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. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell, Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell. Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours also runs outings to Upper Antelope Canyon combined with either Rattlesnake Canyon or both Rattlesnake and Owl canyons. Page Tourism Page Hotels Page Bed and Breakfast Page Vacation Rentals Page Vacation Packages Flights to Page *Due to the Navajo Nations mask mandate, wedding, bridal, or engagement photo shoots are not currently permitted. The trip stops outside the entrance to Secret Canyon and heads out on a 100 yard nature hike through the desert into the canyon. Antelope Canyon, Page. Arizona Hot Springs Canyon This slot canyon is located in the Lake Mead Recreational Area, just south of the famous Hoover Dam. 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. If Antelope Canyon has made its way on your travel bucket list, and the beautiful imagery has got you feeling some sort of wanderlusty way, we hope youll consider booking a tour with Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours. The effect is almost surreal, and photographers from around the globe come to capture its beauty. I loved photographing the waves and patterns of the rock but my camera was struggling in the canyons dark sections. Dixie Ellis also offers daylong van tours that combine the Lower Antelope Canyon Tour with visits to the Navajo National Monument and Monument Valley. Waterhole Canyon is not quite as tall as the Antelope Canyons but if you showed me a picture of Waterhole Canyon and told me it was Antelope Canyon, I honestly would not have been able to tell the difference. I was able to hit both canyons during their prime times by booking . Welcome to my blog! 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. We both really enjoyed the laid-back nature of our Secret Canyon tour. Shadows begin to peek in after that 12 pm timeslot, which may make that perfectly lit photograph difficult to achieve. Anytime I venture out where I know I will be in the sun all day I always wear one of these UV Cut shirts. 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. wow! 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). We love to kayak and are looking to see all the. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. So turn your thoughts to spring, winter, or fall.the months outside of May through September. How long had it been there? Our earlier visit was definitely not as nerve-wracking! Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours offers 80-minute excursions through Upper Antelope Canyon. I recommend all these canyons regardless of cost. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers.. Youve probably seen the landscape in photos or shared online, and you may be wondering how much of a tourist hot spot it really is. 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. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. The big difference is that it is not as physically accessible. Tours of Secret Canyon include a visit to Horseshoe Bend. It is not as pretty as Antelope Canyon but again, we got many good photos. 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. Navajo owned and operated, Antelope Canyon Tours frequently wins praise for its knowledgeable and helpful guides. Compared to the Grand Canyon and other well-known national landmarks, Antelope Canyon is away from the crowds, making it easy to get to, visit, and photograph without other tourists interrupting you. There is a Secret Canyon right outside of Page, and it is a slot canyon. Closeby youll find Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and other spots of rock formations similar to that found in the hefty Grand Canyon. Canyon X is a private tour, only offered through Overland Canyon tours. 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. Because Waterhole Canyon is not quite as tall as Antelope taking pictures here was easier since there was more available daylight in the canyon. On windy days, dust can blow into your nose, mouth and ears. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I did a review of Hummer Tours, so you might want to look for that under Things to do. Hi! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi there, my name is Anda and I am a travelholic. 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. I hope you have a great time! Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Lower is a little more flexible, as the canyon's top is wider, which in turn allows the sun to have a wider range to soak the canyon in light. Its a narrow canyon formed by the wear of water rushing through rock (of the sandstone and limestone varieties). To recap: Decide which of the canyons youre wanting to visit and book tours accordingly. 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. Several miles after leaving Highway 89 we came to the end of the road where our transport stopped. Maybe there would be more light in the canyon closer to mid-day. Children younger than 3 can take the tour for free, but strollers cannot be used in the Lower Canyon. 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. The cuts are modern and even the white shirts protect you from the sun. I was with a group of photographers on a tour to this unusual slot canyon located on private land of a local Navajo family. The canyons you visit are both an "A" and "V" shape. 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. The celebrated light beams that illuminate the canyon are most likely to be seen during the summer months. But you'll find fewer people here. It was our first time being inside a slot canyon and having such a positive experience made us want to visit more slots on our American southwest road trip. 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. 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). At midday, when the sun is shining, shafts of light cut into the canyon, illuminating the narrow orange and gold sandstone walls. Required fields are marked *. 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. The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. https://navajonationparks.org/tribal-parks/lake-powell/. For tour information and prices clickhere. Still, we were happy to have seen both canyons and discover what makes each of them special. The Navajo-approved guides are widely regarded as informative and friendly, and are even known to provide helpful tips on how to capture the best possible photographs. Each vehicle has a Navajo guide that ushers the group through, shares information about the formations and even helps stage some photos, including sand cascading over a rock ledge.Sand is everywhere. Theres no real sign and we actually missed it coming from Page. Two companies lead excursions through Lower Antelope Canyon. For me, the price was worth it to avoid being rushed through in a crowd. Plus I was busy with the boat tours earlier in the day. No matter which tour you pick, you're guaranteed to see incredible rock formations in a kaleidoscope of colors. Typical to the tourist trap vacation spots and amusement parks, the best time to visit is during the off-season, which is to say, anything but the summer. and embarks on a 13 mile off-road trail consisting of rock crawls, sand dunes, and wash driving. If you choose to add it, you really need at least 3 more days. 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. Secret Canyon is not a slot canyon and is unlike Antelope or X Canyons in the Page area. View Larger Map Tours depart multiple times daily. Mike was getting great results with his iPhone, so I let him take over photographer duty in places while I simply enjoyed the surroundings. Along with standard tours to Upper Antelope Canyon, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours also offers tours of the nearby Cathedral Canyon. Subscribe, Admin Offices amazing picturesDefinitely on my bucket list . Though hardly remote by some Arizona standards, Antelope Canyon is still considered a lengthy drive and hike for many areas of the state. / Credit: John Volk, Hampton Inn and Suites Page - Lake Powell, Embark on the Northern Arizona Road Trip of Your Dreams, A Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend 'the Right Way', A Guide to Visiting Havasu Falls the 'Right Way', Arizonas Wildly Different Desert Regions. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the southwestern United States. Antelope Canyon and the Navajo Nation lands are special places whose breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for local wildlife are worth preserving. Ill pay more for a smaller, more intimate tour than an assembly line-like one any day. Our tour guide was quite knowledgeable and funny. 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. Companies that provide tours of Upper Antelope Canyon are all based in or near Page, Arizona, and provide transportation to the Upper Canyon. 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. This is Navajo Land, we are guests, and should be thankful that they have let us hike the majestic canyon. Though on the photography tour you have a bit more time, its still timed and you are not free to roam on your own. Our tour of Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon started at 9:00 a.m. at the tour office in Page. The canyon splits into several tributaries, some which have deep narrow sections known as slot canyons. Exact departure times vary by season. Travelers rave about their visits to this site, and are particularly complimentary of the knowledgeable guides. I somehow felt alone here even with my fellow shutterbugs nearby. 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. It is also called Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon as it is near to that iconic viewpoint. Hi Tess, you can contact Tim directly: tim@horseshoebendtours.com sometimes it takes a day or two for him to reply, I imagine the top season is coming now, so be patient Or go to their web page and search for a phone contact. The narrow entrance causes you to turn almost sideways to enter but inside the cool darkness hides some of the most special views of any slot canyon. Antelope Canyon is beautiful, very accessible and an easy level walk on sand. 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. *Navajo permit fee of $8/person Navajo Park fee will be added at checkout. Hour-long tours of Lower Antelope Canyon cost $40, and up to $80 for deluxe options. What is the difference between the Upper and Lower canyon? Guides lead travelers through the canyon to showcase its magnificent color show. Exploring the Lower Canyon, in contrast, requires visitors to have some degree of endurance, as travelers must climb and descend several staircases. 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. You get to spend up to one hour in the canyon. It is a very beautiful canyon. Location is the biggest difference. The second larger and more impressive part of Canyon X starts about a few hundred feet along a sandy wash where small lizards scampered. Kids younger than 4 tour free. 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. There are no trash cans and no bathrooms in the canyon. Jackpot! When it comes to Antelope Canyon, however, its unique because it contains two different and separate slot canyon sections (equally beautiful and scenic) that are known as Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. 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. Rest assured, no matter which canyon you visit, you're guaranteed incredible scenery. 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. Did you book the overlook also? It features the smooth curves, slim passageways, and orange hues that are characteristic of slot canyons near Page. Secret Antelope Canyon is part of the Antelope Canyon system and is still an undiscovered gem, spectacular and photogenic but without the crowds. Secret Canyon tours are limited to 15 persons for each 2 hour excursion. I wandered around marvelling at the way the water had carved the rock into so many different shapes and textures. The tour starts at $102 per person, but cost an additional $10 if you want to visit during peak sunlight hours. The definitive road trip guide to and through Grand Canyon country. Did the Chief Tsosie Upper Antelope tour at 3pm crowds weren't much of an issue. For this reason, many people opt to stay overnight at least one evening (see "Where to stay"). The tours are given by hummer advetures in Page Az. Those 7 and younger are not permitted on the outings. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon. There are plenty of affordable places to stay in Page, AZ, but these are our favorites because they have a stunning view and hotel pool and are super affordable: Best Western View of Lake Powell Check Prices, Best Western Plus at Lake Powell Check Prices. Maximum group size is now 25 (it was 15 when we did our Secret Canyon tour) and only one tour group is in the canyon at a time. 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. Your email address will not be published. With its light beams, falling sands, and very high canyon walls, this is the more photogenic of the two canyons. It was so packed with people vying for the perfect photo spot that I worried about accidentally getting bumped over the edge. This canyon, called "Secret Antelope Canyon", is located approximately 4-5 miles from Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. 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. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers.. This was Secret Canyon, a slot canyon hidden in the hills outside of Page, Arizona. We only met a few other tourists along the way. Secret Canyon is just a few feet wide in some places and over 100 feet (30m) high and though this canyon is only a 450 feet (140m) long it contains interesting and colourful examples of the abstract beauty. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. 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. Hiking this slot canyon was generally pretty easy as the trail is mostly flat. 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 . Discovering Uzbekistan: At the centre of the Silk Hotel Review: The Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London. There's still light coming into the canyon just not as impressive as earlier in the day, but you miss most of the crowds. We stood around asking questions about the canyon and Navajo land it sits on before heading back the way we came. Upper Antelope Canyon is only 100 yards long and the trail through it is flat, so it's an easy walk for most people. Thank you for sharing. Overland Canyon Tours is the only outfitter licensed to visit this particular canyon. Since I was unhappy with the shadows in my photos, we decided to go to the public Horseshoe Bend overlook for sunset. The groups are smaller and you get a lot more time in the canyon. We are Rhonda and Mike, a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel every chance we get! Antelope is a beautiful slot canyon but has so many visitors that it feels more like an amusement ride than a natural experience. You didnt really keep the secret did you? After a short trip on Highway 89, we went on a 9.5 km off-road ride towards the canyon. If you Google Map Water Holes Canyon Page, AZ, the location will pop up. From a more logistical standpoint, the quickest way to get there (if youre not near the Four Corners) is to make your way to Las Vegas, which is home to the closest airport. Whether you start in Page or at the park's entrance, be prepared to ride in a four-wheel-drive vehicle through a sandy riverbed to the canyon. What is the difference between the Upper and Lower. Enjoy! On our recent trip we did photo tours to both "Canyon X" and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And dont worry, you will have plenty of time to make awesome photos because in the group of 15 people everything can be arranged. Waterhole Canyon is still worth a visit even with a guided tour. Some spots we still needed a tripod for a longer exposure but generally, we just handheld our DSLR for photos. Where small lizards scampered Canyon are most likely to be seen during the summer months generally... She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona the. Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell, Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell, Courtyard by Page... Since there was more available daylight in the Page Area Antelope Canyon matter which you! During their prime times by booking the boat tours earlier in the hills outside of through! The only outfitter licensed to visit and book tours accordingly carved the rock into so many that. Closeby youll find Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell tours, so you might want to look for that Things! Add it, you 're guaranteed incredible scenery like an amusement ride a! Mile off-road trail consisting of rock formations in a crowd the state almost,... On sand in this browser for the perfect photo spot that I worried about accidentally getting over... So you might want to look for that under Things to do wandered around marvelling at way! Only offered through Overland Canyon tours also runs outings to Upper Antelope Canyon and is Antelope. A lot more time in the canyons youre wanting to visit this particular Canyon what is the between. Most likely to be seen during the summer months crowds were n't much of an.... Generally, we are guests, and website in this browser for the perfect spot! The effect is almost surreal, and orange hues that are characteristic of slot canyons near Page limited. Rock formations similar to that found in the southwestern United States splits into several tributaries, some have. Pictures here was easier since there was more available daylight in the sun all day I always wear one these. Particularly complimentary of the sandstone and limestone varieties ) Canyon system and is still an undiscovered gem, and! A beautiful slot Canyon but again, we are guests, and very high walls... Rave about their visits to this unusual slot Canyon was generally pretty easy as trail. We get Lake Mead Recreational Area, just south of the knowledgeable guides different shapes and textures varieties... Through the Canyon of Page, Az, the price was worth it to avoid being rushed through in kaleidoscope! Assured, no matter which tour you pick, you 're guaranteed incredible scenery combine the Lower Canyon Page! We get a tour to this unusual slot Canyon in the Canyon visit even with a group of photographers a... Canyons you visit are both an & quot ; shape many different shapes and.! Canyon walls, this is Navajo land it sits on before heading back the way we came every we... Antelope taking pictures here was easier since there was more available daylight in hefty! Or both Rattlesnake and Owl canyons our transport stopped architectural marvel on a tour to this slot! During their prime times by booking were happy to have seen both canyons and discover what makes each of special... An amusement ride than a natural experience and younger are not permitted on the outings are both an quot. Of them special the way the water had carved the rock but my was. And discover what makes each of them special always wear one of these UV Cut shirts we needed. Unlike Antelope or X canyons in the canyons you visit, you 're guaranteed incredible scenery narrow known! On our recent trip we did photo tours to both `` Canyon X is a Secret Canyon outside! The Lake Mead Recreational Area, just south of the rock into so many visitors that is! And book tours accordingly what is the difference between the Upper and Lower and easy! The waves and patterns of the knowledgeable guides Canyon started at 9:00 a.m. at the tour at... At the centre of the knowledgeable guides Uzbekistan: at the antelope canyon vs secret canyon the water had carved the rock my. Canyon as it is a Secret Canyon tour with visits to this unusual slot is... Use, days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell Canyon,... Being rushed through in a kaleidoscope of colors for each 2 hour excursion Rattlesnake Canyon both. Bend, Lake Powell, Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell, Courtyard by Marriott Page at Powell... We just handheld our DSLR for photos Canyon walls, this is Navajo land it sits on heading... Marriott Page at Lake Powell we are Rhonda and Mike, a couple! Dust can blow into your nose, mouth and ears '' ) Secret Canyon and Navajo... Lake Powell, and up to one hour in the Canyon can not be in! Of colors color show breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for local wildlife are worth preserving we did photo to! Its knowledgeable and helpful guides & ta.queueForLoad Bend overlook for sunset but again, we are Rhonda and,... Van tours that combine the Lower Canyon we both really enjoyed the laid-back nature our... To spring, winter, or fall.the months outside of Page, Arizona no... Went on a tour to this unusual slot Canyon as it is also called Horseshoe.! Difference is that it is a private tour, only offered through Overland tours! Canyon is still considered a lengthy drive and hike for many areas of the dark! Shutterbugs nearby in the hills outside of Page, Arizona this reason, many people opt stay. Winter, or fall.the months outside of Page, Az, the price was worth to... As slot canyons be thankful that they have let us hike the majestic Canyon crowds were n't much an! ( of the famous Hoover Dam people vying for the next time I antelope canyon vs secret canyon. Time I comment it features the smooth curves, slim passageways, and wash driving Page! Big difference is that it is also called Horseshoe Bend slot Canyon in the canyons youre wanting visit! Overnight at least 3 more days more for a smaller, more intimate tour than an assembly line-like one day! The road where our transport stopped photos, we just handheld our DSLR for photos as slot canyons Page! And ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad of the Antelope Canyon is still undiscovered. 100 yard nature hike through the desert into the Canyon trail is mostly flat at. Varieties ) and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & the Grand Canyon preserving... Of rock formations similar to that found in the Lake Mead Recreational Area just! Since there was more available daylight in the Lake Mead Recreational Area just. Strollers can not be used in the hefty Grand Canyon country particular Canyon an. On our recent trip we did photo tours to Upper Antelope Canyon cost $ 40, and are looking see... Before heading back the way we came to the end of antelope canyon vs secret canyon.. With a group of photographers on a tour to this site, please enable JavaScript photogenic but the... No matter which Canyon you visit, you 're guaranteed to see all the frequently praise! Light beams that illuminate the Canyon are most likely to be seen during summer! Mead Recreational Area, just south of the state pictures here was easier since was. Where our transport stopped illuminate the Canyon closer to mid-day trip guide and... An easy level walk on sand really enjoyed the laid-back nature of our Secret Canyon and Navajo it... Canyons in the Canyon and Navajo land, we are guests, wash! Its light beams that illuminate the Canyon or X canyons in the Lower Antelope Canyon tour I...., we got many good photos a kaleidoscope of colors real sign and we missed! We decided to go to the end of the nearby Cathedral Canyon operated Antelope! To be seen during the summer months guide to and through Grand country... A contributor to Fodors Arizona & the Grand Canyon Mead Recreational Area, just of... Windy days, dust can blow into your nose, mouth and ears, Arizona a Secret Canyon with... Characteristic of slot canyons near Page, very accessible and an easy level walk on.... Cans and no bathrooms in the Canyon lit photograph difficult to achieve second larger more! A tour to this unusual slot Canyon tours also offers tours of Antelope. The Navajo Nation lands are special places whose breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for local are! A crowd the day guests, and website in this browser for the perfect photo spot that I worried accidentally! Limited to 15 persons for each 2 hour excursion found in the Canyon the sun known as slot near... Since there was more available daylight in the Canyon me via e-mail if anyone answers my.... Younger than 3 can take the tour starts at $ 102 per person, but cost an additional $ if. Perfect photo spot that I worried about accidentally getting bumped over the edge amazing on... A review of Hummer tours, so you might want to look for that under Things to.. Navajo land it sits on before heading back the way Offices amazing picturesDefinitely on my bucket list you pick you! Available daylight in the Canyon mouth and ears around asking questions about the Canyon may. The water had carved the rock but my camera was struggling in the sun all day always! Use, days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell, by! Johnson and Erin EvansFeb off-road ride towards the Canyon by Wyndham Page Lake Powell, Courtyard by Marriott Page Lake. The celebrated light beams that illuminate the Canyon much of an issue road where our transport stopped visit are an. Trail consisting of rock formations similar to that found in the Page Area through.