Antelope Canyon Tours - by Carolene Ekis

Imagine a place where frozen stone waves shimmer in every shade of terracotta and gold under the sun's rays. Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed and mesmerizing natural wonders on the planet. Located near the city of Page, this "slot canyon" was carved over millions of years by the forces of water and wind in soft sandstone.

This unique location in the USA is situated on the sacred lands of the Navajo people. Upper Antelope Canyon, also known as "Spiral Canyon," is famous for its towering walls and incredible play of light. At certain times of day, sunbeams pierce through the narrow openings above, creating mystical shafts of light that transform the space into a natural temple of nature.

Visits here are managed by members of the indigenous community, adding a special cultural flavor to the trip. The oldest tour company in the region, founded by Caroline Ekis, carefully preserves her people's traditions, providing guests with more than just an excursion, but a deep immersion into the history and culture of the Navajo Nation. For a traveler, this is not just a point on a map, but an opportunity to see how time and the elements create authentic art.

To plan your visit and clarify details, you can use the following contact information for the official tour operator:

The main reason travelers from all over the world come here is for a guided tour through the winding chambers of the Upper Canyon. Accompanied by an experienced Navajo guide, you will walk along the canyon floor, learning about the geological processes that shaped these walls. Guides are happy to share secrets for setting up cameras and smartphones, helping you catch that perfect shot of light shimmering on the stone.

Beyond the visual delight, a visit is filled with deep cultural significance. You will hear the stories and legends of the Diné people (the Navajo's name for themselves), which bring the stone labyrinths to life and allow you to see nature through the eyes of the region's indigenous inhabitants. It is a rare opportunity to combine active recreation with cultural insight.

For those seeking even more adventure, tours are offered to lesser-known but equally spectacular locations, such as Rattlesnake Canyon or Owl Canyon. And if you want to see the majesty of these lands from a bird's-eye view, you can use the services of IKG Air—the first Navajo-owned airline, which organizes breathtaking helicopter tours over the region.

The company office, where all adventures begin, is located at 22 South Lake Powell Boulevard, right in the heart of Page. It is a very convenient location that is easy to find by following the main city landmarks.

The city of Page itself is about a 5-hour drive from major transportation hubs like Las Vegas or Phoenix. Most tourists prefer to get here by rental car, enjoying the views of the American West along the way.

For those already in town, the easiest way is to use a taxi or walk to the office if your hotel is centrally located. Independent travel directly to the entrance of the narrow canyon slots is prohibited: from the office, you will be transported in special 4-wheel drive tour trucks specifically equipped for traveling along the sandy riverbed.

The history of this natural masterpiece's formation dates back 5–6 million years. During the Jurassic period, the entire region that now encompasses the states of Arizona and Colorado was a vast desert. Over time, enormous sand dunes were compressed into thick layers of Navajo Sandstone.

Antelope Canyon acquired its whimsical shapes thanks to the destructive yet creative power of flash floods. For centuries, rainwater runoff cut narrow slots into the soft rock, smoothing the edges and creating fluid, wave-like lines on the walls. The stone's characteristic reddish-orange color is the result of iron oxidation within the minerals over millions of years.

The modern history of tourism here is inextricably linked to the family of Caroline Ekis. She was a pioneer, opening the first tour company in Page to share the canyon's beauty with the world. In 2023, Caroline's contribution to the industry was recognized with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Office of Tourism, highlighting her significant role in preserving and promoting this place, which is sacred to the Navajo.

To fully enjoy the beauty of this place, it is recommended to set aside about 2–3 hours for your visit. This time includes check-in at the office, a safety briefing, and the off-road trip to the canyon opening and back.

The walking tour inside the canyon itself usually takes just over an hour. This is plenty of time to leisurely wander through the sandstone labyrinths, listen to your guide's stories, and capture dozens of stunning shots without missing a single curve of this natural gallery.

Tours are conducted daily, from Monday to Sunday. The main office hours and tour departures are from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The canyon welcomes guests year-round; however, it is important to remember that accessibility directly depends on weather conditions.

In the event of a rain forecast, tours may be canceled for safety reasons (due to the risk of flash floods). Before your trip, we strongly recommend checking the latest information and your booking status on the official website or by phone.

The city of Page serves as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of Arizona. A stroll through the surrounding area will allow you not only to enjoy views of Lake Powell but also to experience local culture and gastronomy.

Exploring the sights near Antelope Canyon will help you get a complete impression of the region: