Lower Antelope Canyon Arizona
Antelope Canyon - The place where water runs through rocks
Antelope Canyon is
geological formations which is more picturesque and a magnificent slot canyon
just east of Page in Northern Arizona. With tall winding walls, it’s a
monumental sandstone sculpture. A photographer’s dream location, the canyon is
known for its wave-like structure, rocky orange curves, and the light beams
that shine directly down into the openings of the canyon, creating a
supernatural appearance.
It includes two
separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to as Upper Antelope Canyon (or
The Crack), and Lower Antelope Canyon (or The Corkscrew). Both canyons are
located in Page Arizona, both offer spectacular views of twisting, swirling
canyon walls, and both are comparatively priced.
Antelope Canyon Geology:
It was formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone due to flash flooding and
other sub-aerial processes. Rainwater, especially during monsoon season, runs
into the extensive basin above the slot canyon sections, picking up speed and
sand as it rushes into the narrow passageways. Over time the passageways eroded
away, deepening the corridors and smoothing hard edges to form characteristic
"flowing" shapes.
Flooding in the
canyon still occurs. A flood occurred October 30, 2006 that lasted 36 hours,
and caused the Tribal Park Authorities to close Lower Antelope Canyon for five
months.
Lower Antelope
Canyon
Lower Antelope
Canyon, called HazdistazÃ, or 'spiral rock arches' by the Navajo, is located
several miles from Upper Antelope Canyon. Prior to the installation of metal
stairways, visiting the canyon required climbing pre-installed ladders in
certain areas.
Even following the
installation of stairways, it is a more difficult hike than Upper Antelope. It
is longer, narrower in places, and even footing is not available in all areas.
Five flights of stairs of varying widths are currently available to aid in
descent and ascent. At the end, the climb out requires flights of stairs.
Additionally, sand continually falls from the crack above and can make the
stairs slippery.
Despite these
limitations, Lower Antelope Canyon draws a considerable number of
photographers, though casual sightseers are much less common than in the Upper
canyon. Photography-only tours are available around midday when light is at its
peak. Photographers cannot bring a tripod.
The lower canyon
is in the shape of a "V" and shallower than the Upper Antelope.
Lighting is better in the early hours and late morning.
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