These Things Take Backbone

This is Lower Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon located nearby the city of Page in northern Arizona. I used to recognize pictures of it as a desktop wallpaper option for Windows haha. Photographs are great and all, but nothing beats experiencing a place like this in person.

To get to the bottom of the canyon, we first had to climb down a few sets of steep stairs. Once we were down there, I couldn't help but stare at the intricate flowing lines that covered all of the walls. My tour guide explained that they were formed through years and years of erosion. And the colors! The rock is bathed in spectacular hues of color when the light is just right. The tour through Lower Antelope Canyon is only about a quarter of a mile long but it feels like it's much farther than that, especially since you have to weave in and out of narrow passageways while taking in the canyon's incredible history. Just trust me, you'll never see anything like it anywhere else in the world.

Below are some tips for when (not, if) you decide to visit:

+ There are actually two sections of Antelope Canyon that are open to the public: Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon. I went to Lower Antelope Canyon, which I heard was less crowded and slightly cheaper to visit. I'd love to hear from anyone that's been to Upper Antelope Canyon!

+ It's against Navajo tribal law to hike into Lower Antelope Canyon without a guide. This law is in place to prevent vandalism and to keep hikers safe from flash floods. I'm not sure if the same is true for Upper Antelope Canyon, but either way, there are plenty of tour companies to choose from. I had a great experience with Ken's Tours and would definitely recommend them!

+ A lot of people suggest hiking into the canyon between 11am-1pm for the best light, but those times also vary depending on the time of year. I was there between 12:30pm-1:30pm and thought that the light in my photos looked great. It's always helpful to check your tour company's website for recommendations!

+ Last but not least, don't forget to compare Arizona's time zone to your own when booking a tour. This tip comes from personal experience. As I was driving from Las Vegas to Page, the clock on my cell phone randomly jumped an hour ahead. I forgot that Arizona was in a different time zone! All of a sudden I found myself an hour behind schedule. Luckily I was able to move my reservation to a later time so that I wouldn't miss my tour! Phew!