Antelope Canyon

by Ko Hoogesteger

Antelope Canyon consists of two small canyons, called Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon. These are so-called slot canyons. These are narrow canyons that have been eroded by water or mud. The Antelope Canyons are located in a Navajor Reserve near the village of Page in Arizona, near Lake Powell.
It is important to consult the local weather forecast before visiting these canyons. Sunny and dry weather is crucial to get the most out of the canyon. The sun shines down through the narrow crevices and this causes the red and yellow glow you see in the pictures. A rainstorm can cause a large stream of water or mud that fills the canyon in a matter of minutes. There is no quick way out. On 12 August 1997 11 people died in the canyon due to an unexpected mudslide. Visiting time is now limited to limit the flow of tourists. This is to ensure safety and compliance with the regulations. The sandstone is vulnerable. Climbing or scratching the walls is forbidden. In the time that I visited both canyons I could stay in it all day. The Navajo Indian, who managed the canyon and showed us the entrance of the canyon, did tell us, as a "reassurance", that he had removed a rattlesnake from the canyon. It had fallen down through the narrow crevice.