9. Antelope Canyon (Arizona)
Rising in the middle of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a magnificent slot canyon that has come to represent natural beauty and awe. Antelope Canyon, sculpted over thousands of years by the powers of water and wind, presents a dreamlike and ethereal scene that enthrals tourists with its amazing rock formations and light beams.
Upper Antelope Canyon, sometimes referred to as "The Crack," and Lower Antelope Canyon, sometimes referred to as "The Corkscrew," both portions highlight small, winding tunnels and tall, sandstone walls. Photographers and nature lovers will find the visually arresting surroundings created by the canyon walls' unusual erosion patterns and smooth curves to be nirvana.
Millions of years ago, during the Jurassic era, Antelope Canyon started to emerge as sand dunes blanketed the area. These dunes sank and compacted over time into sandstone. Flash flooding—heavy rain flowing quickly down the tiny canyon—carves the rock into its current form, producing the distinctive forms and patterns of the canyon. The canyon walls' graceful, flowing curves are evidence of the beauty water can produce as well as its might.
Narrow, V-shaped passageways and the breathtaking light beams that stream through the top of the canyon define Upper Antelope Canyon. Mostly occurring in the summer, these light beams produce a magnificent and surreal environment that softly ethereally glows the sides of the canyon. With its broader, A-shaped passageways and rich colours and complex rock formations, Lower Antelope Canyon presents an other but equally fascinating experience.
For the Navajo people, who have spent millennia living in the area, Antelope Canyon holds cultural value. Considered a holy spot, the canyon's tranquilly and beauty are closely related to Navajo beliefs and customs. Navajo guides lead guided trips today that let guests explore the canyon and learn about its geology, history, and cultural relevance.
