Antelope Canyon

One of the most highly sought out photographic spots is a slot canyon called Antelope Canyon located on the Navajo Indian reservation near Page, AZ. We have been trying to get here for four years and finally we saw it. I expected a gorgeous photographic opportunity, but I did not expect the number of other tourists. I had the idea that it was a sacred place, quiet, peaceful, serene and calm. It was so crowded that it felt like a sea of cameras.

Because it is on the reservation, and there is a slight risk of flash floods, you are required to go through the canyon with a Navajo guide. They take you on a three mile ride in a bumpy jeep driven by your guide down a massive sandbar called Antelope Wash. It felt like a rollercoaster. We deliberated about taking a photo tour versus a regular tour because it appeared that the photo tours lasted longer. But, we ended up doing the regular 1 ½ hour tour and just took a little extra time. I stayed slightly ahead of Adam gathering information from the other guides as to what to photograph. But, I was stressed since we seemed to be moving at a glacial pace and the jeeps for the ride back were not waiting for us. I was not confident our guide even knew that we were on his jeep.

Trying to be patient while Adam took his photographs, I knew my patience tends only lasts about 10 minutes. After that, I’m usually in the car reading a book or knitting. I did not have that option today since we had to take a jeep ride back. So, this wasn’t my best day. Don’t get me wrong, the canyon was beautiful and most of the cool shots were above everyone else’s head. But, how many shots can you take of sandstone? I hope we got at least one good shot!

It turned out, our guide returned to get us about 45 minutes after our original tour ended. That was such a relief. And, I learned a few things. The canyon was not traditionally a sacred place. It was not discovered until the time around when they were building the Glen Canyon dam. The Navajo knew they were surrounded by slot canyons, but they have about 100 different canyons in the area. This one probably because famous because of a photographer who successfully marketed his/her prints. Regardless, it was beautiful, but not one I would say was worth trying to photograph in the midst of the hoards of people.