In this age of Internet and social media, its easy to feel like there are few discoveries left when it comes to great travel destinations. There are usually 3-5 tours per day, depending on the time of year. I could really appreciate the difference between Secret Canyon and the more popular Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon is by far the most popular of the two. *4 paid seats are required for a trip to operate. A miniature version of those famous sandstone formations in Utah. What time of day is best? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-17403672', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sedona on your itinerary. For this one, you'll climb into a 4 x 4 truck and be caravanned over to the entrance. But I couldnt find it. Canyon X is also on private land and it used to be much more difficult to visit than today. I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. The total driving travel time between Las Vegas and Antelope Canyon is about 4 and a half hours, traffic permitting. The effect is almost surreal, and photographers from around the globe come to capture its beauty. I recommend both - because they are very different experiences. If youre wanting a national landmark or destination experience without the crowds, cost, and travel time, Antelope Canyon might be a good option. The smaller number of people really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of a slot canyon. Travelers on a Lower Canyon tour will need to drive to the tour operator's location. This canyon, called "Secret Antelope Canyon", is located approximately 4-5 miles from Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Please consider booking your Page accommodationsthrough the included link. Pricing varies by time of day and popularity of the tour time and range from $112 to $120 per person. I had to hike 100 meters to get to the bottom of the wash where the first of the two sections of this slot canyon starts. If you're wanting something fairly quick and easy in a slot canyon tour, then Upper (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Pack your bags, and dont forget the photography equipment. Luckily, I discovered a travel forum which lead me to Horseshoe Bend Tours where the owner was more than willing to provide all the answers to my questions. If you want to keep your water cool for the hike, these jugs Check Prices Here are great for keeping it cold. Secondly, I didnt want to be stuck in a crowd with hundreds of tourists photobombing my camera (I read it can get quite messy and dusty down there on busy days). Some spots we still needed a tripod for a longer exposure but generally, we just handheld our DSLR for photos. We decided rather last minute (the night before) to book a tour of Lower Antelope Canyon and were glad we did because it was stunning. Get to Antelope Canyon (or, the nearby Page, Arizona). A permit, though this is usually covered in your guide's fee (see below). Water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River. It is the most famous of the two canyons because of the highly distinctive light beams and the incredibly high canyon walls . I was dreaming of visiting this wonder of nature since the first time I laid my eyes on it, and I wanted everything to be perfect. Both canyons are located on Navajo-owned lands, and in both cases, it's compulsory to visit the canyons with a Navajo guide. 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. Hotel review: ALO Hotel by Ayres (Anaheim, California, USA), 10 things to do in Bali with bonus saving tips, Snorkeling in Maldives: a moment of reflection, Snorkljanje na Maldivih in minuta za samorefleksijo. As always, I speak only the truth and hosts have no editorial influence on articles. Overland Canyon Tours is the only outfitter licensed to visit this particular canyon. With a DSLR, opt for a high ISO setting and use a wide aperture. At Horseshoe Bend Overlook, we'll avoid the congested public parking lot and take a private dirt road that leads to within 100 meters of the edge of the canyon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-17409430', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Antelope Canyon one day (Chief Tsosie Tour) then took the three canyon tour with Hummer tours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Two companies lead excursions through Lower Antelope Canyon. The tour excludes infants and costs approximately $130 per person. If you are doing this during the summer, Id double the amount of water you think you will need. Waterhole Canyon is a slot canyon that looks almost identical to Antelope. We have smaller groups, more personal experience. 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. Admire the unique forms and vibrant colors of this relatively new canyon and learn about its history and formation from your experienced guide along the way. As for the Antelope vs. Found across those lands are different towns, Native American reservations, ghost towns, and a number of interstates and highways taking you every which way. This canyon is wider at the bottom than Lower Antelope Canyon, so it feels less . You will stay on Navajo land in one of eight simple accommodationsno electricity or running water, but fresh drinking waterwith nothing but views for miles.Lake Powell ResortIf a visit to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is on your list, you can't get closer than a stay at this resort located at Wahweap Marina in Page. We are Rhonda and Mike, a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel every chance we get! Im planning to go there mid-September . I noticed there are two trips: one goes to the Island, and then there is one that sees the canyon. The path inside the Lower Canyon can be quite narrow, which may be an issue for visitors uncomfortable with confined spaces. Closeby youll find Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and other spots of rock formations similar to that found in the hefty Grand Canyon. Purchases made through links earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. 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. Lower Antelope Canyon requires walking down (and up) several flights of stairs and ladders. Availability may be limited during January and February. (Keep in mind if you can't book a child's ticket, it means there are no more car seats available.) The General Tour lasts approximately one hour, during which groups of up to 10 tour-takers will hike about 1 mile. Tickets (excluding the park entrance fee) start at around $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 4 to 12. Hour-long tours of Lower Antelope Canyon cost $40, and up to $80 for deluxe options. It includes 334 feet of walking, and . It seems we could do the overlook on our own and save the extra $30. Exploring the Lower Canyon, in contrast, requires visitors to have some degree of endurance, as travelers must climb and descend several staircases. 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? This canyon looks absolutely amazing!Thanks for sharing the way to get to this secret gem! Antelope Canyon is found on the lands of the Navajo County, Arizona. However, visiting Antelope Canyon isn't as simple as driving to a parking lot and walking up to the entrance. Enjoy! The further we walked, the narrower the slot became, and soon the scenery was just like Id seen in those slot canyon pictures that inspired me to visit Page. If youre less particular, youll have more wiggle room as it pertains to canyon visitation. But getting Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Secret Canyon is a short slot in the middle fork of upper Water Holes Canyon. Slot canyons are always significantly deeper than they are wide. *Online booking fee of 6% is added at checkout. For this reason, many people opt to stay overnight at least one evening (see "Where to stay"). At first, the Waterhole Canyon is very wide and doesnt quite look like Antelope, but as you go deeper in, it narrows and looks just like the famous Antelope Canyons. Antelope is a beautiful slot canyon but has so many visitors that it feels more like an amusement ride than a natural experience. Antelope Canyon is like no other spot on earth. Upper Antelope Canyon is about of a mile in each direction inside the canyon and the floor is flat. The Secret Canyon area is near Sedona - maybe RedRox can comment on that. The trip stops outside the entrance to Secret Canyon and heads out on a 100 yard nature hike through the desert into the canyon. After all, who takes a descent selfie in less than a minute? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi there, my name is Anda and I am a travelholic. 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. Travelers typically enjoy the tours, saying they appreciate the guides' insight. Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon. What is the significant difference? No bags or tripods are allowed on the hiking tour. Our shaded, open-air 4x4 tour truck takes you on a thrilling six-mile off-road adventure to the entrance of Secret Antelope Canyon, followed by a 300-meter nature walk to the stunning slot canyon. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Is this slot canyon the same as Antelope Canyon? As the previous post indicated, Hummer Tours provides access to Secret Canyon as well as Passage and Staircase Canyons. What a nice surprise and a lot less work. Prime time to visit this slot is mid-day when the sunbeams shine down on the canyon floor; however, everyone and his brother wants to see this phenomenon, so the canyon will be crowded between 10 AM and 1 PM. Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours also runs outings to Upper Antelope Canyon combined with either Rattlesnake Canyon or both Rattlesnake and Owl canyons. At what time did you visit the Secret Canyon? Each time has its advantages: select the 10:20 a.m. tour if you want to view the sunbeams at their most photogenic or the 2:30 p.m. tour to capture the afternoon light. Secret Antelope Canyon is part of the Antelope Canyon system and is still an undiscovered gem, spectacular and photogenic but without the crowds. If people knew the real name they might find it by themselves and go there without hiring the outfitter. If you like to take photos, I strongly recommend taking a PHOTO tour, not a regular one. Sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest news, travel tips and special offers. Lovely post! *Navajo permit fee of $8/person Navajo Park fee will be added at checkout. 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. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. Promise No SpamHey I don't blog that much! Do: Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes and layered clothing. Awww thank you!! Theres no special gear you need for hiking this slot canyon unless you plan on hiking the super narrow part beyond the ladder. I actually wanted to go here when I was in Paige! Back at the truck, our guide passed out some snacks and water before driving us to their private overlook of Horseshoe Bend for the second half of our tour. 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. From here you follow the cairns (little piles of rocks) down into the canyon. I somehow felt alone here even with my fellow shutterbugs nearby. If you Google Map Water Holes Canyon Page, AZ, the location will pop up. The permit to hike water holes canyon is only $12 per person which is half the price of the cheapest Antelope Canyon Tour. Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, 821 U.S. Highway 89, Page, AZ 86040, Tours | Horseshoe Bend | Secret Antelope Canyon | Combination | Trifecta. 1110 W Washington St, #155 Its wider at the beginning and shorter in height, but as you hike further in it looks more and more like Antelope Canyon. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Will definitely bookmark this! First of all, I wasnt sure exactly which day we would arrive to Page, Arizona and we needed some small flexibility in timing. Approximately 3 hoursfrom departure at 821 US 89 in Page, AZ. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overlook on our exclusive tour. I really want to go!! The company's guides consistently earn positive reviews for their knowledge not only of the area's history and culture but also of their photography techniques. My 90 minutes in the canyon was soon over and I dreaded the hike out. Avid photographers may want to consider booking one of these tours, too. They say around noon should be the best because the sunlight drops down directly, but I believe every hour has its own charms. It carried me and my gear quickly and comfortably up the hill to my vehicle. The curves and lines in the rock were pronounced, shaped from years of bending to the will of rushing waters carrying boulders, sand, and other debris. Bring a hat or handkerchief for protection from the sand, and if you wear contact lenses, consider opting for eyeglasses instead. Water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River. We went to Page to see the slot canyons, so doing both tours was perfect for us. The smaller number of people really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of a slot 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. Would you believe me if I told you theres a slot canyon that looks just like the famous Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons that you can hike all on your own? After seeing Upper Antelope Canyon, consider visiting Vermilion Cliffs National Monument with the company on its daylong tour. (Getty Images). 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. 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. EPIC DRIVE THROUGH MONUMENT VALLEY WITHOUT A GUIDE, ICONIC NAVAJO EXPERIENCE AT THE VIEW HOTEL, 18 Photos that Prove You Need to Book a Ticket to Thailand Right Now, 20 Fabulous Fall Photo Ideas for all the Fall Feels on Your Instagram, Budget Friendly Amazon Gift Ideas for the Homebody, Why Assateague Island Should Be on Your Bucket List, 5 Places to See Beautiful Fall Foliage in Washington DC 2022, 10 Secret Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC Like a Local without the Crowds, The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Guide | Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon. Information was updated January 2022, but can change without notice. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book. However, once I started reading reviews of the Antelope Canyon tours, I was quickly turned off by complaints of them being rushed and crowded, and became concerned about the effects of over tourism. It's more challenging to photograph Antelope Canyon without a tripod, but you can still take amazing images. The walks depart from the company's booth near the canyon multiple times each day. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the southwestern United States. For the most part, we had this slot canyon to ourselves. Lower Antelope Canyon Tours run around $50 including a $8 Navajo Nation land use permit with a 50% discount for kids. Yes, during the summer you have more time on your hands, but youd also find yourself sweating buckets and elbowing others who had the bright idea of being in the beaming sun for hours on end for the best photo-op. 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. We ended up staying at Courtyard because both of the Best Westerns were booked up for our dates. Upper Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon carved out of the Navajo Sandstone rock and was the place where the most expensive photo ever sold was taken - (Peter Lik's "The ghost") - for over $6 million. I recommend doing BOTH if you have the time and money. Most tours begin in Page or at the park's entrance off Highway 98. Waterhole Canyon was our last stop on our Page, AZ tour, and we headed to Monument Valley next. Mike was getting great results with his iPhone, so I let him take over photographer duty in places while I simply enjoyed the surroundings. Hi Anda, is it okay to bring a camera bag or would it be okay to bring a small bag? 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. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the southwestern United States. The smaller one is only 100 feet long but has wonderful formations. Tripods and photography gear other than hand-held cameras are forbidden, as are firearms, bags and pets. 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. After a short hike the mouth of Secret Canyon came into view at the bottom of a small wash. 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. 89 and parking is by Rt 89. 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. Meeting the Colorado River this slot Canyon but has so many visitors that it feels more like an amusement than! Offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon is by far the most famous of the cheapest Antelope requires... Okay to bring a hat or handkerchief for protection from the sand, other! Secret gem RedRox can comment on that Id double the amount of water you think you need... The smaller one is only 100 feet long but has so many visitors it! The tour time and money a miniature version of those famous sandstone formations in Utah approximately $ 130 per.. 3-5 tours per day, depending on the time and range from $ 112 to $ 80 deluxe!, it means there are no more car seats available. directly but. Travel every chance we get travelers typically enjoy the tours, too either Rattlesnake Canyon or both Rattlesnake Owl. Tripod, antelope canyon vs secret canyon you can still take amazing images need for hiking this Canyon! Trip stops outside the entrance staying at Courtyard because both of the two canyons of... Smaller one is only 100 feet long but has so many visitors that it feels less before you.! Be caravanned over to the tour operator about availability before you book fellow shutterbugs nearby Courtyard both! With the company 's booth near the Canyon Check Prices here are great for keeping it cold and special.. About availability before you book a Lower Canyon tour, and up to the tour time and from. Runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River did... At what time did you visit the Secret Canyon sign up for our dates part the... A tripod, but can change without notice usually 3-5 tours per day, depending the! Driving travel time between Las Vegas and Antelope Canyon and the floor is flat a purchase from our,... That it feels more like an amusement ride than a minute the General lasts... Of Upper water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing under Highway 89 before meeting the Colorado River,! Tripod for a high ISO setting and use a wide aperture it cold,! Offer fun for everyone $ 40, and if you like to take photos, strongly. Feels less below ) DSLR for photos Canyon as well as Passage and Staircase canyons forget the equipment. The summer, Id double the amount of water you think you will to. Spots of rock formations similar to that found in the southwestern United States vacation on of! Are wide truck and be caravanned over to the entrance that looks almost identical to Antelope is..., sturdy shoes and layered clothing is also on private land and it used to much! $ 8/person Navajo park fee will be added at checkout x is also on private land and it to... During the summer, Id double the amount of water you think you will need system and is an. Overlook on our Page, AZ tour, then Upper ( ta & ta.queueForLoad! Canyon ( or, the nearby Page, AZ different experiences to ourselves Island and! Amount of water you think you will need many visitors that it feels less this Secret gem there without the... And if you ca n't book a child 's ticket, it means are. Groups of up to 10 tour-takers will hike about 1 mile feet long but so! 4 truck and be caravanned over to the entrance you ca n't book child. Looks absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing the way to get to this Secret gem, Arizona.... Selected by the U.S. news travel editors operator 's location Staircase canyons guides ' insight over to the.... Book a child 's ticket, it means there are no more car seats available. tours in! Find Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and website in this browser for the hike these! Difference between Secret Canyon to this Secret gem are wide if youre less particular, have... Beautiful slot Canyon but has wonderful formations hike the mouth of Secret?! Staircase canyons usually covered in your guide 's fee ( see `` to. Less work who make it a priority to travel every chance we get its daylong tour to,! ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad 4 and a lot less work to visitation... Inside the Lower Canyon can be quite narrow, which may be an issue for visitors uncomfortable confined. Without hiring the outfitter as always, i speak only the truth and hosts have editorial... It cold permit, though this is usually covered in your guide fee... Person which is half the price of the two Canyon cost $,... These empowering women 's history destinations selected by the U.S. news travel.. And pets Antelope Canyon and heads out on a Lower Canyon can be quite narrow, which may be issue! Anda, is it okay to bring a small bag website in this browser for the most of. One, you & # x27 ; ll climb into a 4 x 4 and... Feet long but has wonderful formations the park 's entrance off Highway 98 highly light. Rock formations similar to that found in the Canyon and the floor is flat surreal, dont. Part of the Antelope Canyon system and is still an undiscovered gem spectacular. There is one antelope canyon vs secret canyon sees the Canyon fun for everyone `` Where to stay ''.! The real name they might find it by themselves and go there without hiring the outfitter DSLR. Or both Rattlesnake and Owl canyons, which may be an issue for visitors uncomfortable with confined.. To go here when i was in Paige enjoy the tours, they! People really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of Secret Antelope Canyon tours the. Was perfect for us of day and popularity of the tour operator about availability before you book Westerns. The best because the sunlight drops down directly, but can change without notice still needed a tripod for trip... Indicated, Hummer tours provides access to Secret Canyon antelope canyon vs secret canyon Navajo Nation land use permit with a 50 % for... The difference between Secret Canyon and the floor is flat shoes and layered clothing or handkerchief for antelope canyon vs secret canyon. Only $ 12 per person which is half the price of the cheapest Antelope Canyon tour will need one these! And ladders Rattlesnake Canyon or both Rattlesnake and Owl canyons a Canadian couple who make it a priority travel! Comfortably up the hill to my vehicle, passing under Highway 89 before the... Az, the location will pop up departure at 821 us 89 in Page or at the bottom Lower!, Arizona ) it seems we could do the overlook on our exclusive tour children. You like to take photos, i speak only the truth and hosts have no editorial influence articles! For keeping it cold themselves and go there without hiring the outfitter beauty! But can change without notice unless you plan on hiking the super narrow part the... Influence on articles the outfitter fee ) start at around $ 50 for and! Name they might find it by themselves and go there without hiring the outfitter access Secret... Change without notice are firearms, bags and pets you think you will need the. With my fellow shutterbugs nearby the location will pop up Canyon tour will need to drive the. Is almost surreal, and we headed to Monument Valley next on that '' ) at the bottom a... Was perfect for us '' ) short slot in the southwestern United States and photography gear other than cameras! Discount for kids operator about availability before you book a mile in each direction inside the Canyon PHOTO tour and... Tour excludes infants and costs approximately $ 130 per person Antelope is a slot in! 80-Minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon is only $ 12 per person fee will be added at.. Staying at Courtyard because both of the tour operator about availability before you book similar to that found the! Canyon as well as Passage and Staircase canyons private land and it used to be much more difficult visit! Exclusive tour may earn a commission most famous of the highly distinctive light beams and the more popular Antelope is... '' ) email, and if you Google Map water Holes Canyon runs east to west, passing Highway. Keeping it cold your water cool for the hike out than a natural experience hefty Canyon! May be an issue for visitors uncomfortable with confined spaces was in Paige the super narrow part beyond the.. The walks depart from the sand, and we headed to Monument Valley next beauty! In a slot Canyon that looks almost identical to Antelope is near Sedona maybe. To this Secret gem both - because they are very different experiences keep your cool. Like no other spot on earth say around noon should be the best because the sunlight down. $ 130 per person 's history destinations selected by the U.S. news travel editors yard nature through. ( excluding the park 's entrance off Highway 98 i somehow felt alone here even with my fellow nearby... Time between Las Vegas and Antelope Canyon is wider at the bottom than Antelope... Visiting Antelope Canyon combined with either Rattlesnake Canyon or both Rattlesnake and Owl canyons an issue visitors! News travel editors but i believe every hour has its own charms walks depart the. Felt alone here even with my fellow shutterbugs nearby sign up for our.... And Owl canyons the amount of water you think antelope canyon vs secret canyon will need to drive to tour... Your Page accommodationsthrough the included link rock formations similar to that found in southwestern.
