The tall and varied shapes towering over the landscape are the most obvious red rock carvings of nature when driving or hiking through the U.S. Southwest. But there are hidden treasures that are not as evident. I have often admired photos of Antelope Canyon, in the northeast corner of Arizona, not on the way to anywhere. This almost secret jewel is on Navajo land and deserves its own destination. It was the impetus for this road trip.
The slot canyon lies down a long, rutted, sandy road, accessible only through tours from Page, Arizona. Although expensive, the tour of Upper Antelope Canyon was well worth the visit. I didn’t arrive at the right time of year to see a sunbeam peek into the canyon, but the timing was good for me and rewarding nonetheless. The canyon entrance doesn’t look like much, but stunning beauty lies within.
We walked slowly through the long passage, a twisting corridor, mindful of giving other visitors space to photograph. I found myself holding my breath at times, in awe of nature’s artwork. My Navajo guide told tales of the formation of the canyon and natural occurrences from her fourteen years working there. She pointed out a series of dents in the wall where National Geographic photographers mounted video cameras, with permission, to try to capture a flash flood through the canyon. Their equipment was torn free and swept away in the deluge, never recovered.
Inside: swirling patterns of red and coral following the curves of the walls, dark and light, narrow glimpses of sun and sky, overlapping shapes, streaks of color, flowing smooth surfaces sculpted by water and time. Here are my favorite photos from the many I took.
The way out
If you enjoyed this post, you might like my Lotus of Ueno Park, Tokyo blog, another gallery of beautiful shapes in nature.
Southwest road trip: Road trip, Arches, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Chaco Canyon, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyphs National Monument
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
Sheer beauty Ruth!
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Thanks so much, Robert! I appreciate your photographer’s eye.
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Oh yay, you made it! Great photos! Looking forward to hearing about your time in Chaco.
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Yes! Definitely worth the trip. Thanks for your info, Diana.
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Wow, what a truly fascinating place, dear Ruth. I love its unique natural beauty and a surreal, artistic landscape. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks, Aiva. I wouldn’t call it a landscape, since it was a narrow slot canyon, but it was unique and a bit surreal.
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It is such a special place. I’ve wanted to go for a while, but heard that it is not very enjoyable because it is so busy. Did you find that? Maggie
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That’s true of many tours. I knew what to expect, but it wasn’t a problem. It would have been nice to wander through on my own, but it was worth doing.
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The colors, the shapes, the patterns are absolutely incredible.
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It was an amazing experience. Picture those images all the way up narrow walls all around you!
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So magical! I’ve been meaning to visit Antelope Canyon for a long time and have had two failed attempts to go: first time was canceled due to COVID and second time, it rained, so the tour got canceled. I hope to try once more to see this majestic canyon. Third time’s the charm!
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What a disappointment, especially if you traveled all the way there and had it canceled in the rain! Hope you get there.
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I love how your photographs of the canyon resemble abstract paintings.
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Thanks, Jay! All of the narrow walls were like this, quite amazing.
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Stunning shots, full of light and movement! For some reason, when we visited AZ in the early 90s, this canyon wasn’t on our radar. I would love the opportunity to go back and try to capture its beauty 😀
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Thank you, Sarah! Many people even out west here don’t know about this place, although they recognize having seen pictures.
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We took a tour of the Lower Antelope Canyon a few years ago. So it’s nice to see what the Upper portion looks like. Your pictures are beautiful. Love all the swirly patterns in the rocks.
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Thanks so much. It was easy to take a gazillion pictures, I couldn’t stop! I haven’t seen the Lower, but I doubt I’ll go back again to do so.
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Oh Ruth, your photos are absolutely beautiful. Wow what a place of magic!
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Thanks so much, Hannah! It’s truly a magical place and a photographer’s inspiration.
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What amazing topography and photos. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you! I appreciate your comment.
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I’ve often looked in awe at images of Antelope Canyon—it’s such a unique and beautiful place. I’m glad you finally managed to get there and take your own photos. It really is a hidden treasure.
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It was so awe-inspiring, tall walls of the canyon with stunning beauty all the way up and in. Glad you enjoyed this post.
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Beautiful. They look like abstract paintings.
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Thank you, Mrs W! It was like walking through a painting over high walls and a twisty path.
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