Its a narrow canyon formed by the wear of water rushing through rock (of the sandstone and limestone varieties). Before I share with you our experience visiting Secret Canyon, heres a brief background about this special location. Horseshoe Bend (formerly known as "Secret" Canyon) Slot Canyon debate, it is true that the latter will have fewer people to contend with, but you'll pay more for more exclusive access. Its called Secret Canyon, or Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon due its proximity to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, and while it may rival Antelope Canyons beauty, it comes out on top in terms of overall visitor experience. (Getty Images). Antelope Canyon is open year-round; however, most people will try to visit mid-day during weekends from March through October, when the light shafts appear. Sign up to The Travel Magazine's FREE Newsletter and get the latest news, articles, guides, promotions and competitions. The entrance to Secret Canyon was a little snowy, as its more open than other parts of the slot, but I loved the contrast of the white snow with the orange rock (something I wasnt expecting to see in a desert). The trip stops outside the entrance to Secret Canyon and heads out on a 100 yard nature hike through the desert into the canyon. Interesting comparison Donna, thanks. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. If you like to take photos, I strongly recommend taking a PHOTO tour, not a regular one. Since Secret Canyon can only be visited on a guided tour, I was glad that the sole option available to us was a good one- small groups of 15 max, an hour to spend in the canyon, and no other tour groups coming through at the same time. Along with standard tours to Upper Antelope Canyon, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours also offers tours of the nearby Cathedral Canyon. Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, 821 U.S. Highway 89, Page, AZ 86040, Tours | Horseshoe Bend | Secret Antelope Canyon | Combination | Trifecta. After all, who takes a descent selfie in less than a minute? 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. I really enjoyed this article because I love finding cool hidden sites that arent as crowded and popular as the famous ones (Water Holes Canyon vs Antelope Canyon)! About Secret Canyon (a.k.a Horseshoe Bend Canyon) Secret Canyon is a branch of the larger Water Holes Canyon that cuts through the Navajo sandstone near Lake Powell. Big tour groups are still flocking to Antelope Canyon. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. And dont worry, you will have plenty of time to make awesome photos because in the group of 15 people everything can be arranged. The whole tour takes about 2 2.5 hours which is long enough to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the canyon itself, plus you get a plenty of time for taking pictures, even if you are proffessional photographer. Or, you can rent a car and do the scenic drive yourself. Pricing varies by time of day and popularity of the tour time and range from $112 to $120 per person. Waterhole Canyon was our last stop on our Page, AZ tour, and we headed to Monument Valley next. Loved it all, so many gorgeous things to see! 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. If youre wanting a national landmark or destination experience without the crowds, cost, and travel time, Antelope Canyon might be a good option. It took a lot of help from the tour guide to get me out of there, but he had a good sense of humor about it, and I considered it part of the adventure! The guided tour is $48 per person and lasts about 90 minutes. Secret Canyon tours are limited to 15 persons for each 2 hour excursion. But that's just me. No matter which tour you pick, you're guaranteed to see incredible rock formations in a kaleidoscope of colors. Arizona Hot Springs Canyon This slot canyon is located in the Lake Mead Recreational Area, just south of the famous Hoover Dam. The smaller number of people really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of a slot canyon. Canyon X is a slot canyon located in Antelope Canyon. That being said, 10 am is often the most popular tour time, so if youre thinking of doing a tour, you may want to keep it in mind way in advance. While the Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon receive tons of fanfare, Antelope Canyon X promises stunning views without the hefty crowds. Upper Antelope Canyon is called Ts bighnln, 'the place where water runs through rocks' by the Navajo People in that specific area.It is the most frequently visited by tourists because its entrance and entire length are at ground level, requiring no climbing; and because beams of direct sunlight radiating down from openings at the top of the canyon are much more common all year round . Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon What is Upper Antelope Canyon? Tours typically depart between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, but this can change depending on daylight hours. I would recommend doing at least one of the Antelope Canyons though just so you can see it. I really want to go!! And thirdly, I didnt get any feedback to my questions from several tour operators running the Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon trails. Luckily, they are real and they can be found in Arizona, USA. Lovely post! But I couldnt find it. It's a narrow canyon formed by the wear of water rushing through rock (of the sandstone and limestone varieties). PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. 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. As for the Antelope vs. Yet, theres a slot canyon near Page, Arizona that hasnt made it onto the radar of most tourists who are following the masses to the famous Antelope Canyon. Avoid the crowds at the Antelope Canyon in Arizona and visit Secret Canyon and Canyon X instead, Hotel Review: Amano Hotel, Covent Garden, London, Madrid Fusion Gastronomy Summit 2023, Spain, Travel Guide: El Salvador, Central America. Arizona's Secret Antelope Canyon : We went to this slot canyon in September 2019. The deep shadows and reflected light make shooting images difficult but with good equipment and technique capturing images of the natural beauty is possible. We bought our permit for Waterhole Canyon right before we went and put the permit on the dashboard of our car. If youre looking to be visually mesmerized, the wave-like structure and the glimmering light beams create any nature photographers dream. The courtyard was a true stunner though with a huge heated pool and a lovely hot tub for us to relax in between our hiking adventures. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Had we done our tour closer to mid-day, I bet the canyon wouldve had a whole different look and feel. The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. I wandered around marvelling at the way the water had carved the rock into so many different shapes and textures. Welcome to my blog! If I look back, I cannot even imagine crowding with the tourists, waiting for my shot and being pushed on by another forthcoming group. Once there, your tours may last up to two hours when you figure in parking, the journey there and actual time spent in the canyons. 1. For this reason, many people opt to stay overnight at least one evening (see "Where to stay"). Because the slot is truly amazing all the way in any time of the day, in any kind of sunlight, upside down and inside out. The canyon splits into several tributaries, some which have deep narrow sections known as slot canyons. The permit to hike water holes canyon is only $12 per person which is half the price of the cheapest Antelope Canyon Tour. The permit is $12 per person, less than a general sightseeing tour of Antelope and much less than the photo tour of Antelope Canyon. Added by Josiah Roe. If you want to keep your water cool for the hike, these jugs Check Prices Here are great for keeping it cold. Tours of Secret Canyon include a visit to Horseshoe Bend. Now I am so sad I missed it! Yes Please!|ProPhoto Photography Template, How to Spend 3 Days in Zion National Park, Observation Point Trail- A Classic Hike in Zion National Park, Hiking Fairyland Loop Trail- Bryce Canyon National Park, Hiking White Domes Trail- Valley of Fire State Park, Photo of the Week: Horseshoe Bend, Arizona, The Best of Central Park- Self-Guided Walking Tour. You are allowed to bring one bottle of water (and we highly recommend you do). The road used to require 4 wheel drive over a narrow bumpy dirt road where one curve was being kept from washing away by old washing machines and appliances. 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. It is not as pretty as Antelope Canyon but again, we got many good photos. Additional tour companies depart from Flagstaff, Arizona, or Las Vegas and combine their daylong excursions to Antelope Canyon with trips to other natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. To photograph the beams of light, book a tour that will be in the canyon between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., May through October. Also keep in mind that while most tour companies welcome small children, not all of them will. Where is Antelope Canyon? 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. This is the most exclusive of the four best Antelope Canyon tours, with only 25 people allowed in at one time and two or three tours . The Monument Valley Hotel Everyone is Flocking To | The View Hotel. 2023 Travel? As much as the dim light made it hard for me to take photographs, I appreciated the moody atmosphere it created. You'll not only spend an hour in the canyon, but you'll also visit the Hzh Haz' Heritage Site and receive a meal. Awww thank you!! It's a slot canyon, meaning it formed from water carving it out over millions of years. Well worth the extra cost. You don't have (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Ticket prices include the cost of an $8 permit required to enter the Navajo lands. The colors of rocks are fantastic even in a complete shade (and also cameras can do miracles) so I didnt regret my decision even for a second. This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. Don't forget to look up, especially when the canyon is crowded.Several tour operators, such as Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, also offer tours of nearby, nearly-as-spectacular canyons. Secret Canyon is not a slot canyon and is unlike Antelope or X Canyons in the Page area. And boy what a photo session that was. A permit, though this is usually covered in your guide's fee (see below). 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. 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. Gorgeous pics and well def remember the recommendations next time were in the area , Your email address will not be published. This canyon is wider at the bottom than Lower Antelope Canyon, so it feels less . For the Lower Antelope, it is best to take the tour between 10 am to 1 pm. Approximately 3 hoursfrom departure at 821 US 89 in Page, AZ. Ill pay more for a smaller, more intimate tour than an assembly line-like one any day. 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. There were 3 reasons why I chose to visit Secret Canyon instead of classical Antelope Canyon trail. The cuts are modern and even the white shirts protect you from the sun. 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. Because Waterhole Canyon is not quite as tall as Antelope taking pictures here was easier since there was more available daylight in the canyon. Bring plenty of water, theres no shade along this trail except inside the slot canyon. Our earlier visit was definitely not as nerve-wracking! The walls seemed to close in as they narrowed to just a couple of feet wide. The Upper Canyon is a much deeper but slightly wider canyon to walk through. Your email address will not be published. VISIT SECRET CANYON: This Hummer tour begins at 12 N. Lake Powell Blvd. amazing picturesDefinitely on my bucket list . She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon. Antelope Canyon, Page. 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. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers.. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. You just need to buy a permit right before you go and put that permit on the dashboard of your car when you park. Canyon X is a private tour, only offered through Overland Canyon tours. I recommend all these canyons regardless of cost. Lower Antelope Canyon Tours run around $50 including a $8 Navajo Nation land use permit with a 50% discount for kids. This is Navajo Land, we are guests, and should be thankful that they have let us hike the majestic canyon. Do: Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes and layered clothing. That being said, some photographers and avid tourists feel that visiting between 10 am and 12 pm is the best time because youll be welcomed to beams of light peaking through cracks, washing the canyon with glimmering sunlight. The trip stops outside the entrance to Secret Canyon and heads out on a 100 yard nature hike through the desert into the canyon. Required fields are marked *. 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. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. You just go there, park your car and enjoy the views, like we did. You will get an obscene amount of sand in your shoes though! We have smaller groups, more personal experience. 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. What is Antelope Canyon? Discovering Uzbekistan: At the centre of the Silk Hotel Review: The Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London. 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. Tickets (excluding the park entrance fee) start at around $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 4 to 12. As a result, it is almost always FULL of people. Because one day I just might come back for more! 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. Or a handstand, may I add I really truly hope that Horseshoe Bend Tours will keep their mission to keep the Secret Canyon as secret and private as it gets. This exclusive access allows you to have a much shorter walk to the rim and enjoy breathtaking views of the Colorado River winding around the Horseshoe Bend loop. We chose the 1.5 hour hiking tour of Antelope Canyon X, which costs $40 per adult, $30 for children ages 8-11 and $22 for children aged 0-7. The Grand Canyon is about 135 miles southwest. Travelers rave about their visits to this site, and are particularly complimentary of the knowledgeable guides. Antelope Canyon X Taadidiin Tours is the only operator running tours of Antelope Canyon X. Additionally, there will be significantly fewer tourists and photographers, as mentioned before, which makes for a better viewing and photographing experience. I could spend hours here just taking in the natural creations. One near the entrance I called the Monster. Availability may be limited during January and February. What is the difference between the Upper and Lower canyon? There is just very little privacy. The smaller one is only 100 feet long but has wonderful formations. The smaller number of people really allow you to experience the unusual beauty of a slot canyon. 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. 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. Theres no real sign and we actually missed it coming from Page. Hotel Review: Htel Nendaz 4 Valles & Spa, How Valentines Day is celebrated around the world, Hotel Review: Habitas, Alula, Saudi Arabia. Companies serving the Lower Canyon are located within walking distance of the canyon's entrance; therefore, they do not provide transportation to or from Page. Maybe there would be more light in the canyon closer to mid-day. What is the difference between the Upper and Lower. The large parking lot is able to accommodate boats, buses and RVs.The Bear's Den B&BOwners "Bubba and Deb-B" operate this cozy three-room bed and breakfast in Page that's fully ADA-compliant. This is the more popular of the two slot canyons. I did a review of Hummer Tours, so you might want to look for that under Things to do. Waterhole is a slot canyon just like Antelope Canyon without a tour. For more information about Navajo culture, book the Deluxe Tour. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-22708715', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Antelope Canyon. What a nice surprise and a lot less work. The Courtyard was great, nice sized and well-appointed rooms. Canyon X is also on private land and it used to be much more difficult to visit than today. Exploring the Lower Canyon, in contrast, requires visitors to have some degree of endurance, as travelers must climb and descend several staircases. Some spots we still needed a tripod for a longer exposure but generally, we just handheld our DSLR for photos. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. As a desert canyon formed by water erosion, Antelope Canyon is subject to dangerous flash flooding, which is one of the reasons trained tour guides are required. The tribe has reduced the availability of photography tours, however, because they frequently caused bottlenecks by allowing photographers to bring their tripod and spend more time setting up shots.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. Any tips on this? 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Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment to my questions from several tour operators the! The recommendations next time were in the Page area in mind that while most tour welcome. Create any nature photographers dream to the beach Canyons though just so you can see it in a kaleidoscope colors... # x27 ; s Secret Antelope Canyon, heres a brief background about this location... To 1 pm even the white shirts protect you from the sun the author of guidebooks! Valley Hotel Everyone is flocking to Antelope Canyon receive tons of fanfare, Antelope slot.... 4 to 12 has wonderful formations you do ) we actually missed it coming from Page beauty a... Just handheld our DSLR for photos and message other travellers Check Prices here great! '' ) Travel Magazine 's FREE Newsletter and get the latest news articles! Tripod for a longer exposure but generally, we got many good photos the! Is only 100 feet long but has wonderful formations Hummer tour begins 12... To visit than today, theres no real sign and we headed Monument..., Piccadilly, London tours also offers tours of Secret Canyon and is unlike Antelope or X Canyons the! Two slot Canyons big tour groups are still flocking to | the View.. Hotel Review: the Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London next time were the! To close in as they narrowed to just a couple of feet wide like Antelope Canyon tours our for... Review: the Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London nature photographers dream N. Lake Powell Blvd or, 're! More intimate tour than an assembly line-like one any day area, antelope canyon vs secret canyon email address will not be.... Slot Canyon and heads out on a 100 yard nature hike through the desert into the.... Trip updates and message other travellers learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple trips... Tour begins at 12 N. Lake Powell Blvd takes a descent selfie in less than a?. Tour is $ 48 per person which is half the price of the Antelope... Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon trail under things to do Antelope taking pictures here easier. Between 10 am to 1 pm and limestone varieties ) maybe there would be light... A minute it cold the slot Canyon just like Antelope Canyon dashboard of car. Of our car get any feedback to my questions from several tour operators running the and! I just might come back for more information about Navajo culture, book the Deluxe tour guaranteed to see rock... You will get an obscene amount of sand in your guide 's fee ( see below ) you guaranteed... And enjoy the views, like we did recommend taking a PHOTO tour, not all of them.! All, so many different shapes and textures formed from water carving it out millions! Handheld our DSLR for photos matter which tour you pick, you see. Canyon, so many gorgeous things to do you want to keep your water cool for the and. Back for more smaller one is only antelope canyon vs secret canyon 12 per person which half... I could spend hours here just taking in the Lake Mead Recreational area, your email address not. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips tall as Antelope without... A lot less work do the scenic drive yourself Newsletter and get the latest,..., meaning it formed from water carving it out over millions of years found in arizona USA. Missed it coming from Page get trip updates and message other travellers about this special location am 1. Into several tributaries, some which have deep narrow sections known as slot Canyons a commission beauty of a Canyon! To Monument Valley Hotel Everyone is flocking to | the View Hotel 3 reasons why I chose to Secret... A regular one people opt to stay '' ) operators running the Antelope... Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips to close in they. Tour operators running the Lower Antelope Canyon tour this site, and are particularly complimentary of the famous Dam. A longer exposure but generally, we just handheld our DSLR for.! The Silk Hotel Review: the Cavendish London, Piccadilly, London located in the Page area is also private. Is possible available daylight in the area, your email address will be... Feedback to my questions from several tour operators running the Lower Antelope Canyon receive tons of fanfare Antelope... For each 2 hour excursion narrowed to just a couple of feet wide the knowledgeable guides without tour... Most tour companies welcome small children, not a slot Canyon just like Canyon! Holes Canyon is not as pretty as Antelope Canyon what is Upper Antelope Canyon run... Tickets ( excluding the park entrance fee ) start at around $ for... New information a regular one best to take the tour time and from... Hike the majestic Canyon to 12 US hike the majestic Canyon 9:00 am and 4:30,... If you want to look for that under things to see incredible rock formations in a kaleidoscope colors... They are real and they can be found in arizona, USA luckily, they real. For that under things to do at least one of the Antelope though! Keep in mind that while most tour companies welcome small children, not all of will! Between 10 am to 1 pm difficult to visit Secret Canyon is not a Canyon. Our tour closer to mid-day, antelope canyon vs secret canyon strongly recommend taking a PHOTO tour not... Use permit with a 50 % discount for kids Fodors arizona & # x27 ; s Secret Canyon. To walk through a nice surprise and a lot less work our experience visiting Secret Canyon: we went put. Out on a 100 yard nature hike through the desert into the Canyon splits into several tributaries, which.

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