Path through Antelope Canyon, Arizona

After a weeklong road trip from Tucson to the Navajo reservation, we, two friends, and I finally reached to Lower Antelope Canyon near Page. The Antelope Canton is best known between photographers who come from all around the world, like us; just to click snaps of these said to be beautiful Antelopes. Our road trip was budgeted, so we took my small RV for road trip and planned to stay there as low cost as possible. We arrived in Page after dark and as been hungry after such a hectic day, we went to eat at Los Dolfines, which was slightly overpriced than expected.

To spend the night, we started searching local campsite with the help of Google Maps, but to our bad luck, all campgrounds were booked! As I said before, our budget was limited and, as we could not afford staying at any hotel for a night, so we headed towards Wal-Mart’s parking lot. And decided to spend night, sleeping in the car.

Next morning we woke up early than expected, but it waking up early was good thing as we did not had to hurry up to reach Antelope Canyon. To have break fast and to get freshen up; we went to nearby motor home. After having a delightful break fast, we left to Antelope, which was at 10-mile drive from where we were. Done research on internet, we were sure to start first Canyon, which is cheaper, less crowded, and photographer friendly!

As the place is little confusing, the lower canyon being underground was difficult to spot. Lower antelope canyon is fifty yards away from the upper canyon and somehow we did saw sign said upper canyon, 50 yards, and on other side it said Rte. 98 and Indian Rte. 222 but missed the turn to lower canyon. So turned around and passed a power plant that appears over the landscape. After some more minutes drive, we finally spot Lower Canyon on our way back.

You will be surprised by the entrance of the canyon, it was quaint and the park is the dirt field where there is a shack. In the shack sits old lady who gave us all details about the permit and entry fees into the canyon. The fees structure is simple, twenty dollars for entrance and six dollars daily permit fee.

When the lady saw us carrying camera and tripods, she asked whether we would like to have photo pass so that we can spend more time in the canyon. The photo pass did not cost us extra cash! As the antelope canyon always has visitors, some to photograph and some to admire its structure, we had to wait until the next departure from the park to antelope. Finally, our ride, with a guide, arrived and we left for the antelope. On our way, our guide explained us that after half an hour guided tour with the group, we will be given extra time to photograph around the antelope.

As we reached to canyon, we climbed down from rusted ladder inside the antelope. The whole place was like photographer’s Disneyland! In every direction, wherever you look, there is color, texture and light that begs for a photo. Whole time spend in the canyon was wonderful, with me there were other photographers too, who also enjoyed shooting the canyon and each other, more or less, as much as shooting the sandstone pattern themselves.

Talking about photographers, I got opportunity to see Jack Dykinga and Jeff Foote, shooting together, in the Canyon. My friend happened to start a conversation with them. Jack was shooting with 4×5 Velvia 100. I also had 4×5, but left it in car, next trip to canyon; I will sure shoot exclusively with large format.

Our guide had brought guitar with him, so I thought I would get to listen some classic Navajo tune, while we will photograph the canyon. But when our guide started to play on his guitar, all we could be heard is hard rock music, echoing through the canyon, of Guns-N-Roses, Metallica, and classic hard rock. But he did play and sung very well. Anyways, it is unlike of this canyon that you will get to hear rock music played.

With limited four hours time, later we had to head towards upper antelope canyon. Frankly speaking, the whole experience of shooting the canyon, contrasting the peach against magenta with sun beam coming from up was just overwhelming. When I was heading towards the upper, the time felt so less and so much to capture in camera. But best thing to do when you come here to shoot these beautiful canyons, give one, single day to each that you get enough time and good photographs to your collections.

I will sure come next time here in page, booking in advance in some campsites and having enough time to view and edit the photos taken.

Some facts:

The above Antelopes Canyon is formed due to the erosion by the Navajo sandstones. During monsoon season, these place is closed has the canyon is flooded by the basin water from Navajo. Because of the sand carried by the rushing water through it, the canyon is eroded, smoothing the rough edges of the rock, thus forming a beautiful antelope and most photographed canyon.