Antelope Canyon

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.