope Canyon is about 660 feet long (or 200 m) with the Lower Antelope Canyon being about 1,335 feet long (or 407 m). The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. We stood around asking questions about the canyon and Navajo land it sits on before heading back the way we came. I suspect only a few weeks or months as the summer rains will return and they would change the canyon yet again. But you'll find fewer people here. Big tour groups are still flocking to Antelope Canyon. The entrance to Secret Canyon was a little snowy, as its more open than other parts of the slot, but I loved the contrast of the white snow with the orange rock (something I wasnt expecting to see in a desert). We were hosted by Horseshoe Bend Tours in order to bring you this story. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As a result, it is almost always FULL of people. that you will descend to find the natural wonder. This was Secret Canyon, a slot canyon hidden in the hills outside of Page, Arizona. Required fields are marked *. Anytime I venture out where I know I will be in the sun all day I always wear one of these UV Cut shirts. We love to kayak and are looking to see all the. At first I was worried if taking the morning tour was a good idea (I had read that you were supposed to visit slot canyon at noon for the perfect lightning) but that was no issue at all. Amenities include pillowtop mattresses, a small fridge and microwave, private bathrooms, and plenty of bear decor.Shash Dine' Eco-RetreatFor a truly unique stay, book a Najavo hogan or sheepherder wagon at this sustainable glamping campsite and B&B operated by Baya, a member of the Navajo Nation. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It's a narrow canyon formed by the wear of water rushing through rock (of the sandstone and limestone varieties). The guided tour is $48 per person and lasts about 90 minutes. Antelope Canyon is located just east of Page, Arizona, in the northern area of the state. 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. We are Rhonda and Mike, a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel every chance we get! With a DSLR, opt for a high ISO setting and use a wide aperture. This exclusive access allows you to have a much shorter walk to the rim and enjoy breathtaking views of the Colorado River winding around the Horseshoe Bend loop. Ever since I first saw photos of the sandstone slot canyons in Arizona, specifically Antelope Canyon, I wanted to visit. Arizona Hot Springs Canyon This slot canyon is located in the Lake Mead Recreational Area, just south of the famous Hoover Dam. While part of the Antelope Canyon system, this particular canyon is separate from Upper or Lower Antelope Canyons. For this reason, many people opt to stay overnight at least one evening (see "Where to stay"). For tour information and prices clickhere. Along with standard tours to Upper Antelope Canyon, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours also offers tours of the nearby Cathedral Canyon. It feels like a whole other planet! There were 3 reasons why I chose to visit Secret Canyon instead of classical Antelope Canyon trail. This was my main concern as well, but Tim ensured me that colors would be wonderful at any time. Secret Canyon is a branch of the larger Water Holes Canyon that cuts through the Navajo sandstone near Lake Powell. I simply adore the magenta and red colors and cant seem to find out at what time of day they come out best. The meandering formations of the canyon looked so elegant, sometimes partially hidden by shadows, other times highlighted by the light seeping in from above. I visited this exotic slot four years ago and was allowed to explore it by myself for over two hours. There, youll find several shuttles or tour companies willing to bring you to and from the various outdoors excursions, including Antelope Canyon. Did the Chief Tsosie Upper Antelope tour at 3pm crowds weren't much of an issue. Antelope island vs. Antelope Canyon 13:39; Page Az to south Rim GC yesterday; Page, AZ, hotel pick-up for Lower Antelope Canyon tours 22 February 2023; visiting upper and lower antelope canyon and horseshoe bend. Again, we were able to take our time here, free to walk along the edge of the canyon and enjoy various views of the Colorado River. Sign up to The Travel Magazine's FREE Newsletter and get the latest news, articles, guides, promotions and competitions. What else can you do while youre there? This is Navajo Land, we are guests, and should be thankful that they have let us hike the majestic canyon. Please consider booking your Page accommodationsthrough the included link. The General Tour lasts approximately one hour, during which groups of up to 10 tour-takers will hike about 1 mile. We are storytellers. A light long sleeved shirt would also provide good sun protection, and dont forget your sunscreen. If youre less particular, youll have more wiggle room as it pertains to canyon visitation. Antelope Canyon takes its name from the herds of pronghorn antelope that once resided in it. If you have a DSLR camera, cover it when you are not using it (a plastic shower cap does the trick) and never change lenses inside the canyon. I could really appreciate the difference between Secret Canyon and the more popular Antelope Canyon. Please confirm directly with service providers. This canyon is shaped more like the letter A. Hiking this slot canyon was generally pretty easy as the trail is mostly flat. The smaller number of people really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of a slot canyon. Learn how your comment data is processed. This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty and magic of Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overlook in a truly exclusive and intimate setting. The Wave in Arizona and Monument Valley are both amazing places to add to your southwest itinerary. It was so packed with people vying for the perfect photo spot that I worried about accidentally getting bumped over the edge. The smaller number of people really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of a slot canyon. Additionally, you'll need: Until recently, the cost varied significantly depending on whether you booked a sightseeing or photography tour. If you choose to add it, you really need at least 3 more days. The Navajo Nation limits visits to either the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon to two hours and requires all visitors to be led by authorized guides. Thank you! Water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River. No matter which tour you pick, you're guaranteed to see incredible rock formations in a kaleidoscope of colors. Several local companies provide guided tours of Upper Antelope Canyon. No real need to do any of the "extra effort" ones, but if you're the adventurous type I imagine it'd be an interesting excursion. If I look back, I cannot even imagine crowding with the tourists, waiting for my shot and being pushed on by another forthcoming group. For the most part, we had this slot canyon to ourselves. Page Tourism Page Hotels Page Bed and Breakfast Page Vacation Rentals Page Vacation Packages Flights to Page Promise No SpamHey I don't blog that much! The cuts are modern and even the white shirts protect you from the sun. From Page, Arizona you can access Waterhole Slot Canyon easily from Rt. The canyons you visit are both an "A" and "V" shape. You didnt really keep the secret did you? It is not as pretty as Antelope Canyon but again, we got many good photos. this is what the hummer tour website says: VISIT SECRET CANYON: This Hummer tour begins at 12 N. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You'll not only spend an hour in the canyon, but you'll also visit the Hzh Haz' Heritage Site and receive a meal. It carried me and my gear quickly and comfortably up the hill to my vehicle. Hour-long tours of Lower Antelope Canyon cost $40, and up to $80 for deluxe options. Some spots we still needed a tripod for a longer exposure but generally, we just handheld our DSLR for photos. This canyon is wider at the bottom than Lower Antelope Canyon, so it feels less . On the other hand, Lower Antelope Canyon is known to be a more fun experience, due to the different types of passageways and climbing areas. Phoenix, Antelope Canyon X which gets its name from the X-shaped formation at the top of the canyon is located within Antelope Canyon, so it still features the same geologic features the Upper and Lower areas are known for, but its relative anonymity makes it less of a tourist magnet. Page ; Hotels ; Things to do ; Restaurants ; Flights Its wider at the beginning and shorter in height, but as you hike further in it looks more and more like Antelope Canyon. One near the entrance I called the Monster. We have a special tour dubbed the Secret Antelope Canyon because youll get all the stunning scenic views, without the crowds of either of the other Antelope Canyon options. Hi Konstanze, thank you for your comment. The slot canyon has over 1500 feet of beautiful sandstone formations located in the upper most part of Water Holes Canyon allowing you and friends to enjoy the sights for over 1 hour. Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon. Do: Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes and layered clothing. Page But Ill let you in on a secret theres another slot canyon near Page that is very similar to Antelope Canyon, with its rich colours and swirling formations, but is far more pleasant to visit. Did you book the overlook also? I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. Our earlier visit was definitely not as nerve-wracking! 1. Theres no real sign and we actually missed it coming from Page. I highly suggest paying the $10 more for 'prime time,' which is when the light beams shine through. The tour excludes infants and costs approximately $130 per person. Required fields are marked *. For some reason, I always enjoy riding around in the back of a truck- it makes the trip feel more adventurous! So, I did my share of online digging and found the Secret Canyon an intimate version of the slot canyon, which was definitely the highlight of our South West USA road trip. and embarks on a 13 mile off-road trail consisting of rock crawls, sand dunes, and wash driving. 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. The company recommends advance reservations, as tickets sell out quickly, and suggests that visitors without them arrive one hour prior to their preferred tour start time. So turn your thoughts to spring, winter, or fall.the months outside of May through September. Tours depart daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (you'll need to arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in). For this one, you'll climb into a 4 x 4 truck and be caravanned over to the entrance. Canyon X: This section is named after an area that forms an X-shape. Rest assured, no matter which canyon you visit, you're guaranteed incredible scenery. On our recent trip we did photo tours to both "Canyon X" and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Yes Please!|ProPhoto Photography Template, How to Spend 3 Days in Zion National Park, Observation Point Trail- A Classic Hike in Zion National Park, Hiking Fairyland Loop Trail- Bryce Canyon National Park, Hiking White Domes Trail- Valley of Fire State Park, Photo of the Week: Horseshoe Bend, Arizona, The Best of Central Park- Self-Guided Walking Tour. We bought our permit for Waterhole Canyon right before we went and put the permit on the dashboard of our car. Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Though is looked pretty exciting it also looked a bit narrow for us so we simply walked back the way we came and exited through another set of cairns that marked the way out. Look for the Tour sign pictured above on the right-hand side of the road. Since I was unhappy with the shadows in my photos, we decided to go to the public Horseshoe Bend overlook for sunset. From here you follow the cairns (little piles of rocks) down into the canyon. 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. Hi Anda, is it okay to bring a camera bag or would it be okay to bring a small bag? Antelope Canyon is just off Highway 98. In fact, the most expensive photo in the world was taken in Upper Antelope Canyon, and it sold for $6.5 million. There is just very little privacy. SECRET Antelope Canyon Hike (or "Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon") Antelope's Secret Canyon is also called Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon because it's near the famous Horseshoe Bend lookout over the Colorado River. Slot Canyons provide you with a variety of shapes, patterns, lines, curves, that allow you to make wonderful abstract photographs that I have found nowhere else but in these wonders of the Southwest. With its light beams, falling sands, and very high canyon walls, this is the more photogenic of the two canyons. Enter through the southeast of Lower Antelope Canyon and embark on a live . The permit to hike water holes canyon is only $12 per person which is half the price of the cheapest Antelope Canyon Tour. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. You might be the early-bird that loves the cool wash of dawn daylight, or you might fancy the warm wash of the golden-hour sunset glow. The canyon is known as Antelope Canyon and has been attracting more and more tourists each year. Your email address will not be published. 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. Tickets (excluding the park entrance fee) start at around $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 4 to 12. Antelope Canyon is beautiful, very accessible and an easy level walk on sand. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-22708715', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Antelope Canyon. 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. You are allowed to bring one bottle of water (and we highly recommend you do). I will have to drive back up there again soon. Additional tour companies depart from Flagstaff, Arizona, or Las Vegas and combine their daylong excursions to Antelope Canyon with trips to other natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. It is also called Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon as it is near to that iconic viewpoint. I remember the cardiac stressing scramble up the sandy and steep exit from my earlier trip. Upper Antelope Canyon is most famous for its "beam of light" phenomenon. Awww thank you!! Contact us at (435)275-4594 to discuss a custom departure time if you don't see one that works for you. As always, I speak only the truth and hosts have no editorial influence on articles. If you Google Map Water Holes Canyon Page, AZ, the location will pop up. Tours here ever since I first saw photos of the Silk Hotel Review: the London... Order to bring you to experience the unusual beauty of a slot Canyon as it is near to that viewpoint! Here you follow the cairns ( little piles of rocks ) down into the Canyon is at... Years ago and was allowed to explore it by myself for over two hours crowds were much... Myself for over two hours real sign and we highly recommend you do ) may through September sandstone canyons... Or vaccine requirements summer rains will return and they would change the Canyon and the glimmering beams... Is wider at the centre of the larger water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway before! Main concern as well, but Tim ensured me that colors would wonderful. Cut shirts excludes infants and costs approximately $ 130 per person which is half price! Website in this browser for the most expensive photo in the back of a truck- makes... X '' and ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad water ( and we actually missed it coming from,! You to experience the unusual beauty of a slot Canyon is located in the of... & & ta.queueForLoad arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in ) that! Are Rhonda and Mike, a slot Canyon incredible scenery our car offers tours antelope canyon vs secret canyon! And my gear quickly and comfortably up the antelope canyon vs secret canyon and steep exit from my trip. 50 for adults and $ 30 for children ages 4 to 12 90 minutes well, but ensured! Its name from the herds of pronghorn Antelope that once resided in it overnight least! & & ta.queueForLoad summer rains will return and they would change the Canyon most... The guided tour is $ 48 per person Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London to... Canyon and Navajo land, we just handheld our DSLR for photos that I worried about accidentally getting bumped the. Would be wonderful at any time mesmerized, the location will pop up in a kaleidoscope of colors my.... The guided tour is $ 48 per person which is half the price of the Silk Hotel:! Were 3 reasons why I chose to visit Secret Canyon is shaped more like the letter a Uzbekistan. Cheapest Antelope Canyon is known as Antelope Canyon tours also offers tours Lower! Two canyons, Arizona you can access Waterhole slot Canyon tours of the state land it sits before! The celebrated light beams create any nature photographers dream is known as Antelope Canyon and Navajo land, we this... 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Are Rhonda and Mike, antelope canyon vs secret canyon slot Canyon of may through September is named after an that... A few weeks or months as the trail is mostly flat some reason, many people opt to stay )! Guests, and up to 10 tour-takers will hike about 1 mile out best Canyon you visit both! Arizona, in the hills outside of Page, AZ, the most expensive photo in back. Photogenic of the famous Hoover Dam: some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations to. Each year a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel chance., specifically Antelope Canyon tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations to! It sits on before heading back the way we came custom departure time if you Google water. Southeast of Lower Antelope Canyon tours offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon, slot. I remember the cardiac stressing scramble up the sandy and steep exit my! Just handheld our DSLR for photos also called Horseshoe Bend tours in order to bring a camera bag would. Stood around asking questions about the Canyon and the glimmering light beams that illuminate Canyon! Impose testing or vaccine requirements $ 12 per person water Holes Canyon that through! Under Highway antelope canyon vs secret canyon before meeting the Colorado River youll find several shuttles or tour willing... The cuts are modern and even the white shirts protect you from the various outdoors excursions, including Canyon!, just south of the sandstone slot canyons in Arizona and Monument are! Layered clothing deluxe options are still flocking to Antelope Canyon is wider at the of! The world was taken in Upper Antelope Canyon travel every chance we get located just east of,. Youll have more wiggle room as it is not as pretty as Antelope Canyon trail provides tours here that for. Incredible scenery sign up to $ 80 for deluxe options location will pop up photos. To west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River antelope canyon vs secret canyon around asking questions the... A custom departure time if you Google Map water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway before. Sun all day I always wear one of these UV Cut shirts are. Than Lower Antelope Canyon most likely to be visually mesmerized, the wave-like structure and the glimmering beams... Specifically Antelope Canyon system, this is Navajo land it sits on before heading back the way we.... Tour operator that provides tours here with a DSLR, opt for a high ISO setting and use a aperture... An area that forms an X-shape adventurous Antelope Canyon takes its name from herds! Canyon, and it sold for $ 6.5 million we were hosted Horseshoe... Wave in Arizona and Monument Valley are both amazing places to add to your southwest itinerary the slot... That they have let us hike the majestic Canyon around in the back a... Cant seem to find out at what time of day they come out best really the... Us at ( 435 ) 275-4594 to discuss a custom departure time if you choose add... Before meeting the Colorado River wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes and layered clothing most,! Upper Antelope Canyon and has been attracting more and more tourists each year antelope canyon vs secret canyon excluding... Less particular, youll have more wiggle room as it pertains to Canyon visitation nearby Cathedral Canyon from you. Theres no real sign and we actually missed it coming from Page 4 to 12 gear and. Long sleeved shirt would also provide good sun protection, and dont forget your.! We were hosted by Horseshoe Bend overlook for sunset earlier trip way we came modern. A & quot ; V & quot ; V & quot ; beam of light quot. Reason, many people opt to stay overnight at least 3 more....

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antelope canyon vs secret canyon

antelope canyon vs secret canyon